2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season
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The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season was the 53rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States, the 30th modern-era Cup series, and the first Cup season of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium. It began on February 11, 2001, at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 23, 2001, at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports was declared as the series champion for the 4th time in seven years.

The season was marred by a two-car collision at the end of the season-opening Daytona 500, which claimed the life of seven-time Series champion Dale Earnhardt. The accident resulted in safety upgrades being instituted. It also was the first year to have a unified television contract with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Turner Sports broadcasting the season's races; previous seasons saw each racetrack negotiate their own TV coverage, creating a patchwork of broadcast companies covering races throughout the season. Dodge returned to the sport for the first time since 1985. Chevrolet captured the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship with 16 wins and 248 points.[1]

Teams and drivers

Complete schedule

Car(s) Team No. Driver(s) Crew Chief
Chevrolet Andy Petree Racing 33 Joe Nemechek 31 Chris Carrier
Bobby Hamilton, Jr. 3
Wally Dallenbach, Jr. 1
Scott Pruett 1
55 Bobby Hamilton Jimmy Elledge
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 1 Steve Park 24 Paul Andrews
Kenny Wallace 12
8 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Tony Eury, Sr.
15 Michael Waltrip Scott Eggleston
Hendrick Motorsports 5 Terry Labonte Gary DeHart
24 Jeff Gordon Robbie Loomis
25 Jerry Nadeau Tony Furr
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Robby Gordon 5 David Ifft
Kevin Lepage 23
Bobby Hamilton, Jr. 7
Rich Bickle 1
Richard Childress Racing 31 Mike Skinner 23 Royce McGee
Robby Gordon 12
Jeff Green 1
Dodge Bill Davis Racing 22 Ward Burton Tommy Baldwin, Jr.
93 Dave Blaney Doug Randolph
Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates
40 Sterling Marlin Lee McCall
01 Jason Leffler (R) 34 Kevin Cram
Scott Pruett 1
Dorsey Schroeder 1
Evernham Motorsports 9 Bill Elliott Mike Ford
19 Casey Atwood (R) Patrick Donahue
Melling Racing 92 Stacy Compton Chad Knaus
Petty Enterprises 43 John Andretti Greg Steadman
44 Buckshot Jones 35 Mark Tutor
Wally Dallenbach, Jr. 1
45 Kyle Petty Chris Hussey
Ford Brett Bodine Racing 11 Brett Bodine Mike Hillman
Donlavey Racing 90 Hut Stricklin 27 Bobby King
Brian Simo 2
Rick Mast 5
Haas-Carter Motorsports 26 Jimmy Spencer Donnie Wingo
66 Todd Bodine Larry Carter
Jasper Motorsports 77 Robert Pressley 34 Ryan Pemberton
Boris Said 2
Penske Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Robin Pemberton
12 Jeremy Mayfield 28 Peter Sospenzo
Mike Wallace 8
PPI Motorsports 32 Ricky Craven Mike Beam
Robert Yates Racing 28 Ricky Rudd Michael McSwain
88 Dale Jarrett Todd Parrott
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Jimmy Fennig
17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser
97 Kurt Busch (R) Matt Chambers
99 Jeff Burton Frank Stoddard
Ultra Motorsports 7 Mike Wallace 25 Jim Long
Ted Musgrave 1
Robby Gordon 2
Kevin Lepage 8
Wood Brothers Racing 21 Elliott Sadler Pat Tryson
Pontiac A. J. Foyt Racing 14 Ron Hornaday, Jr. (R) Phillipe Lopez
Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Bobby Labonte Jimmy Makar
20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli
MBV Motorsports 10 Johnny Benson, Jr. James Ince
36 Ken Schrader Sammy Johns

