2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |||
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The 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Season was 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. The season began on February 13 and ended on 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 nine wins and 199 points.[1]
This was the final season for three-time Winston Cup Champion Darrell Waltrip. Also, this was unexpectedly the final full-time season for seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, who was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500.
The season was marred by tragedy when Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin Jr. were killed in separate accidents during practice at the New Hampshire International Raceway.
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Schedule
Races
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.
- As of 2018, Dale Jarrett is the last driver to win the Daytona 500 from the pole.
- Ford sweeps the top 5 positions. As of 2018, this was the last time that a manufacturer would sweep the top 5 spots in the Daytona 500.
- 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, totaling 32 years.
- 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 finished 12th.
- This was the first Daytona 500 start for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth.
Dura Lube / Kmart 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 Jr. (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 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.
- This win marked the first time that Ward and Jeff Burton each won a race in the same season.
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 Jr.
- 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)
- On lap 390, Jeff Gordon ran over one of Steve Park's old right-side tires that had been left on pit road, 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 became the 10th driver to win 50+ NASCAR races. He became the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1991 to score his 50th career win. He is currently the only driver in history to get his first and 50th career wins at the same track, in the same race.
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 in professional sports history when he qualified 33rd for this race. He finished 40th after suffering a blown motor in his only ever Cup Series race. His great-grandfather, NASCAR pioneer Lee Petty, lived to see Adam race in NASCAR's top level. Lee would unfortunately pass away three days later on April 5, at the age of 86, due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- 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, season highs for the 2000 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.
- This race was dedicated to the memory of Lee Petty, who died on April 5 due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was 86 years old.
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
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Kevin Lepage (No. 16), Gary Bradberry* (No. 41), Rick Mast (No. 14), Elliott Sadler (No. 21)
- Jeff Gordon became the 11th driver, and the second driver of 2000, to win 50+ NASCAR races, joining Rusty Wallace, who won three weeks prior at Bristol. This is the third time, and currently the last time, in NASCAR history, that two drivers won their 50th career races in the same year, a feat that has not been accomplished since 1978 when Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison won their 50th race in the same year. The first time was 1965 when Junior Johnson and Ned Jarrett both won their 50th, yet final career races, in the same year.
- Gordon is 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.
- This was the last race attempted by Larry Hedrick Motorsports.
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's win set a NASCAR all-time record with 10 different drivers winning the first 10 races of the season. As of 2018, this record still stands.
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 this season.
- This was Darrell Waltrip's first DNQ this season after having exhausted his past champion's provisionals.
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. He also became the first driver to win an All-Star Race in his rookie season.
- This was the 16th and final time in their careers that Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt competed in the Winston. Waltrip retired at the end of 2000 and called the 2001 race from the booth, and Earnhardt was unexpectedly killed the following season at the 2001 Daytona 500. They are also the only 2 drivers in NASCAR history to compete in the first 16 races of the Winston.
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 for Darrell Waltrip to 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.
- This would be the first time in NASCAR history that two rookies won in the same season (Dale Earnhardt Jr. won twice prior to Kenseth's win).
- After winning the pole with a new track qualifying record, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a leading contender. Earnhardt Jr. led a race-high 175 laps, at one time overtaking his father for the lead after a restart.
- Hendrick Motorsports driver Jerry Nadeau led 115 laps, most of them in the first half in a breakout performance. However, just after the rain delay, various engine problems dropped him from contention. Nadeau's night came to an end when his engine expired on lap 360.
- Robby Gordon was competing in the Indianapolis 500, where the start was rain delayed by three hours. P. J. Jones started in place of Gordon in the No. 13 Ford. After finishing 6th at Indy, Gordon decided to fly to Charlotte anyway, arriving during the red flag at lap 254 and drove the remainder of this race. The car finished 35th, 11 laps behind the leader. Tony Stewart competed in both races in the previous season.
- John Andretti, who was dealing with rib injuries suffered in a crash at The Winston Open, started the race in the No. 43 Pontiac. Andretti drove until Lap 81, when he was relieved by Tim Fedewa.
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.
- Kyle Petty actually ran this race for John Andretti. They made the driver swap at the first caution. This was Kyle's first race since the death of his son Adam.
BIG Kmart 400
The BIG Kmart 400 was held June 11 at Michigan International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was shortened to 194 laps due to darkness 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 his 6th consecutive road course race, an all-time record, and as of 2017, the only driver to accomplish that feat, in NASCAR 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.
- Last Winston Cup race to be televised on CBS. CBS had been with NASCAR for 22 years, starting with the 1979 Daytona 500.
