2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season
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Champions \| Seasons

The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series is the 54th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 31st modern era Cup Series season. It began on February 10, 2002 at Daytona International Speedway, and ended on November 17, 2002 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Tony Stewart, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, was declared as the Winston Cup champion. The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was captured by Ford after winning 14 events and gaining 245 points over second-place finisher Chevrolet, who had 10 wins and 211 points.^[1] This was the final season for the non-common template bodies. The following season would require all manufacturers to use the same roof line.

Teams and drivers

Complete schedule

Tony Stewart, the 2002 Cup champion

Mark Martin came in second behind Stewart by 38 points.

Kurt Busch finished third in the championship.

Make	Team	No.	Driver	Crew chief
Chevrolet	Andy Petree Racing	55	Bobby Hamilton 31	Jimmy Elledge
			Greg Biffle 4
			Ron Hornaday, Jr. 1
	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	1	Kenny Wallace 4	Paul Andrews
		1	Steve Park 32	Paul Andrews
		8	Dale Earnhardt, Jr.	Tony Eury
		15	Michael Waltrip	Slugger Labbe
	Hendrick Motorsports	5	Terry Labonte	Jim Long
		24	Jeff Gordon	Robbie Loomis
		25	Jerry Nadeau 11	Tony Furr
		25	Joe Nemechek 25	Tony Furr
		48	Jimmie Johnson (R)	Chad Knaus
	Morgan-McClure Motorsports	4	Mike Skinner	Chris Carrier
	Richard Childress Racing	29	Kevin Harvick 35	Gil Martin
		29	Kenny Wallace 1	Gil Martin
		30	Jeff Green	Todd Berrier
		31	Robby Gordon	Kevin Hamlin
Dodge	Bill Davis Racing	22	Ward Burton	Frank Stoddard
		23	Hut Stricklin 23	Phillipe Lopez
			Tom Hubert 1
			Kenny Wallace 10
			Scott Wimmer 1
			Geoffrey Bodine 1
	Chip Ganassi Racing	40	Sterling Marlin 29	Lee McCall
			Jamie McMurray 6
			Mike Bliss 1
		41	Jimmy Spencer 35	Doug Randolph
		41	Scott Pruett 1	Doug Randolph
	Evernham Motorsports	9	Bill Elliott	Mike Ford
	Evernham Motorsports	19	Jeremy Mayfield	Sammy Johns
	Petty Enterprises	43	John Andretti	Brandon Thomas
		44	Buckshot Jones 8	Gary Putnam
			Steve Grissom 11
			Jerry Nadeau 13
			Ted Musgrave 1
			Greg Biffle 2
			Christian Fittipaldi 1
		45	Kyle Petty	Steven Lane
	Ultra-Evernham Motorsports	7	Casey Atwood 34	Tony Furr
	Ultra Motorsports	7	Jason Leffler 2	Tony Furr
Ford	Brett Bodine Racing	11	Brett Bodine	Jon Wolfe
	Haas-Carter Motorsports	26	Joe Nemechek 7	Donnie Wingo
			Frank Kimmel 6
			Todd Bodine 21
			Geoffrey Bodine 3
	Jasper Motorsports	77	Dave Blaney	Ryan Pemberton
	Penske Racing	2	Rusty Wallace	Bill Wilburn
	Penske Racing	12	Ryan Newman (R)	Matt Borland
	PPI Motorsports	32	Ricky Craven	Mike Beam
	Robert Yates Racing	28	Ricky Rudd	Raymond Fox, Jr.
	Robert Yates Racing	88	Dale Jarrett	Jimmy Elledge
	Roush Racing	6	Mark Martin	Ben Leslie
		17	Matt Kenseth	Robbie Reiser
		97	Kurt Busch	Jimmy Fennig
		99	Jeff Burton	Paul Andrews
	Wood Brothers Racing	21	Elliott Sadler	Pat Tryson
Pontiac	A. J. Foyt Racing	14	Stacy Compton 19	Mike Hillman
			Mike Wallace 16
			P. J. Jones 1
	Joe Gibbs Racing	18	Bobby Labonte	Jimmy Makar
	Joe Gibbs Racing	20	Tony Stewart	Greg Zipadelli
	MB2 Motorsports	10	Johnny Benson, Jr. 31	James Ince
			Joe Nemechek 1
			Jerry Nadeau 3
			Mike Wallace 1
		36	Ken Schrader	Newt Moore