Limited schedule

Car(s) Team No. Driver(s) Crew Chief Rounds
Chevrolet BAM Racing 49 Rich Bickle 1
Bill McAnally Racing 62 Brendan Gaughan 1
Dark Horse Motorsports 47 Lance Hooper 1
Hendrick Motorsports 48 Jimmie Johnson Ken Howes 3
Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Bob Marcis 13
Dick Trickle 1
72 Dwayne Leik 1
Midwest Transit Racing 50 Rick Mast Greg Connors 16
Rich Bickle 1
NEMCO Motorsports 87 Ron Fellows 2
Norm Benning Racing 84 Norm Benning 1
Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kevin Hamlin 1
29 Kevin Harvick (R) 35
30 Jeff Green Todd Berrier 9
TWC Motorsports 68 Anthony Lazzaro 2
SCORE Motorsports 13 Hermie Sadler Jim Long 10
Dodge Bill Davis Racing 23 Hut Stricklin Tommy Baldwin, Jr. 1
Bogart Racing 70 Rick Bogart 1
Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates
04 Jason Leffler (R) Kevin Cram 1
Mansion Motorsports 85 Carl Long 9
Ford 3
Brett Bodine Racing 09 Geoffrey Bodine 2
Dark Horse Motorsports 47 Lance Hooper 2
Donlavey Racing 91 Rick Mast Junie Donlavey 1
Hover Motorsports 80 Morgan Shepherd 1
Larry Clement Racing 46 Frank Kimmel 3
Michael Kranefuss Racing 84 Shawna Robinson 4
Penske Racing 02 Ryan Newman (R) Matt Borland 7
Phoenix Racing 51 Jeff Purvis 4
PPI Motorsports 96 Andy Houston (R) Joe Garone 25
Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Ed Berrier 1
Shepherd Racing Ventures 89 Morgan Shepherd 1
Team CLR 57 David Keith 2
Derrike Cope 3
Pontiac A. J. Foyt Racing 41 Mark Green Phillipe Lopez 1
BAM Racing 49 Andy Hillenburg 4
Eel River Racing 27 Kenny Wallace Barry Dodson 16
Mike Bliss 3
Rick Mast 9
Qwest Motor Racing 37 Derrike Cope Joey Knuckles 3

Budweiser Shootout

The Budweiser Shootout, an invitational event for all recent Bud Pole winners, was held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew the pole. This was the first race broadcast on Fox.

Top Ten Results

  1. 20 - Tony Stewart
  2. 3 - Dale Earnhardt
  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. 99 - Jeff Burton
  6. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  8. 6 - Mark Martin
  9. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  10. 31 - Mike Skinner

Gatorade 125s

The Gatorade 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Elliott and Stacy Compton started on pole for both races, respectively. The qualifying races were broadcast live for the first time; races prior to 2001 were broadcast on tape delay.

Race One Top Ten Results

  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  2. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  3. 3 - Dale Earnhardt
  4. 96 - Andy Houston
  5. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. 01 - Jason Leffler
  8. 51 - Jeff Purvis
  9. 15 - Michael Waltrip
  10. 19 - Casey Atwood

Race Two Top Ten Results

  1. 31 - Mike Skinner
  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  3. 99 - Jeff Burton
  4. 22 - Ward Burton
  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  6. 36 - Ken Schrader
  7. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  8. 32 - Ricky Craven
  9. 93 - Dave Blaney
  10. 6 - Mark Martin

43rd Daytona 500

Main article: 2001 Daytona 500

The 43rd Daytona 500 was held February 18, 2001 at Daytona International Speedway.

Top 10 Results

  1. 15 - Michael Waltrip
  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  5. 9 - Bill Elliott
  6. 7 - Mike Wallace
  7. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  8. 55 - Bobby Hamilton
  9. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  10. 92 - Stacy Compton

Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Todd Bodine (No. 66), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Rick Mast (No. 50), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Norm Benning (No. 84), Carl Long (No. 85), Morgan Shepherd (No. 80), Dwayne Leik (No. 72)

Dura Lube 400

Main article: 2001 Dura Lube 400

The Dura Lube 400 started on February 25 but ended on February 26 due to a rain delay, making it a two-day race at the North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 1 - Steve Park
  2. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  4. 20 - Tony Stewart
  5. 32 - Ricky Craven
  6. 10 - Johnny Benson
  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  9. 93 - Dave Blaney
  10. 88 - Dale Jarrett

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kyle Petty (No. 45)

UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

The UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 was held March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  4. 10 - Johnny Benson
  5. 66 - Todd Bodine
  6. 6 - Mark Martin
  7. 1 - Steve Park
  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. 14 - Ron Hornaday
  10. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50)

