The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season was the 53rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States, the 30th modern-era Cup series, and the first Cup season of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium. It began on February 11, 2001, at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 23, 2001, at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports was declared as the series champion for the 4th time in seven years.
Contents
- Budweiser Shootout
- Gatorade 125s
- 43rd Daytona 500
- Dura Lube 400
- UAW Daimler Chrysler 400
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500
- Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
- Food City 500
- Harrahs 500
- Virginia 500
- Talladega 500
- NAPA Auto Parts 500
- Pontiac Excitement 400
- Coca Cola 600
- MBNA Platinum 400
- Kmart 400
- Pocono 500
- DodgeSave Mart 350
- Pepsi 400
- Tropicana 400
- New England 300
- Pennsylvania 500
- Brickyard 400
- Global Crossing at the Glen
- Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer
- Sharpie 500
- Mountain Dew Southern 500
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
- MBNA Cal Ripken Jr 400
- Protection One 400
- UAW GM Quality 500
- Old Dominion 500
- EA Sports 500
- Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil
- Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
- Pennzoil Freedom 400
- NAPA 500
- New Hampshire 300
- Final points standings
- Rookie of the Year
- Facts
- References
The season was marred by a two-car collision at the end of the season-opening Daytona 500, which claimed the life of seven-time Series champion Dale Earnhardt. The accident resulted in safety upgrades being instituted. It also was the first year to have a unified television contract with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Turner Sports broadcasting the season's races; previous seasons saw each racetrack negotiate their own TV coverage, creating a patchwork of broadcast companies covering races throughout the season. Dodge returned to the sport for the first time since 1985. Chevrolet captured the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship with 16 wins and 248 points.
Budweiser Shootout
The Budweiser Shootout, an invitational event for all recent Bud Pole winners, was held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew the pole. This was the first race broadcast on Fox.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 3 - Dale Earnhardt
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 31 - Mike Skinner
Gatorade 125s
The Gatorade 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Elliott and Stacy Compton started on pole for both races, respectively. The qualifying races were broadcast live for the first time; races prior to 2001 were broadcast on tape delay.
Race One Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 3 - Dale Earnhardt
- 96 - Andy Houston
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 01 - Jason Leffler
- 51 - Jeff Purvis
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 19 - Casey Atwood
Race Two Top Ten Results
- 31 - Mike Skinner
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 6 - Mark Martin
43rd Daytona 500
The 43rd Daytona 500 was held February 18, 2001 at Daytona International Speedway.
Top 10 Results
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 7 - Mike Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 92 - Stacy Compton
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Todd Bodine (No. 66), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Rick Mast (No. 50), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Norm Benning (No. 84), Carl Long (No. 85), Morgan Shepherd (No. 80), Dwayne Leik (No. 72)
Dura Lube 400
The Dura Lube 400 started on February 25 but ended on February 26 due to a rain delay, making it a two-day race at the North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kyle Petty (No. 45)
UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400
The UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 was held March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 66 - Todd Bodine
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 1 - Steve Park
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 14 - Ron Hornaday
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500
The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 was held March 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 5 - Terry Labonte
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 31 - Mike Skinner
- 97 - Kurt Busch 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Carl Long (No. 85), Casey Atwood (No. 19)
Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held March 18 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon started on pole after qualifying was rained out.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 43 - John Andretti
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Food City 500
The Food City 500 was held March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 21 - Elliott Sadler*
- 43 - John Andretti
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 5 - Terry Labonte
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 1 - Steve Park
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Carl Long (No. 85)
Harrah's 500
The Harrah's 500 was held April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50)
Virginia 500
The Virginia 500 was held April 8 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
Failed to qualify: Jason Leffler (No. 01), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
Talladega 500
The Talladega 500 was held April 22 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton*
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 7 - Mike Wallace
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
NAPA Auto Parts 500
The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held April 29 at California Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 77 - Robert Pressley
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 1 - Steve Park
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
Coca-Cola 600
The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole; this was the first career pole on his 2nd start at Lowes on a limited schedule.
