2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |||
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The 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Season is the 52nd season of professional stock car racing in the United States, the 29th modern-era Cup series, and the last cup series of the 20th century and the 2nd millennium. The season began on Sunday February 13 and ended on Sunday November 20. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Bobby Labonte was crowned champion at season's end. The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was won by Ford when they captured 14 wins and 234 points to better Pontiac's 11 wins and 213 points. Chevrolet finished third with 9 wins and 199 points.[1]
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Schedule
Bud Shootout
The Bud Shootout, NASCAR's race for all Pole Award winners from the previous season, was held February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Mark Martin drew the pole. Ricky Rudd suffered a spectacular flip at the checkered flag when he was tapped by Sterling Marlin when Marlin ran into Bobby Labonte. Everyone involved walked away uninjured. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top 10 results
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 16–Kevin Lepage
- 36–Ken Schrader
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 42–Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 22–Ward Burton
Gatorade 125s
The Gatorade Twin 125s were run on February 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd were the polesitters for races 1 and 2, respectively. The Gatorade Twin 125s were held on February 19 on CBS after the NASCAR Busch Series Race.
Race one top 10 results
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 6–Mark Martin
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 32–Scott Pruett
- 13–Robby Gordon
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
Race two top 10 results
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 22–Ward Burton
- 8–Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 7–Michael Waltrip
- 15–Derrike Cope
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 42–Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
42nd Daytona 500
The 2000 Daytona 500 was held February 20 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 6–Mark Martin
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 22–Ward Burton
- 36–Ken Schrader
- 17–Matt Kenseth*
Failed to qualify: 60 –Geoffrey Bodine, 84-Norm Benning, 72–Jim Sauter, 65–Dan Pardus, 85 –Carl Long, 48–Stanton Barrett, 89-Bobby Gerhart, 96–Greg Sacks, 11 –Brett Bodine, 71-Dave Marcis, 91 –Andy Hillenburg, 27 –Jeff Fuller*, 50 –Ricky Craven, and 34 –David Green.
- Dale Jarrett won the Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus.
- This was the last Daytona 500 to be televised by CBS, and thus the last 500 broadcast for Buddy Baker and Ned Jarrett.
- Due to his failure to qualify, Dave Marcis' streak of making the Daytona 500 for consecutive years that started in 1968 came to an end.
- Johnny Benson, Jr., driving an unsponsored car for Tyler Jet Motorsports, was surprisingly in the lead with less than 10 laps to go and looked as if he might capture his first Cup win in the biggest event of the season when Dale Jarrett and Jeff Burton both passed him with four laps to go. Jarrett would wind up winning the race under caution, and Benson, Jr. finished 12th.
- This was Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s first start in the 500.
Dura Lube / BIG K 400
The Dura Lube / Kmart 400 was held February 27 at North Carolina Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 22–Ward Burton
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 88–Dale Jarrett (1 lap down)
- 28–Ricky Rudd (1 lap down)
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield (1 lap down)
- 6–Mark Martin (1 lap down)
- 1–Steve Park (1 lap down)
- 24–Jeff Gordon (1 lap down)
Failed to qualify: Ricky Craven (No. 50), Scott Pruett (No. 32), Dave Blaney (No. 93), Mike Bliss (No. 14)
CarsDirect.com 400
The CarsDirect.com 400 was held March 5 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC.
Top 10 results
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 6–Mark Martin
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 10–Johnny Benson, Jr.
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 8–Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 41), Mike Bliss (No. 14), Ed Berrier (No. 90), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Austin Cameron (No. 89)
- Jeff Burton had also won the No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus.
- The race was shortened to 148 laps due to rain.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500
The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 was held March 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was Broadcast on ABC.
Top ten results
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 6–Mark Martin
- 1–Steve Park
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 97–Chad Little
- 91–Todd Bodine
- 22–Ward Burton 1 lap down
- 24–Jeff Gordon 1 lap down
- 94–Bill Elliott 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Ed Berrier (No. 90), Johnny Benson (No. 10), Mike Bliss (No. 14), Robby Gordon (No. 13)
- The race was highlighted with a photo finish by Dale Earnhardt over Bobby Labonte at a margin of 0.01 seconds.