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500

The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 was held March 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. 5 - Terry Labonte
  6. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  7. 10 - Johnny Benson
  8. 36 - Ken Schrader
  9. 31 - Mike Skinner
  10. 97 - Kurt Busch 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Carl Long (No. 85), Casey Atwood (No. 19)

Carolina Dodge Dealers 400

The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held March 18 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon started on pole after qualifying was rained out.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. 1 - Steve Park
  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  4. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. 43 - John Andretti
  7. 10 - Johnny Benson
  8. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  9. 55 - Bobby Hamilton
  10. 2 - Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71)

Food City 500

Main article: 2001 Food City 500

The Food City 500 was held March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 21 - Elliott Sadler*
  2. 43 - John Andretti
  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  4. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  5. 22 - Ward Burton
  6. 5 - Terry Labonte
  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. 55 - Bobby Hamilton
  9. 1 - Steve Park
  10. 28 - Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Carl Long (No. 85)

Harrah's 500

The Harrah's 500 was held April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. 1 - Steve Park
  3. 10 - Johnny Benson
  4. 97 - Kurt Busch
  5. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. 93 - Dave Blaney
  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  9. 6 - Mark Martin
  10. 36 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50)

Virginia 500

The Virginia 500 was held April 8 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  3. 99 - Jeff Burton
  4. 55 - Bobby Hamilton
  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  7. 20 - Tony Stewart
  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  9. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  10. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

Failed to qualify: Jason Leffler (No. 01), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)

Talladega 500

Main article: 2001 Talladega 500

The Talladega 500 was held April 22 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 55 - Bobby Hamilton*
  2. 20 - Tony Stewart
  3. 97 - Kurt Busch
  4. 6 - Mark Martin
  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. 33 - Joe Nemechek
  7. 10 - Johnny Benson
  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  9. 7 - Mike Wallace
  10. 99 - Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)

NAPA Auto Parts 500

The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held April 29 at California Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  4. 20 - Tony Stewart
  5. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  6. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  7. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  8. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  10. 77 - Robert Pressley

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 20 - Tony Stewart
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  4. 1 - Steve Park
  5. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  6. 10 - Johnny Benson
  7. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  8. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  9. 36 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)

The Winston

Main article: The Winston XVII

Coca-Cola 600

Main article: 2001 Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole; this was the first career pole on his 2nd start at Lowes on a limited schedule.

Top 10 Results

  1. 99 - Jeff Burton
  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  3. 20 - Tony Stewart
  4. 6 - Mark Martin
  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  7. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  8. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  9. 22 - Ward Burton
  10. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

Failed to qualify: John Andretti (No. 43), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Jeff Fultz (No. 54), Carl Long (No. 85)

MBNA Platinum 400

The MBNA Platinum 400 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole after qualifying was canceled because of rain.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 1 - Steve Park
  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  4. 32 - Ricky Craven
  5. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  6. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  7. 20 - Tony Stewart
  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. 6 - Mark Martin
  10. 28 - Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Jeff Green (No. 30), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)

Kmart 400

The Kmart 400 was held June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon*
  2. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  4. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  5. 02 - Ryan Newman
  6. 90 - Hut Stricklin
  7. 99 - Jeff Burton
  8. 93 - Dave Blaney
  9. 9 - Bill Elliott
  10. 29 - Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Rick Mast (No. 50), Andy Houston (No. 96), Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)

This race was the Winston Cup Series debut of Shawna Robinson, the first woman to successfully attempt a Cup Series race since Patty Moise in 1989.

Pocono 500

The Pocono 500 was held June 17 at Pocono Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  4. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  5. 6 - Mark Martin
  6. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  7. 20 - Tony Stewart
  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  9. 36 - Ken Schrader
  10. 99 - Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)

Dodge/Save Mart 350

The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held June 24 at Sears Point Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 20 - Tony Stewart
  2. 7 - Robby Gordon
  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  6. 22 - Ward Burton
  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  8. 99 - Jeff Burton
  9. 9 - Bill Elliott
  10. 6 - Mark Martin

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Anthony Lazzaro (No. 68), Jason Leffler (No. 04)

Pepsi 400

Main article: 2001 Pepsi 400

The Pepsi 400 was held July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. In the first race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt, son Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a whopping 116 of the race's 160 laps on his way to an emotional victory in what is arguably one of the more memorable races in NASCAR history (See race notes below).