Limited schedule

Make	Team	No.	Driver	Crew Chief	Rounds
Chevrolet	Andy Petree Racing	33	Mike Wallace		4
	Andy Petree Racing	33	Kenny Wallace		1
	BACE Motorsports	73	Tony Raines		1
		74	Chad Little		3
			Tony Raines		10
			Joe Varde		1
	BH Motorsports	54	Kevin Grubb		1
			Ron Hornaday, Jr.		3
			David Green		1
	FitzBradshaw Racing	83	Kerry Earnhardt	Bob Temple	3
	FitzBradshaw Racing	83	Ron Hornaday, Jr.	Bob Temple	1
	Hendrick Motorsports	60	Jack Sprague	Dennis Conner	6
	Rick Ware Racing	51	Carl Long		5
			Morgan Shepherd		2
			Brian Rose		1
			Jerry Robertson		1
	Marcis Auto Racing	71	Dave Marcis	Bob Marcis	1
			Dick Trickle		4
			Andy Hillenburg		2
			Jay Sauter		2
			Jim Sauter		1
			Tim Sauter		4
		72	Dwayne Leik		1
	Michael Waltrip Racing	00	Jerry Nadeau		1
		00	Buckshot Jones		1
		98	Kenny Wallace		1
	Innovative Motorsports	98	Kenny Wallace		4
	NEMCO Motorsports	87	Ron Fellows		1
	Norm Benning Racing	84	Norm Benning (R)		1
	SCORE Motorsports	02	Hermie Sadler (R)	Jeff Buckner	11
Dodge	BAM Racing	49	Shawna Robinson (R)	Scott Eggleston	8
			Ron Hornaday, Jr.		3
			Derrike Cope		5
			Kevin Lepage		1
			Stuart Kirby		1
			Stacy Compton		2
	Bill Davis Racing	27	Scott Wimmer		7
	Evernham Motorsports	91	Dick Trickle		1
			Hank Parker, Jr.		1
			Casey Atwood		1
	Chip Ganassi Racing	42	Jimmy Spencer		1
	Melling Racing	92	Robert Pressley		2
	Melling Racing	92	Stacy Compton		1
	Orleans Racing	62	Brendan Gaughan		1
	Orleans Racing	62	Austin Cameron		2
	Price Motorsports	59	Randy Renfrow		5
			Jason Small		1
			Carl Long (R)		5
	SR Racing	79	Carl Long (R)		1
	Ultra Motorsports	07	Ted Musgrave		5
	Mansion Motorsports	85	Carl Long (R)		3
Ford	Mansion Motorsports	85	Carl Long (R)		2
	CLR Racing	57	Derrike Cope		1
			Ron Hornaday, Jr.		2
			Stuart Kirby		2
	Donlavey Racing	90	Rick Mast	Bobby King	11
			Hermie Sadler		3
			Gary Bradberry		1
			Ed Berrier		1
			Lance Hooper		1
			Jason Hedlesky		1
	GIC Motorsports	93	Mike Harmon		2
	Haas-Carter Motorsports	66	Todd Bodine	Larry Carter	3
			Geoffrey Bodine		1
			Hideo Fukuyama		3
			Frank Kimmel		1
	Hover Motorsports	80	Kirk Shelmerdine		1
	Hover Motorsports	80	Ryan McGlynn		1
	Jasper Motorsports	67	Boris Said	Mark Harrah	3
	Kirk Shelmerdine Racing	72	Kirk Shelmerdine		2
	Kirk Shelmerdine Racing	27	Kirk Shelmerdine		5
	Phoenix Racing	09	Geoffrey Bodine	Marc Reno	8
	Phoenix Racing	09	Shane Lewis	Marc Reno	1
	Quest Motor Racing	37	Derrike Cope		5
			Kevin Lepage		1
			Jeff Jefferson		1
		38	Kevin Lepage		1
	Roush Racing	16	Greg Biffle	Randy Goss	4
	Shepherd Racing Ventures	89	Morgan Shepherd		8
Pontiac	Ash Motorsports	46	Brandon Ash		1
	Ash Motorsports	46	Justin Bell		1
	A. J. Foyt Racing	50	P. J. Jones		1
	Gerhart Racing	59	Bobby Gerhart (R)		2

Budweiser Shootout

The exhibition Budweiser Shootout race, for drivers that won a pole position in the previous season or previously won the event, was held on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway.