Top 10 Results
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: John Andretti (No. 43), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Jeff Fultz (No. 54), Carl Long (No. 85)
MBNA Platinum 400
The MBNA Platinum 400 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole after qualifying was canceled because of rain.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 1 - Steve Park
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Jeff Green (No. 30), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Kmart 400
The Kmart 400 was held June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon*
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 02 - Ryan Newman
- 90 - Hut Stricklin
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Rick Mast (No. 50), Andy Houston (No. 96), Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)
This race was the Winston Cup Series debut of Shawna Robinson, the first woman to successfully attempt a Cup Series race since Patty Moise in 1989.
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was held June 17 at Pocono Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)
Dodge/Save Mart 350
The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held June 24 at Sears Point Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 7 - Robby Gordon
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 6 - Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Anthony Lazzaro (No. 68), Jason Leffler (No. 04)
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. In the first race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt, son Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a whopping 116 of the race's 160 laps on his way to an emotional victory in what is arguably one of the more memorable races in NASCAR history (See race notes below).
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 21 - Elliott Sadler
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 11 - Brett Bodine
- 7 - Mike Wallace
Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
Tropicana 400
The inaugural Tropicana 400 was held July 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 9 - Bill Elliott
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)
New England 300
The New England 300 was held July 22 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 7 - Mike Wallace
Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27)
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 29 at Pocono Raceway. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 32 - Ricky Craven
Failed to qualify: Andy Hillenburg (No. 49), Carl Long (No. 85)
Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 1 - Steve Park
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Ed Berrier (No. 95), David Keith (No. 57), Rick Mast (No. 27), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Shawna Robinson (No. 84), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
Global Crossing at the Glen
The Global Crossing at the Glen was held August 12 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 66 - Todd Bodine
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 77 - Boris Said
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 1 - Steve Park
Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 44)
Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer
The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. The race was shortened to 162 laps due to rain.
Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 1 - Steve Park
- 19 - Casey Atwood
Failed to qualify: David Keith (No. 57), Buckshot Jones (No. 44)
Sharpie 500
The Sharpie 500 was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 5 - Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)
Mountain Dew Southern 500
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 2 at Darlington Raceway. Kurt Busch won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 10 - Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)
MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400
The MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400 was held September 23 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the first race to be held after the September 11th attacks. Most cars sported patriotic decals and tributes.
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 19 - Casey Atwood
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Protection One 400
The inaugural Protection One 400 was held September 30 at Kansas Speedway. Jason Leffler won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 02 - Ryan Newman
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 93 - Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Ron Hornaday (No. 14)
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Jeff Green (No. 30), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
Old Dominion 500
The Old Dominion 500 was scheduled for October 14 at Martinsville Speedway, but was held October 15 due to rain. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 12 - Mike Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 85), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
EA Sports 500
The EA Sports 500 was held on October 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole. This race would be remembered for the last lap. After Dale Earnhardt, Jr. passed Bobby Labonte for the lead, Labonte tried to block Bobby Hamilton, going up high in turn 2. Labonte got loose, making contact with Johnny Benson, causing Labonte to flip over and slide down the back straightaway on his roof, with an additional 14 cars being collected in the wreck. While that happened, Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Burton raced back to the start/finish line. Entering the tri-oval, Earnhardt, Jr. sailed away by three car lengths to take his third win of the season while Stewart and Burton battled for the runner-up spot.
Although he kept the win, Earnhardt, Jr. was docked 25 points after his car failed post race inspection, due to a shortened rear spoiler.
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 1 - Kenny Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 7 - Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 91), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil
The Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil was held October 28 at Phoenix International Raceway. Casey Atwood won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 12 - Mike Wallace
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 31 - Robby Gordon
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 10 - Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Rick Bogart (No. 70)
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held November 4 at North Carolina Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 1 - Kenny Wallace
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 90)
Pennzoil Freedom 400
The Pennzoil Freedom 400 was held November 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Casey Atwood nearly won the race, until a late race pass by Bill Elliott.