Top Ten Results

  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  2. 15 - Michael Waltrip
  3. 21 - Elliott Sadler
  4. 22 - Ward Burton
  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. 99 - Jeff Burton
  9. 11 - Brett Bodine
  10. 7 - Mike Wallace

Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)

Tropicana 400

The inaugural Tropicana 400 was held July 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  2. 77 - Robert Pressley
  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  6. 6 - Mark Martin
  7. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  8. 97 - Kurt Busch
  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  10. 9 - Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)

New England 300

The New England 300 was held July 22 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  5. 20 - Tony Stewart
  6. 1 - Steve Park
  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  10. 7 - Mike Wallace

Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27)

Pennsylvania 500

The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 29 at Pocono Raceway. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  3. 20 - Tony Stewart
  4. 9 - Bill Elliott
  5. 10 - Johnny Benson
  6. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  7. 6 - Mark Martin
  8. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  9. 77 - Robert Pressley
  10. 32 - Ricky Craven

Failed to qualify: Andy Hillenburg (No. 49), Carl Long (No. 85)

Brickyard 400

Main article: 2001 Brickyard 400

The Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  3. 10 - Johnny Benson
  4. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  5. 97 - Kurt Busch
  6. 22 - Ward Burton
  7. 1 - Steve Park
  8. 9 - Bill Elliott
  9. 32 - Ricky Craven
  10. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Ed Berrier (No. 95), David Keith (No. 57), Rick Mast (No. 27), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Shawna Robinson (No. 84), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)

Global Crossing at the Glen

The Global Crossing at the Glen was held August 12 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Jarrett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 99 - Jeff Burton
  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  5. 66 - Todd Bodine
  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  8. 77 - Boris Said
  9. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  10. 1 - Steve Park

Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 44)

Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer

The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. The race was shortened to 162 laps due to rain.

Top Ten Results

  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  2. 32 - Ricky Craven
  3. 9 - Bill Elliott
  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. 10 - Johnny Benson
  6. 93 - Dave Blaney
  7. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  8. 6 - Mark Martin
  9. 1 - Steve Park
  10. 19 - Casey Atwood

Failed to qualify: David Keith (No. 57), Buckshot Jones (No. 44)

Sharpie 500

The Sharpie 500 was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 20 - Tony Stewart
  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  6. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  7. 1 - Steve Park
  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  10. 5 - Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)

Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 2 at Darlington Raceway. Kurt Busch won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 22 - Ward Burton
  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  4. 20 - Tony Stewart
  5. 9 - Bill Elliott
  6. 99 - Jeff Burton
  7. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  10. 36 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Dave Marcis (No. 71)

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  6. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  7. 20 - Tony Stewart
  8. 26 - Jimmy Spencer
  9. 99 - Jeff Burton
  10. 10 - Johnny Benson

Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)

MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400

The MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400 was held September 23 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the first race to be held after the September 11th attacks. Most cars sported patriotic decals and tributes.

Top Ten Results

  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  2. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  5. 20 - Tony Stewart
  6. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  7. 33 - Joe Nemechek
  8. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  9. 19 - Casey Atwood
  10. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)

Protection One 400

The inaugural Protection One 400 was held September 30 at Kansas Speedway. Jason Leffler won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 02 - Ryan Newman
  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. 6 - Mark Martin
  7. 77 - Robert Pressley
  8. 20 - Tony Stewart
  9. 97 - Kurt Busch
  10. 93 - Dave Blaney

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Ron Hornaday (No. 14)

UAW-GM Quality 500

The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  2. 20 - Tony Stewart
  3. 22 - Ward Burton
  4. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  5. 99 - Jeff Burton
  6. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. 6 - Mark Martin
  10. 18 - Bobby Labonte

Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Jeff Green (No. 30), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)