Top ten results

Gatorade Twin 125s

The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

Race one: Top ten results

Race two: Top ten results

Daytona 500

Main article: 2002 Daytona 500

The 2002 Daytona 500 was held on Sunday, February 17. Rookie Jimmie Johnson won the pole, while Ward Burton won the race. This was the first Daytona 500 after the death of Dale Earnhardt.

Top ten results

This race had a bizarre ending. As the field took the restart with 5 laps to go, a multi car accident involving 5 cars took place at the start/finish line when a driver missed a gear, bringing out the caution flag once again. Headed down the front straightaway going into turn 1, Sterling Marlin went to the inside of Jeff Gordon battling for the lead and when they made contact, Gordon's car was sent spinning. This incident pushed the fender of Marlin's car in towards his tire. Sterling Marlin would beat Ward Burton back to the caution flag for the lead. As the red flag was thrown to give crews time to clean up the race track to try and ensure a green flag finish, NASCAR reviewed Marlin's move as it appeared he had gone below the yellow line on the inside to pass Jeff Gordon, which is now illegal on NASCAR's restrictor plate tracks. While under the red flag, Marlin got out of his race car and started pulling on his fender, something in violation of NASCAR's rule of working on the car under the red flag. This penalty sent Marlin back to the end of the line for the restart, giving Ward Burton the race lead for when they went back to the green flag.
On lap 148, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon made contact battling for position in turn 1, triggering an 18-car accident.
This race would mark the final career start of longtime driver Dave Marcis. Marcis' run was shortened 79 laps into the race due to engine problems.

Subway 400

The Subway 400 was held on February 24 at North Carolina Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole.

Failed to qualify: Dick Trickle (No. 71), Randy Renfrow (No. 59), Carl Long (No. 85)

With about five laps to go, the caution was brought out for debris. Multiple teams were hoping the race would go back green, but NASCAR decided to end the race under caution, giving Matt Kenseth the victory.

UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole in an unsponsored Travis Carter Motorsports entry; the No. 66 got a one race deal with CSK Auto after qualifying.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 57)

MBNA America 500

The MBNA America 500 was held on March 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 57), Carl Long (No. 85)

An incident in the previous race with a spin by Sterling Marlin led to a new rule change. After 11 years, NASCAR changed pit road speeding penalties; if a driver was caught speeding on the approach to the pit stall, the penalty was no longer 15-second; rather, the penalty was a pit pass-through, which also became the penalty for speeding on the pit exit, instead of a stop-and-go. The stop-and-go was used only for repeat violations.

Carolina Dodge Dealers 400

The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 17 at Darlington Raceway. Ricky Craven won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: none

Marlin had to start at the back after changing an engine in happy hour. By the halfway point he was already in 3rd place.
Tony Stewart was shaken up after a grinding 11 car crash late in the race.
This race also marked the return of Steve Park after his injuries suffered in a NASCAR Busch Series event at Darlington in September 2001. Park crashed early.
This was Marlin's last career Cup Series victory.

Food City 500

Main article: 2002 Food City 500

The Food City 500 was held on March 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: none

Stewart started the race 13th and led 74 laps, but was relived by Todd Bodine during a caution due to some pain sustained from the wreck in the Darlington Race the previous week. Todd was able to finish the race in 15th.
This was Busch's first career victory, and was the continuation (Spencer wrecked Busch in the 2001 Phoenix race) of what would later become a very heated rivalry between him and Spencer.

Samsung/Radio Shack 500

The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8. Bill Elliott won the pole. The race was postponed from Sunday to Monday due to rain.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 57)

Virginia 500

The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 14, 2002. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

Kevin Harvick was banned from competing in the race due to reckless driving in the Advance Auto Parts 250 Truck Series race the day before when he intentionally wrecked driver Coy Gibbs. Kenny Wallace drove the No. 29 in his place.

Failed to qualify: Randy Renfrow (No. 59)

Aaron's 499

Main article: 2002 Aaron's 499

The Aaron's 499 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on April 21, 2002. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.

Top ten results

The "Big One" took out at least 24 cars on lap 164 when Kyle Petty got out of the draft and sent Tony Stewart in the wall and then mayhem erupted.

