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The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 55th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 32nd modern-era Cup Series season. The season began with on February 8 at the Daytona International Speedway with the Budweiser Shootout and ended on November 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford 400. Matt Kenseth, driving the No.17 Ford for Roush Racing, was crowned the Winston Cup champion, despite winning only one race in the season. Chevrolet took home the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship after capturing 19 wins and 264 points over second-place finisher Dodge, who had nine wins and 203 points. Ford finished the year third with seven wins and 200 points, and Pontiac finished fourth with one win and 125 points.
Contents
- Budweiser Shootout
- Gatorade Twin 125s
- 45th Daytona 500
- Subway 400
- UAW DaimlerChrysler 400
- Bass Pro Shops 500
- Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
- Food City 500
- SamsungRadio Shack 500
- Aarons 499
- Virginia 500
- Auto Club 500
- Pontiac Excitement 400
- The Winston
- Coca Cola 600
- MBNA Armed Forces Family 400
- Pocono 500
- Sirius 400
- DodgeSave Mart 350
- Pepsi 400
- Tropicana 400
- New England 300
- Pennsylvania 500
- Brickyard 400
- Sirius at the Glen
- GFS Marketplace 400
- Sharpie 500
- Mountain Dew Southern 500
- Chevy Rock and Roll 400
- Sylvania 300
- MBNA America 400
- EA Sports 500
- Banquet 400
- UAW GM Quality 500
- Subway 500
- Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
- Checker Auto Parts 500
- Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
- Ford 400
- Rookie of the Year
- References
This was the last year in which Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup Series. After Winston decided not to renew its sponsorship, NASCAR decided on the telecommunications firm Nextel to be the new title sponsor of the Cup Series. This was also the last season for Unocal 76 as the official fuel for NASCAR. Unocal and their 76 Brand had been the official fuel since the sport's inception in 1948. This was also the last full time season for Pontiac. Pontiac had been with NASCAR on 2 different occasions. The first was from 1949 to 1964, then they returned in 1981 and continued full time until the end 2003.
In addition, NASCAR instituted a new points system after this season entitled the Chase for the Cup, in which after 26 races, all the points standings in the top ten as well as any position within 400 points of the lead, would be reset, so the drivers in those positions would be eligible for the championship. This was done primarily because of the huge lead Kenseth accumulated during 2003 despite winning one race.
Budweiser Shootout
The Budweiser Shootout was held February 8 at Daytona International Speedway. It was won by No. 8 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.. The race featured drivers who have won a pole in the previous season or have won the event before. 2003 marked changes to the race's format, for the first time the race ran at night. The 70-lap event was now split into two segments. After the first 20-lap segment a 10-minute intermission took place allowing drivers to make pit stops and repair their cars. The second segment featured a 50-lap race to the finish with cars restarting double file on all restarts. Drivers were also required to make at least one pit stop under the green flag.
Top ten results:
Gatorade Twin 125s
The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway.
45th Daytona 500
Top ten results
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 6- Mark Martin
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 09- Mike Wallace
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 14), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Hermie Sadler (No. 02), David Green (No. 60), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 90), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Harmon (No. 78)
Subway 400
The Subway 400 was held on February 23 at North Carolina Speedway. Dave Blaney was the pole winner.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 6- Mark Martin
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 77- Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: none
UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte was the pole winner.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 1- Steve Park
Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (No. 16), Brandon Ash (No. 02)
Bass Pro Shops 500
The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on March 9 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
Top ten results
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 12- Ryan Newman 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. (No. 35), Jeff Fultz (No. 57)
Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 16 at Darlington Raceway. Elliott Sadler sat on the pole.
Top ten results
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 6- Mark Martin
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 20- Tony Stewart
Failed to qualify: none
Food City 500
The Food City 500 was held on March 23 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman was the pole winner for this race.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 29- Kevin Harvick 1 lap down
- 48- Jimmie Johnson 1 lap down
- 24- Jeff Gordon 1 lap down
- 23- Kenny Wallace 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Larry Foyt (No. 14)
Samsung/Radio Shack 500
The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on March 30, 2003. Texas native Bobby Labonte was the pole sitter for this race.
Top ten results
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 01- Jerry Nadeau
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 30- Jeff Green
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 42- Jamie McMurray
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), David Starr (No. 75)
Aaron's 499
The Aaron's 499 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on April 6, 2003. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 22- Ward Burton
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 31- Robby Gordon
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Larry Foyt (No. 14), David Green (No. 60) (Note: Phoenix Racing's Mike Wallace had originally failed to qualify, but Green's car was found too low and his time was disallowed.)
Virginia 500
The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 13, 2003. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 49- Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: none
Auto Club 500
The Auto Club 500 was held at California Speedway on April 27, 2003. Steve Park won the pole.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 43- John Andretti
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Hideo Fukuyama (No. 66)
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on May 3, 2003. Terry Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 6- Mark Martin
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Hideo Fukuyama (No. 66)
The Winston
Results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 99- Jeff Burton*
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 22- Ward Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 10- Johnny Benson
Coca-Cola 600
The Coca-Cola 600 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 25, 2003. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race was shortened to 276 laps due to inclement weather.