Old Dominion 500

The Old Dominion 500 was scheduled for October 14 at Martinsville Speedway, but was held October 15 due to rain. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 32 - Ricky Craven
  2. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  3. 22 - Ward Burton
  4. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  5. 99 - Jeff Burton
  6. 10 - Johnny Benson
  7. 6 - Mark Martin
  8. 12 - Mike Wallace
  9. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  10. 40 - Sterling Marlin

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 85), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)

EA Sports 500

The EA Sports 500 was held on October 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole. This race would be remembered for the last lap. After Dale Earnhardt, Jr. passed Bobby Labonte for the lead, Labonte tried to block Bobby Hamilton, going up high in turn 2. Labonte got loose, making contact with Johnny Benson, causing Labonte to flip over and slide down the back straightaway on his roof, with an additional 14 cars being collected in the wreck. While that happened, Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Burton raced back to the start/finish line. Entering the tri-oval, Earnhardt, Jr. sailed away by three car lengths to take his third win of the season while Stewart and Burton battled for the runner-up spot.

Although he kept the win, Earnhardt, Jr. was docked 25 points after his car failed post race inspection, due to a shortened rear spoiler.

Top Ten Results

  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  2. 20 - Tony Stewart
  3. 99 - Jeff Burton
  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. 55 - Bobby Hamilton
  6. 1 - Kenny Wallace
  7. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  8. 33 - Joe Nemechek
  9. 6 - Mark Martin
  10. 7 - Kevin Lepage

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 91), Dave Marcis (No. 71)

Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil

The Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil was held October 28 at Phoenix International Raceway. Casey Atwood won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 99 - Jeff Burton
  2. 12 - Mike Wallace
  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. 20 - Tony Stewart
  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. 31 - Robby Gordon
  8. 32 - Ricky Craven
  9. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  10. 10 - Johnny Benson

Failed to qualify: Rick Bogart (No. 70)

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held November 4 at North Carolina Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 33 - Joe Nemechek
  2. 1 - Kenny Wallace
  3. 10 - Johnny Benson
  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  6. 22 - Ward Burton
  7. 20 - Tony Stewart
  8. 28 - Ricky Rudd
  9. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  10. 17 - Matt Kenseth

Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 90)

Pennzoil Freedom 400

The Pennzoil Freedom 400 was held November 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Casey Atwood nearly won the race, until a late race pass by Bill Elliott.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 - Bill Elliott
  2. 15 - Michael Waltrip
  3. 19 - Casey Atwood
  4. 99 - Jeff Burton
  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. 93 - Dave Blaney
  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  9. 30 - Jeff Green
  10. 01 - Jason Leffler

Failed to qualify: Rich Bickle (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Carl Long (No. 85)

NAPA 500

The NAPA 500 was held November 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race was scheduled to be the finale to the 2001 season, but as the fall race in New Hampshire had been postponed due to the attacks of September 11, it became the penultimate race instead. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole. Jeff Gordon clinched the 2001 Winston Cup championship with his 6th-place finish. Jerry Nadeau nearly won this race, but ran out of gas with half a lap to go, giving way to Bobby Labonte

Top Ten Results

  1. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  3. 29 - Kevin Harvick
  4. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  5. 22 - Ward Burton
  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  8. 88 - Dale Jarrett
  9. 20 - Tony Stewart
  10. 99 - Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Mark Green (No. 41), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Kurt Busch (No. 97), Rick Mast (No. 90), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)

New Hampshire 300

The New Hampshire 300 was scheduled for September 16 but was moved to November 23 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The starting order was set according to owner's points as of September 10.

The win was Robby Gordon's first career victory in the Cup Series and one of only 17 times he raced in 2001 due to having been unexpectedly fired from the Morgan-McClure team after just 5 races. This race was also notable for the battle between Robby and Jeff Gordon (no relation) that led to much bumping between the two and resulting in Jeff Gordon spinning out of the lead, causing the final caution. Jeff was black-flagged for retaliating and after being held a lap by officials, he ended up in 15th place. Robby Gordon held off Sterling Marlin for the win. It would be the No. 31 team's very first win in NASCAR and his second oval win in his motorsports career (his first coming in an Indy Car race at Phoenix in 1995).