- This was Dale Earnhardt's 75th career NASCAR Winston Cup win, and his final win at a non-restrictor plate track. The win made Earnhardt the third driver to win on both configurations of Atlanta Motor Speedway, the others being Bobby Labonte and Jeff Gordon. All three have won on the old 1.522 mile oval and the current 1.54 mile oval.
- Mike Skinner led a race high 191 laps and looked as if he was going to capture his first Winston Cup points win when an engine failure dropped him out of the race while leading with 20 laps to go. Skinner would finish 30th.
Mall.com 400
The Mall.com 400 was held March 19 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 22–Ward Burton
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 4–Bobby Hamilton
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 6–Mark Martin
- 16–Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 15), Ricky Craven (No. 50), Scott Pruett (No. 32), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 75), Ed Berrier (No. 90)
- This was Pontiac's first win at Darlington since 1963 by Joe Weatherly
- It had been 131 races since Ward Burton had gone to victory lane, the last time being the October 1995 race at Rockingham.
Food City 500 Presented by wrenchhead.com
The Food City 500 was held March 26 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Steve Park won the pole.
Top ten results
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 10–Johnny Benson
- 22–Ward Burton
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 1–Steve Park
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 40–Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Ricky Craven (No. 50), Ed Berrier (No. 90), Scott Pruett (No. 32)
- Around lap 390, Steve Park's crew had left his right side tire on pit road, and Jeff Gordon ran over it, ending his chances to win. The incident led to the rule change that pit crews have to bring the right side tires back to the pit wall during a pit stop.
- Rusty Wallace won his 50th race at this event. He is currently the only driver in history to get his 1st and 50th career wins at the same track.
DirecTV 500
The DirecTV 500 was held April 2 at Texas Motor Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
- 8–Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 16–Kevin Lepage
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 28–Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Robby Gordon (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 75), Kyle Petty (No. 44), Todd Bodine (No. 91)
- 19-year-old Adam Petty became the first fourth-generation athlete when he qualified 33rd for this race. He finished 40th after suffering a blown motor in his only Winston Cup race.
- This was Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s first career win, coming in only his 12th start in the Cup series, a then-record for fewest starts to first victory, breaking the record of 16, coincidentally held by his father, Dale Earnhardt.
- Kyle Petty later relieved an injured Elliott Sadler, after Adam dropped out of the race.
Goody's Body Pain 500
The Goody's Body Pain 500 was held April 9 at Martinsville Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 6–Mark Martin
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 7–Michael Waltrip
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 2–Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 75), Rick Mast (No. 14), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Ed Berrier (No. 90)
- This race had 17 cautions for 116 laps, the record for the season.
- Rusty Wallace dominated, leading 343 of the race's 500 laps, but with 64 laps to go, eventual winner Mark Martin passed Wallace and led until the finish.
DieHard 500
The DieHard 500 was held April 16 at Talladega Superspeedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
- 24–Jeff Gordon*
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 42–Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 26–Jimmy Spencer
- 6–Mark Martin
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 44–Kyle Petty
- 22–Ward Burton
- Jeff Gordon became the youngest driver, and the quickest driver ever to win 50 NASCAR races. He accomplished this feat in 232 NASCAR starts, and he did it at 28 years old.
- Gordon also won the race from the 36th starting spot.
- Gordon finished a Career Grand Slam.
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Kevin Lepage (No. 16), Gary Bradberry (No. 41), Rick Mast (No. 14), Elliott Sadler (No. 21)
NAPA Auto Parts 500
The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held April 30 at California Speedway. Mike Skinner won the pole.
Top ten results
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield*
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 22–Ward Burton
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 20–Tony Stewart
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Ed Berrier (No. 90), Dwayne Leik (No. 72)
- Jeremy Mayfield was fined 151 points and crew chief Peter Sospenzo was fined and suspended after this race for a rules infraction not related to the running of this event. The fine was a result of actions taken at the previous race, the April 16 DieHard 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR delayed the penalty in order to research the motive behind the infraction.