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
- First time since 1996 that Rusty Wallace won multiple races in a season.
- 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.
- This was the third straight year that the points leader coming into this race would win the Brickyard 400, and still retain the points lead for the rest of the season, and go on to win the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship. Jeff Gordon did it in 1998, Dale Jarrett in 1999, and Bobby Labonte in 2000.
- 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.
- Jeff Gordon, winner of the last six road course races, did not win a seventh, as he and Tony Stewart collided with each other on lap 2, causing him to hit the guard rail, eventually finishing in the 23rd position.
Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer
The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 20 at Michigan International 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 Jr.
- 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 Dale Earnhardt's eldest son Kerry Earnhardt make his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut. The presence of Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kerry made this the only time in NASCAR's modern era, and only the second time in NASCAR's history altogether that a father would race against two of his sons. Lee Petty had previously accomplished that feat with sons Richard and Maurice back in 1960.[2] It would be a good day for the elder Earnhardt, as he would finish in the sixth position, but both of his sons had troubles during the race. Dale Jr. blew an engine en route to a 31st-place finish, while Kerry fell victim to an early accident and finished last in the 43-car field.
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)
- Despite winning the pole for this race, and also winning his fourth and final race of the year, this was Rusty Wallace's first win of the season from the pole. It took him eight pole positions of 2000 to finally score the win from that spot. The race marked the last win from the pole in Wallace's career.
- With this win, Wallace tied Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough for second place all time as a nine time winner at Bristol. Darrell Waltrip is the only winner with more than ten, winning 12 races. Wallace's nine wins at Bristol were the most at any one track in his career.
- Wallace swept the Bristol races, the first time he swept a track since Martinsville at 1994. It was also the last time that Wallace swept both of the races at a track
- Wallace became the second driver of 2000 to win back-to-back races, joining Tony Stewart.
- Final back-to-back wins for Wallace.
- Final time in his career that Wallace won multiple races in a season.
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.
- Terry and Bobby Labonte became the first set of brothers to win the Southern 500.
- 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 Jr.
- 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 and was left 691 points behind Bobby Labonte (3761 points).
- Gordon 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.
- The race marked the third and final win for Gordon in 2000, the lowest winning total for him since 1994.
- Casey Atwood, along with Ray Evernham's new team Evernham Motorsports, made their NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut in the 19 car, driving a Ford (the team switched to Dodge in 2001 due to the team being a huge part of Dodge's return into NASCAR). Atwood finished his debut in 19th place, two laps down.
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)
- Jeff Burton led all 300 laps. As of 2017, this was the last time that a driver led every single lap in a NASCAR points race. The closest a driver came to accomplishing this feat was in 2016 when Martin Truex Jr. led 392 of 400 laps, and won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.
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 Jr.
- 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)
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 Jr.
- 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 fourth and final win of 2000 and held a points lead of 252 over Jeff Burton following the race..
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, as well as the final time the No. 3 car was in victory lane in the Cup Series until the 2017 Coca-Cola 600. This race is remembered for Earnhardt storming to the front in the final 5 laps to take the win picking up 17 spots. This was also Earnhardt's first and only Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus win.
- This was Earnhardt's 10th career Talladega win, the most wins at Talladega by a driver as of 2018.
- 10 wins at Talladega is the most wins at one track in Dale Earnhardt's legendary career. This 10th win broke him out of a four way tie for most wins at one track. His second most wins at one track is nine each at three tracks: Atlanta, Bristol, and Darlington.
- This was the last career Winston Cup race that Dave Marcis led a lap.
- This was the last Cup race sponsored by a tobacco product.
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.
- The race also marked 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 (Then known as The National Network), which was later called Spike, and is now called The Paramount Network.
- Ryan Newman made his NASCAR debut starting 10th and finishing 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)
- It was Tony Stewart's sixth win of the year.
- Bobby Labonte clinched the championship, leading the points 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.
- Casey Atwood scored his first career top-ten finish in the Cup Series.
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 Jr. 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. He would continue in the position with NBC and TNT until he died in January 2007.
- This was Ned Jarrett's final Winston Cup race as a color commentator until NBC brought Jarrett back in the mid-2010s during Darlington Raceway throwback weekends.
- Jerry Nadeau scores first and only victory of his career.
- This was Scott Wimmer's first Cup start, and Darrell Waltrip's last.
- This was Dale Earnhardt Sr's last lead lap and top five 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 Jr. – 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
- Hut Stricklin- 430
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.
References
- ↑ "Standings: 2000 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- ↑ Kerry Earnhardt website Archived 2011-10-02 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ NASCAR 2003 New Hampshire 300 Intro