Top ten results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 88- Dale Jarrett 1 lap down
- 22- Ward Burton 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Derrike Cope (No. 37)
MBNA Armed Forces Family 400
The MBNA Armed Forces Family 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on June 1, 2003. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 5- Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 37), Hermie Sadler (No. 02)
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 8, 2003. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 22- Ward Burton
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 32- Ricky Craven
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 37), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89)
Sirius 400
The Sirius 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, 2003. Bobby Labonte was the pole sitter.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 5- Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Mike Skinner (No. 4), Larry Foyt (No. 14)
Dodge/Save Mart 350
The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held at Infineon Raceway on June 22, 2003. Boris Said was the pole sitter.
Top ten results
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 01- Boris Said
- 1- Ron Fellows
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: P. J. Jones (No. 14), Brandon Ash (No. 02), Paul Menard (No. 33), Jim Inglebright (No. 00)
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2003. Steve Park won the pole.
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Tony Raines (No. 74), Shane Hmiel (No. 43), Christian Fittipaldi (No. 44)
Tropicana 400
The Tropicana 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 13, 2003. Tony Stewart sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Jason Keller (No. 81)
New England 300
The New England 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 20, 2003. Matt Kenseth won the pole.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 30- Steve Park
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 16- Greg Biffle
Failed to qualify: Tim Sauter (No. 71), David Reutimann (No. 04), Carl Long (No. 46), Larry Foyt (No. 50)
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 27, 2003. Ryan Newman won the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 54- Todd Bodine
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 4)
Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 3, 2003. Kevin Harvick won the pole.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 6- Mark Martin
- 2- Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Ken Schrader (No. 49), Billy Bigley (No. 79), Ted Musgrave (No. 07), Robert Pressley (No. 4), Jim Sauter (No. 71), Christian Fittipaldi (No. 43), David Reutimann (No. 04), Hermie Sadler (No. 02)
Sirius at the Glen
The Sirius at the Glen was held at Watkins Glen International Raceway on August 10, 2003. Jeff Gordon was the pole sitter.
- 31- Robby Gordon*
- 39- Scott Pruett
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 22- Ward Burton
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (No. 49), Joe Varde (No. 35), Scott Maxwell (No. 43), Larry Foyt (No. 50)
GFS Marketplace 400
The GFS Marketplace 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 17, 2003. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 30- Steve Park
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 49- Ken Schrader
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 10- Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 4)
Sharpie 500
The Sharpie 500 was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 23, 2003. Jeff Gordon sat on the pole.
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Billy Bigley (No. 79), Derrike Cope (No. 37)
Mountain Dew Southern 500
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held at Darlington Speedway on August 31, 2003. This would be the last time the race was held on this date (See notes below). Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 16- Greg Biffle
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 50)
Chevy Rock and Roll 400
The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 6, 2003. Mike Skinner sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 50), Billy Bigley (No. 79)
Sylvania 300
The Sylvania 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 14, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 42- Jamie McMurray
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 50), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Carl Long (No. 46)
MBNA America 400
The MBNA America 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on September 21, 2003. Qualifying was cancelled due to Hurricane Isabel; as a result, Matt Kenseth sat on the pole on owner points.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 21- Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 50), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Billy Bigley (No. 79), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Christian Fittipaldi (No. 44), Tim Sauter (No. 71)
EA Sports 500
The EA Sports 500 was held September 28, 2003 at Talladega Superspeedway. Elliott Sadler won the pole.
Top ten results:
Did not qualify: Jason Leffler (No. 0), Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Steve Park (No. 30), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Mike Bliss (No. 80), Todd Bodine (No. 54)
Banquet 400
The Banquet 400 was held at Kansas Speedway on October 5, 2003. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 21- Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (No. 14), Johnny Sauter (No. 4)
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 11, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (No. 49), Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Mark Green (No. 14), Jeff Fultz (No. 55)
Subway 500
The Subway 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on October 19, 2003. Jeff Gordon sat on the pole.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 99- Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Mark Green (No. 14), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89)
Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 26 – October 27, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 01- Joe Nemechek
Failed to qualify: Jeff Green (No. 43), Buckshot Jones (No. 00), Larry Foyt (No. 14), Mike Wallace (No. 09), Billy Bigley (No. 79), Shelby Howard (No. 27)
Checker Auto Parts 500
The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held Phoenix International Raceway on November 2, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 22- Scott Wimmer
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 37), Brandon Ash (No. 02)
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held at North Carolina Speedway on November 9, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 74- Tony Raines
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Tim Sauter (No. 71), Rich Bickle (No. 79)
Ford 400
The Ford 400, the final race of the season, and the last race ever under the "Winston Cup" name, was held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 16, 2003. Jamie McMurray sat on the pole.
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (No. 49), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Mike Wallace (No. 09), Derrike Cope (No. 79), Rich Bickle (No. 78)
Rookie of the Year
The easy favorite for Rookie of the Year heading was Jamie McMurray, who had won the previous year in just his second start, and he did not disappoint, posting thirteen top-tens and a pole position despite not winning again. Runner-up Greg Biffle finished in the top-25 in the first two races, failed to qualify at Las Vegas, then won the Pepsi 400, while Tony Raines posted just one top ten finish in BACE Motorsports' only full season in Winston Cup. Casey Mears could not finish higher than 15th in his debut season, but has gone on since to garner sixteen top-tens. Former Craftsman Truck Series champion Jack Sprague only lasted eighteen races before being released from his No. 0 ride, while Larry Foyt's best finish in 20 starts was a sixteenth at the season ending race at Homestead. The only other declared candidate, Hideo Fukuyama, dropped out early due to a lack of funding from his BelCar Racing team.