- Bobby Labonte took the points lead after gaining it at Darlington and losing it at Talladega. He would keep it for the remainder of 2000.
- Mayfield became the tenth different winner in the first ten races of 2000, a season-opening record that continues to this day.
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held May 6 at Richmond International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 8–Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 22–Ward Burton
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 14), Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Ed Berrier (No. 90)
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. became the first repeat winner in the year 2000.
The Winston
The Winston, the all-star race for all past champions and recent winners, was held May 20 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Top ten results
- 8–Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 22–Ward Burton
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was an automatic entry with two wins in the season, and won in his first All-Star Race start.
Coca-Cola 600
The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 28 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top ten results
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 8–Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 1–Steve Park
- 24–Jeff Gordon
Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (No. 15), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Ed Berrier (No. 90), Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- Carl Long, who qualified in the No. 85 Mansion Motorsports entry, gave up his spot so Darrell Waltrip could compete in his final Coca-Cola 600.
- The race was stopped on lap 254 by a 51-minute red flag due to rain.
- This was Matt Kenseth's first career victory, the first rookie ever to win the Coca-Cola 600.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole with a new track qualifying record. Earnhardt led a race-high 175 laps, but a caution flag on lap 360 caused by oil on the track from Jerry Nadeau's blown engine, at which point he was leading by nearly 5 seconds, and a slow pit stop dropped him to 6th on the final restart.
- Nadeau himself led 115 laps, most of them in the first half (he had led only 14 total laps in his Cup career before this race), and lap 254 when the race was stopped for rain. However, just after the rain delay, various engine problems dropped him from contention.
- Robby Gordon was competing in the Indianapolis 500, where the start was delayed 3 hours by rain. Gordon finished 6th in that event. P.J. Jones started the 600 in Gordon's No. 13 Ford. Gordon arrived at Charlotte during the red flag at lap 254 and drove the remainder of this race. The car finished 35th, 11 laps off the pace.
- John Andretti started the race in the No. 43 Pontiac. On lap 81, he was replaced by Tim Fedewa. Andretti was suffering from a rib injury he suffered in a crash at the Winston Open.
MBNA Platinum 400
The MBNA Platinum 400 was held June 4 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 3–Dale Earnhardt 1 lap down
- 33–Joe Nemechek 2 laps down
- 22–Ward Burton 2 laps down
- 31–Mike Skinner 2 laps down
- 8–Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 2 laps down
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 44), Carl Long (No. 85)
- Stewart led 242 of 400 Laps and moved up to 9th place in points.
BIG Kmart 400
The Kmart 400 was held June 11 at Michigan Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was shortened to 194 laps due to darkness that caused by two rain delays.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 77–Robert Pressley
- 22–Ward Burton
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 43–John Andretti
- 40–Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Ricky Craven (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 21 car went for a wild ride in practice, flipping 12 times after blowing a tire on the frontstretch. He was not injured.
- Tony Stewart became the first back-to-back winner of the year 2000 other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. who became the first rookie to win repeat wins in 2000 prior to his win at Richmond back in May.
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was scheduled for June 18 but was held June 19 at Pocono Raceway due to rain. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 6–Mark Martin
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 2–Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Dwayne Leik (No. 72), Bill Baird (No. 52)
- This race is remembered for Mayfield getting Dale Earnhardt loose on the final lap in the final turn to move him out of the way and take the win by using a patented Earnhardt move.
Save Mart/Kragen 350
The Save Mart/Kragen 350 was held June 25 at Sears Point International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. During qualifying, Ward Burton flipped.
Top ten results
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 6–Mark Martin
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 20–Tony Stewart
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 14), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 60), R.K. Smith (No. 71)
- Jeff Gordon won 6 of his 9 Road Course wins & this was an all-time record 6 straight Road Course wins the first ever driver to do it in history.