In victory lane Robby, when asked about the incident with Jeff, said that it was an accident and that he was not embarrassed about his win since he saw Jeff Gordon do something similar to win at a previous race. Robby also donated all his prize money to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Top Ten Results

  1. 31 - Robby Gordon
  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin
  3. 18 - Bobby Labonte
  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. 20 - Tony Stewart
  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau
  7. 77 - Robert Pressley
  8. 11 - Brett Bodine
  9. 6 - Mark Martin
  10. 88 - Dale Jarrett

Final points standings

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon – 5112
  2. 20 - Tony Stewart – 4763
  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin – 4741
  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd – 4706
  5. 88 - Dale Jarrett – 4612
  6. 18 - Bobby Labonte – 4561
  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace – 4481
  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 4460
  9. 29 - Kevin Harvick (R)  – 4406
  10. 99 - Jeff Burton – 4394
  11. 10 - Johnny Benson Jr. – 4152
  12. 6 - Mark Martin – 4095
  13. 17 - Matt Kenseth – 3982
  14. 22 - Ward Burton – 3846
  15. 9 - Bill Elliott – 3824
  16. 26 - Jimmy Spencer – 3782
  17. 25 - Jerry Nadeau – 3675
  18. 55 - Bobby Hamilton – 3575
  19. 36 - Ken Schrader – 3480
  20. 21 - Elliott Sadler – 3471
  21. 32 - Ricky Craven – 3379
  22. 93 - Dave Blaney – 3303
  23. 5 - Terry Labonte – 3280
  24. 15 - Michael Waltrip −3159
  25. 77 - Robert Pressley – 3156
  26. 19 - Casey Atwood (R)  – 3132
  27. 97 - Kurt Busch (R)  – 3081
  28. 33 - Joe Nemechek – 2994
  29. 66 - Todd Bodine – 2960
  30. 11 - Brett Bodine – 2948
  31. 43 - John Andretti – 2943
  32. 1 - Steve Park – 2854
  33. 92 - Stacy Compton – 2752
  34. 7 - Mike Wallace – 2693
  35. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield – 2651
  36. 4 - Kevin Lepage – 2461
  37. 01 - Jason Leffler (R)  – 2413
  38. 14 - Ron Hornaday Jr. (R)  – 2305
  39. 1 - Kenny Wallace – 2054
  40. 31 - Mike Skinner – 2029
  41. 44 - Buckshot Jones – 1939
  42. 90 - Hut Stricklin – 1770
  43. 45 - Kyle Petty – 1673
  44. 31 - Robby Gordon – 1552
  45. 50 - Rick Mast – 1187
  46. 96 - Andy Houston (R)  – 1123
  47. 33 - Bobby Hamilton, Jr. – 748
  48. 30 - Jeff Green – 539
  49. 02 - Ryan Newman – 497
  50. 77 - Boris Said  – 272

Rookie of the Year

Kevin Harvick emerged as the victor of the Rookie of the Year battle[6] despite not declaring for the award until the second race of the season, as he took over for Dale Earnhardt following his fatal crash. Harvick won 2 races and finished 9th in points. Kurt Busch finished 2nd, despite only having one year of experience in a major NASCAR series. 3rd-place finisher Casey Atwood was pre-season favorite, but was held back due to a rough start and only finished 26th in points. Jason Leffler had a sub-par season that cost him his job with Chip Ganassi Racing, and Ron Hornaday was a disappointment after years of success in the Busch and Truck series. The last-place driver was Andy Houston, another pre-season favorite who had a tough season, suffering from several DNQs and DNFs that resulted in his team closing after the Kansas race.[7]

Facts

See also

References

  1. "Standings: 2001 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved September 23, 2009.
  2. Dave Rodman, Turner Sports Interactive (February 21, 2001). "Earnhardt dies following Daytona 500 accident — February 21, 2001". NASCAR.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  3. "CNNSI.com - 2001 Daytona 500 - Chrysler's return conjures memories for veterans — Thursday February 15, 2001 12:42 am". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  4. "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site — Wins by Car Numbers". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  5. =http://www.jayski.com/teams/nastuff.htm
  6. "Rookie of the Year (1958-2010)". Nascar.Com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  7. "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - 2001 Rookie of the Year". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.

External links

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