Top Ten Results
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 19 - Casey Atwood
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 30 - Jeff Green
- 01 - Jason Leffler
Failed to qualify: Rich Bickle (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Carl Long (No. 85)
NAPA 500
The NAPA 500 was held November 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race was scheduled to be the finale to the 2001 season, but as the fall race in New Hampshire had been postponed due to the attacks of September 11, it became the penultimate race instead. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole. Jeff Gordon clinched the 2001 Winston Cup championship with his 6th-place finish. Jerry Nadeau nearly won this race, but ran out of gas with half a lap to go, giving way to Bobby Labonte
Top Ten Results
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Mark Green (No. 41), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Kurt Busch (No. 97), Rick Mast (No. 90), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
New Hampshire 300
The New Hampshire 300 was scheduled for September 16 but was moved to November 23 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The starting order was set according to owner's points as of September 10.
The win was Robby Gordon's first career victory in the Cup Series and one of only 17 times he raced in 2001 due to having been unexpectedly fired from the Morgan-McClure team after just 5 races. This race was also notable for the battle between Robby and Jeff Gordon (no relation) that led to much bumping between the two and resulting in Jeff Gordon spinning out of the lead, causing the final caution. Jeff was black-flagged for retaliating and after being held a lap by officials, he ended up in 15th place. Robby Gordon held off Sterling Marlin for the win. It would be the No. 31 team's very first win in NASCAR and his second oval win in his motorsports career (his first coming in an Indy Car race at Phoenix in 1995).
In victory lane Robby, when asked about the incident with Jeff, said that it was an accident and that he was not embarrassed about his win since he saw Jeff Gordon do something similar to win at a previous race. Robby also donated all his prize money to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Top Ten Results
- 31 - Robby Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 11 - Brett Bodine
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
Final points standings
- 24 - Jeff Gordon – 5112
- 20 - Tony Stewart – 4763
- 40 - Sterling Marlin – 4741
- 28 - Ricky Rudd – 4706
- 88 - Dale Jarrett – 4612
- 18 - Bobby Labonte – 4561
- 2 - Rusty Wallace – 4481
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 4460
- 29 - Kevin Harvick (R) – 4406
- 99 - Jeff Burton – 4394
- 10 - Johnny Benson Jr. – 4152
- 6 - Mark Martin – 4095
- 17 - Matt Kenseth – 3982
- 22 - Ward Burton – 3846
- 9 - Bill Elliott – 3824
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer – 3782
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau – 3675
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton – 3575
- 36 - Ken Schrader – 3480
- 21 - Elliott Sadler – 3471
- 32 - Ricky Craven – 3379
- 93 - Dave Blaney – 3303
- 5 - Terry Labonte – 3280
- 15 - Michael Waltrip −3159
- 77 - Robert Pressley – 3156
- 19 - Casey Atwood (R) – 3132
- 97 - Kurt Busch (R) – 3081
- 33 - Joe Nemechek – 2994
- 66 - Todd Bodine – 2960
- 11 - Brett Bodine – 2948
- 43 - John Andretti – 2943
- 1 - Steve Park – 2854
- 92 - Stacy Compton – 2752
- 7 - Mike Wallace – 2693
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield – 2651
- 4 - Kevin Lepage – 2461
- 01 - Jason Leffler (R) – 2413
- 14 - Ron Hornaday Jr. (R) – 2305
- 1 - Kenny Wallace – 2054
- 31 - Mike Skinner – 2029
- 44 - Buckshot Jones – 1939
- 90 - Hut Stricklin – 1770
- 45 - Kyle Petty – 1673
- 31 - Robby Gordon – 1552
- 50 - Rick Mast – 1187
- 96 - Andy Houston (R) – 1123
- 33 - Bobby Hamilton, Jr. – 748
- 30 - Jeff Green – 539
- 02 - Ryan Newman – 497
- 77 - Boris Said – 272
Rookie of the Year
Kevin Harvick emerged as the victor of the Rookie of the Year battle despite not declaring for the award until the second race of the season, as he took over for Dale Earnhardt following his fatal crash. Harvick won 2 races and finished 9th in points. Kurt Busch finished 2nd, despite only having one year of experience in a major NASCAR series. 3rd-place finisher Casey Atwood was pre-season favorite, but was held back due to a rough start and only finished 26th in points. Jason Leffler had a sub-par season that cost him his job with Chip Ganassi Racing, and Ron Hornaday was a disappointment after years of success in the Busch and Truck series. The last-place driver was Andy Houston, another pre-season favorite who had a tough season, suffering from several DNQs and DNFs that resulted in his team closing after the Kansas race.