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the final Winston Cup race that was televised on CBS.
Top ten results
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 6–Mark Martin
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 22–Ward Burton
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 24–Jeff Gordon
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Robby Gordon (No. 13)
- Last Winston Cup race for Kenny Irwin, Jr., who died on July 7 of injuries sustained at New Hampshire.
thatlook.com 300
The thatlook.com 300 was held July 9 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was shortened to 273 laps due to rain. The weekend was marked by tragedy as Kenny Irwin, Jr. was killed in a Turn 3 practice crash on July 7. Race winner Tony Stewart later gave the race trophy to Irwin's parents.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 6–Mark Martin
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 28–Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- First Pontiac to win at Loudon since Rusty Wallace won the inaugural running in 1993
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 23 at Pocono Raceway. Tony Stewart won the pole.
Top ten results
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 14–Rick Mast
- 26–Jimmy Spencer
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Geoffrey Bodine (No. 60), Carl Long (No. 85)
- Jeremy Mayfield was less than a lap away from the Pocono sweep when a cut tire cost him
- Terry Labonte had Rich Bickle relieve him at the first caution period, who drove to an 11th-place finish.
Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. This would be ABC's last Winston Cup race until they returned with the fall Richmond race in 2007. Rusty Wallace led a dominating 110 laps of the race's 160, but it was a hard charging Bobby Labonte who caught and passed Rusty to lead the last 15 laps and win the race.
Top ten results
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 94–Bill Elliott
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 32–Scott Pruett
Failed to qualify: David Keith (No. 95), Rich Bickle (No. 61), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Robby Gordon (No. 13), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Bill Baird (No. 52)
- This race has the record for the fastest Brickyard 400, with only 2 cautions and an average speed of 155.912 mph.
- Terry Labonte was forced to miss this and the next race due to inner ear injuries suffered at Pocono. At the time, he held the record for consecutive starts, with 655.
Global Crossing @ The Glen
The Global Crossing @ The Glen was held August 13 at Watkins Glen International. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Due to qualifying being rained out, the starting lineup was set by owner's points.
Top ten results
- 1–Steve Park
- 6–Mark Martin
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 13–Robby Gordon
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 75–Wally Dallenbach, Jr.
- 17–Matt Kenseth
Failed to qualify: Boris Said (No. 23), Scott Pruett (No. 32), R.K. Smith (No. 71), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Brian Simo (No. 90)
- This was Steve Park's first career Winston Cup victory.
Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer
The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 20 at Michigan Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top ten results
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 10–Johnny Benson
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 26–Jimmy Spencer
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 22–Ward Burton
- 99–Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Geoffrey Bodine (No. 60), Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Stacy Compton (No. 9), Kyle Petty (No. 44), David Keith (No. 95), Carl Long (No. 85)
- This race saw Earnhardt's eldest son Kerry Earnhardt make his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut. The presence of Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, and Kerry Earnhardt made this only the second time in NASCAR history that a father had raced against two sons. Lee Petty had previously accomplished the feat with sons Richard and Maurice.[2]
Goracing.com 500 Presented by SkyTel
The goracing.com 500 was held August 26 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 6–Mark Martin
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 1–Steve Park
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 21–Elliott Sadler
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 28–Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85), Ricky Craven (No. 50)
- Robert Pressley hit the wall on lap 399 and his #77 Ford burst into flames.
- Rusty Wallace swept both races at Bristol following his 50th career win here in March & became the 2nd driver since Tony Stewart to win back-to-back races in 2000.
Pepsi Southern 500
The Pepsi Southern 500 was held September 3 at Darlington Raceway. The race was shortened to 328 laps due to thunderstorms. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 22–Ward Burton
- 16–Kevin Lepage
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 1–Steve Park
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 9)
- Bobby Labonte won the race from 37th starting position. the worst starting spot to victory since Jeff Gordon at Talladega when he started 36th.
- This was the first win for Pontiac to win the Southern 500 since Buck Baker in 1960.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held September 9 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Burton won the pole.
Top ten results
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 6–Mark Martin
- 1–Steve Park
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 10–Johnny Benson
- 22–Ward Burton
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27), Robby Gordon (No. 13), Darrell Waltrip (No. 66), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- Jeff Gordon was docked 100 points after issues with his car after his win at Richmond & was 691 points behind Bobby Labonte (3761 Points).
- Jeff held off a hard charging Dale Earnhardt, denying Earnhardt a million dollar bonus as being eligible for the No Bull 5 program in this event.
Dura Lube 300 Sponsored by Kmart
The Dura Lube 300 Sponsored by Kmart was held September 17 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
This race also has the distinction of being the only Cup race outside of Daytona and Talladega to run a restrictor plate race since the adoption of the current 358 cubic inch formula. After Adam Petty's fatal crash in the Busch Series practice in May, and Kenny Irwin, Jr.'s fatal crash in the Cup Series practice in July, NASCAR decided to run restrictor plates. Adding restrictor plates did have the desired result of slowing down the cars drastically, but at the same time restricted passing so much that Jeff Burton led all 300 laps. This lack of passing was so uncompetitive that, for Cup cars only, the restrictor plates were gone for the very next race. Replacing the plates was an engine kill switch, which is located on the steering wheel, and it allows drivers to halt the car if their throttle is stuck open going too hard into the turns.[3]
Top ten results
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 43–John Andretti
- 6–Mark Martin
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 36–Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Steve Grissom (No. 44), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
MBNA.com 400
The MBNA.com 400 was held September 24 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 10–Johnny Benson
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 1–Steve Park
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 6–Mark Martin
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 14–Rick Mast 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Joe Bessey (No. 60)
- This was Kurt Busch's first race in the Cup series, having replaced Chad Little as driver of the No. 97 Ford. Busch started 10th and finished 18th
NAPA Autocare 500
The NAPA Autocare 500 was held October 1 at Martinsville Speedway. Tony Stewart won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 26–Jimmy Spencer
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 18–Bobby Labonte
Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (No. 32), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Carl Long (No. 85), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Rich Bickle (No. 60)
- For the 2nd time Tony Stewart once again had back-to-back wins following his sweep at Dover last week.
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 8 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. This was the final race that aired on TBS.
Top ten results
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 6–Mark Martin
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 1–Steve Park
- 10–Johnny Benson
- 17–Matt Kenseth
- 22–Ward Burton
Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (No. 32), Ricky Craven (No. 50), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Carl Long (No. 85), Stacy Compton (No. 9), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- This was Labonte's 4th & final win of 2000 & after this race he was now 252 points ahead of Jeff Burton.
Winston 500 Presented by UPS
The Winston 500 was held October 15 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. Bill Elliott led the most laps.
Top ten results
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 55–Kenny Wallace
- 33–Joe Nemechek
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 5–Terry Labonte
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 6–Mark Martin
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 27–Mike Bliss
- 17–Matt Kenseth
Failed to qualify: Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 75), Blaise Alexander (No. 91), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
- This was Earnhardt's 76th and final career victory before his death in February 2001 at Daytona. This race is remembered for Earnhardt storming to the front in the final 5 laps to take the win picking up 17 spots.
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held October 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
- 88–Dale Jarrett
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 1–Steve Park
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 22–Ward Burton
- 4–Bobby Hamilton
- 33–Joe Nemechek
Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (No. 01), Rich Bickle (No. 60), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Stacy Compton (No. 9)
- This was Dale Jarrett's first win since the Daytona 500 back in February.
- Dale Jarrett's first Rockingham win.
Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500
The Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 was held November 5 at Phoenix International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 99–Jeff Burton
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 1–Steve Park
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 6–Mark Martin
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 93–Dave Blaney
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 88–Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 9), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Robby Gordon (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
- It was the last race televised by The Nashville Network, which is now called Spike.
- Ryan Newman made his NASCAR debut. Starting 10th but finished in 41st
Pennzoil 400 Presented by Discount Auto Parts
The Pennzoil 400 Presented by Discount Auto Parts was held November 12 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Steve Park won the pole. Bobby Labonte clinched the championship by finishing 4th with only one race left.
Top ten results
- 20–Tony Stewart
- 12–Jeremy Mayfield
- 6–Mark Martin
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 26–Jimmy Spencer
- 28–Ricky Rudd
- 24–Jeff Gordon 1 lap down
- 1–Steve Park 1 lap down
- 93–Dave Blaney 2 laps down
- 19–Casey Atwood 2 laps down
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Ricky Craven (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Norm Benning (No. 84), Hermie Sadler (No. 60), Ted Musgrave (No. 01)
- Tony Stewart's 6th win of the year
- Bobby Labonte clinched the championship by 256 points over Jeff Burton.
- This was Joe Gibbs' first Winston Cup Championship as an owner since he formed his racing team back in 1992.
NAPA 500
The NAPA 500 was scheduled for November 19 but was held on November 20 due to a rain delay at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 25–Jerry Nadeau
- 3–Dale Earnhardt
- 22–Ward Burton
- 24–Jeff Gordon
- 18–Bobby Labonte
- 31–Mike Skinner
- 2–Rusty Wallace
- 40–Sterling Marlin
- 17–Matt Kenseth 1 lap down
- 10–Johnny Benson 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 9), Hermie Sadler (No. 60), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Dick Trickle (No. 71), Blaise Alexander (No. 91), Morgan Shepherd (No. 80), Tim Sauter (No. 61), Larry Foyt (No. 41), Kevin Lepage (No. 16), Carl Long (No. 85), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Steve Grissom (No. 44), Norm Benning (No. 84)
- Because of a deal that gave broadcasting rights to Fox, FX, NBC, and TNT, this was ESPN's last Winston Cup race until the station along with ABC was brought back to NASCAR in 2007. It is remembered for Bob Jenkins making a farewell speech, and his fellow commentator Benny Parsons and Ned Jarrett almost making him cry as they said goodbye on TV. Jenkins introduced a video from ESPN thanking all the fans simply stating "without you there would be no magic".
- The race was not Parsons' final race as color commentator, though. He would continue in the position with NBC and TNT.
- Jerry Nadeau's first and only victory of his career.
- This was Scott Wimmer's first Cup Series event.
- This was Darrell Waltrip's final Cup Series event after 29 years.
- Elliott Sadler and Rusty Wallace debuted their 2001 paint schemes.
- This was Dale Earnhardt Sr's last lead lap finish in a Winston Cup points event.
Final points standings
- Bobby Labonte– 5130
- Dale Earnhardt – 4865
- Jeff Burton – 4841
- Dale Jarrett – 4684
- Ricky Rudd – 4575
- Tony Stewart – 4570
- Rusty Wallace – 4544
- Mark Martin – 4410
- Jeff Gordon – 4361
- Ward Burton – 4152
- Steve Park – 3934
- Mike Skinner – 3898
- Johnny Benson – 3716
- Matt Kenseth (R) – 3711
- Joe Nemechek – 3534
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (R) – 3516
- Terry Labonte – 3433
- Ken Schrader – 3398
- Sterling Marlin – 3363
- Jerry Nadeau – 3273
- Bill Elliott – 3267
- Jimmy Spencer – 3188
- John Andretti – 3169
- Jeremy Mayfield – 3156
- Robert Pressley – 3055
- Kenny Wallace – 2874
- Michael Waltrip – 2797
- Kevin Lepage – 2795
- Elliott Sadler – 2762
- Bobby Hamilton – 2715
- Dave Blaney (R) – 2656
- Chad Little – 2634
- Rick Mast – 2366
- Wally Dallenbach, Jr. – 2344
- Brett Bodine – 2145
- Darrell Waltrip – 1981
- Scott Pruett (R) – 1929
- Stacy Compton (R) – 1857
- Mike Bliss (R) – 1748
- Ted Musgrave – 1614
- Kyle Petty – 1441
- Kenny Irwin, Jr. – 1440
- Robby Gordon – 1309
- Ricky Craven – 1175
- Geoffrey Bodine – 1039
- Dave Marcis – 723
- Ed Berrier (R) – 628
- Kurt Busch – 613
- Todd Bodine – 456
Rookie of the Year
In the preseason, the two favorites for the award were Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.. While Earnhardt had the name, the popularity, and the two wins, Kenseth had more consistency and was able to claim the title by a narrow margin. The third-place finisher was Dave Blaney, who had finished 31st in points. Scott Pruett and Stacy Compton showed promise in the beginning of the year, but eventually lost momentum and bottomed out at the end of the year. Mike Bliss started the year with A. J. Foyt Racing, was released after 4 races, then finished the season with Eel River Racing. Ed Berrier and Jeff Fuller finished towards the bottom, mainly due to being released from their rides during the season.
Quotes
In the final season of the broadcasting coverage of CBS, ABC, TNN, TBS, and ESPN, different broadcasters said different calls that are very memorable and others not heard as much. Here are some of the moments the broadcasters had as a last shine for their stations for NASCAR Winston Cup coverage:
- Daytona 500 at Daytona; Mike Joy for CBS as Dale Jarrett crossed the start/finish line under caution to win the Daytona 500 for the third time: "And Dale Jarrett loves Daytona, he's a champion of this race for the third time."
- Daytona 500 at Daytona; Ken Squier for CBS as CBS closed out their 22-year coverage of covering the Daytona 500: "And so we finish the first race of the new Millenium. The biggest question throughout Speedweeks to me, has not been who's going to win this race or what car was going to end up in victory lane, but did you ever think this race would be this big? And, my answer is, of course it would. In 1965, when this snowbird first flew south to Daytona, Bill France Sr., organizer of Nascar, the builder of this beautiful racing facility, told us, told me, "Come the year 2000, this sport will be major league, right up there with baseball and football". France Sr. sure hit it on the nose. And since 1979, CBS has been proud to be part of this Daytona 500 and the growth of NASCAR. For everyone here at CBS, who for 22 years, have brought you this American racing classic, brought it into your homes with a sense of dignity and dedication, love and respect, thank you for being a part of it. After all, it is the Great American Race."
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta; Bob Jenkins for ABC as Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt crossed the start/finish line with Earnhardt winning in a photo finish: "Here comes Bobby Labonte making a charge! They come toward the line, who will it be? It is gonna be!..."
- DirecTV 500 at Texas; Mike Joy for CBS when Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his first Cup race: "His grandfather Ralph, former national champion they called him Ironhardt because he gave nothing on the racetrack. His father, 7-time Winston cup champion one dubbed Ironhead, and then The Intimidator and how about this kid...Checkered flag, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is Texas Motor Speedway's second first time winner!"
- Diehard 500 at Talladega; Bob Jenkins for ABC when Jeff Gordon won his first race of 2000, snapping a 14 race winless streak: "Gordon has the lead as they come down through the tri-oval, and Jeff Gordon is back! He's gonna win the Diehard 500!"
- Pocono 500 at Pocono; Eli Gold for TNN when Dale Earnhardt got bumped out of the way and Jeremy Mayfield won at Pocono: "He bumps him out of the way! Earnhardt goes high! Mayfield is going to win here at Pocono! Oh my! Dale Earnhardt gets rooted out of the way, Jeremy Mayfield waves out of the window and Mayfield on the final turn on the final lap, pushes Earnhardt aside and grabs the win in the Pocono 500! "
- Pepsi 400 at Daytona; Mike Joy for CBS as Jeff Burton came down to win the final Cup race CBS televised: "Jeff Burton won his first Winston Cup race on CBS. He comes off turn 4 and he's gonna win the last Winston Cup race on CBS, Jeff Burton over Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, and Mark Martin winning the Pepsi 400!"
- Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono; Allen Bestwick for TBS when Jeremy Mayfield cut a tire on the final lap, giving Rusty Wallace the win. "Mayfield has a flat tire! Here goes Wallace by! Now the race for the win between Wallace and Burton, Mayfield slows on the final lap!...Rusty Wallace needing to get off the corner and beat Jeff Burton back to the finish line. Here they come, the final sprint down to the checkered flag, Burton tries to draft up inside...Wallace wins it! "
- Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis; Bob Jenkins for ABC as Bobby Labonte crosses the start/finish line to win the race: " He's in his 244th career start in NASCAR Winston Cup competition. But he's about to register perhaps his biggest victory of all- Bobby Labonte from Corpus Christi, Texas wins the 7th Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis."
- UAW Gm Quality 500 at Charlotte; Ken Squier for TBS before TBS signed off for the last time covering NASCAR action: " For years, we who have been fans and followers have wanted one thing from this sport: Respect. And over the past few years, we've obtained a lot more of just that - the sense of being included in the real part of the American sport spectrum. And for years, we've wanted these drivers to get the financial respect that we believe they deserve for their commitment to this very dangerous and very difficult game. 2001 will be a pivotal year in Winston Cup racing and its history. New tracks will bring the speed, the spectacle, and the heroes to new facilities and major population areas. And this new TV contract will provide the Winston Cup drivers with the dollars they deserve, and the television promise is to bring new technology and new excitement. You know, I love 1969 and '70 when the pioneer effort was with the Motor Racing Network in bringing radio broadcasting to a new level. It was exciting then. It was thrilling in the year 1979 with that first live flag-to-flag broadcast of the Daytona 500 which many say changed the way America perceived this sport and its heroes. And I think it's gonna be just as exciting next year to see what's on the horizon for the Great American Game - Stock car racing. Thank you so much for being part of it with us."
- Winston 500 at Talladega; Dr. Jerry Punch for ESPN when Dale Earnhardt won his 76th and final career Cup win, and winning his only No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus:"Three Chevrolets on the final lap at Talladega. 2.7 million, and Million Dollar bonus for Dale Earnhardt if he can hang on.The No Bull 5 contender, Mr. Restrictor Plate! Dale Earnhardt comes down and will take his 10th career victory at Talladega in the Winston 500!"
- NAPA 500 in Atlanta; Bob Jenkins for ESPN as Jerry Nadeau came down to win the season finale, ending the era of ESPN's broadcasting until 2007: "Back in March of '81, Darrell Waltrip took the checkered flag to win the very first race we televised on ESPN...and in November of 2000...Jerry Nadeau wins the final race on ESPN!"
- NAPA 500 in Atlanta; Bob Jenkins for ESPN as ESPN closed out their 20 years covering NASCAR on ESPN: "Throughout life we as individuals and professionals invest countless time, money and effort in search of all the elusive elements that can bring our health and happiness to the next level. But every once in a while, magic happens, that special combination that just cannot be explained, it just happens. On a Sunday afternoon at Rockingham in 1981, the magic began. We now arrive at a moment that every member of this team had wished would never come for over a year. The time we knew we all must go our separate ways and then hopefully just for awhile, our NASCAR Winston Cup Coverage. As the senior member of this team, I have accepted the responsibility of saying farewell, and believe it is not easy. Benny Parsons, Ned Jarrett, Jerry Punch, John Kernan, Bill Weber, Mike Wells our director and Neil Goldberg our producer and a lot of other behind the scenes people and I have become like family over the years. And although I and several other members of this team will continue to be seen on ESPN, our time together as a team is over. We thank everyone at NASCAR and the various tracks we visited, but most importantly we thank you our fans who have contributed so much to our coverage down thru the years. It was for you that we've done this since 1981. Without you, there would've been no magic. And so it is to you that we dedicate these next few moments. We hope you take pride as we will in what we've accomplished in those more than 200 Sunday Afternoons."
References
- ↑ "Standings: 2000 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- ↑ Kerry Earnhardt website
- ↑ NASCAR 2003 New Hampshire 300 Intro