Failed to qualify: Shawna Robinson (No. 49), Rick Mast (No. 90), Bobby Gerhart (No. 59), Dick Trickle (No. 91)

NAPA Auto Parts 500

Main article: 2002 NAPA Auto Parts 500

The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held at California Speedway on April 28, 2002. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was involved in a hard crash when Kevin Harvick cut down a tire and hit Earnhardt car, sending him head-on into the outside wall. He suffered a severe concussion, but kept the injury a secret for several months and did not miss any races.
The win was Jimmie Johnson's first career Winston Cup victory.
Greg Biffle made his first NASCAR Winston Cup race, qualifying in an entry for Roush Racing. Greg finished in 13th

Failed to qualify: Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Chad Little (No. 74), Hermie Sadler (No. 02)

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was scheduled to be run at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, but rain ended up stopping the race after 66 laps, the remainder was run on Sunday, May 5, during the daytime. Ward Burton won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Kevin Grubb (No. 54)

Johnny Benson was injured in an accident in the Busch Series race the night before and replaced by Joe Nemechek and subsequently Jerry Nadeau.

The Winston

Main article: 2002 The Winston

Ryan Newman held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win The Winston. He also won the No Bull 5 Sprint earlier that day.

Coca-Cola 600

Main article: 2002 Coca-Cola Racing Family 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26, 2002. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Chad Little (No. 74), Carl Long (No. 85), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Randy Renfrow (No. 59)

This was Mark Martin's first win in 73 races since Martinsville back in April 2000. Not only did Martin snap his win-less drought, he also won the No Bull 5 million dollar bonus for this race after finishing in the top 5 at Las Vegas just two months ago. He is also the first and only driver not named Jeff or Dale to win the bonus.

MBNA Platinum 400

The MBNA Platinum 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on June 2. Matt Kenseth won the pole position.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 37), Hermie Sadler (No. 90), Randy Renfrow (No. 59)

Pocono 500

The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 9. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: none

This race ended under caution as Ricky Rudd crashed, bringing out the yellow flag before the leaders took the white flag.

Sirius 400

The Sirius 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 16. Dale Jarrett won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: none

Dodge/Save Mart 350

The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held at Infineon Raceway on June 23. Tony Stewart won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Brandon Ash (No. 46), Stacy Compton (No. 14)

Jerry Nadeau nearly won the race when his rear-end gear failed, causing him to stop his No. 44 car with less than 3 laps to go. The lead changed to Ricky Rudd, who held on to win.
This was Ricky Rudd's first win at Sonoma since winning the inaugural race in 1989. He almost won the 1991 race, but was black-flagged when he spun Davey Allison during the final lap to take the lead.
This was Rudd's last career Cup series victory.

Pepsi 400

The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 6. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ed Berrier (No. 90), Steve Grissom (No. 44)

A multi-car crash occurred with 25 laps remaining when Dale Jarrett got down low and spun back up into traffic, blocking the entire track. Joe Nemechek went head-on into the wall and Brett Bodine caught fire.
This was DEI's second Pepsi 400 win in a row.
This race ended under the caution flag.
This was Kevin Harvick's first career pole position for a Cup Series race.

Tropicana 400

The Tropicana 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14, 2002. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 49), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 72), Tony Raines (No. 74), Scott Wimmer (No. 27)

One lap after the restart with 70 laps to go, Kevin Harvick steered the car to the apron and made a good pass but he lost it when passing on the apron and spun out into a grass in turn 1 that causing the other three cars to lose control and spun out including Jerry Nadeau, Elliott Sadler and Jimmy Spencer. He took the lead just 46 laps later and had enough gas to win the race for the second straight year and end a 35-race winless streak.

New England 300

The New England 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 21. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

This was Ward Burton's final Cup victory.

Failed to qualify: none

Pennsylvania 500

The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 28. Bill Elliott swept both qualifying and the race. The race was shortened to 175 laps due to darkness, because of two lengthy red flags – one for rain, and one for fence repairs after Steve Park (who barrel-rolled multiple times) and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wrecked on the first lap.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 79)

Brickyard 400

Main article: 2002 Brickyard 400

The Brickyard 400 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 4. Tony Stewart won the pole. This was the first race to feature Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier at Indianapolis that will used to make racing accidents safer.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Tony Raines (No. 74), Jim Sauter (No. 71), Stuart Kirby (No. 57), P. J. Jones (No. 50)

The SAFER barrier was first tested by Brett Bodine on lap 11 and Kurt Busch, in which Jimmy Spencer spun out Busch on lap 36 in turn 3.
Tony Stewart is the only driver to start at the pole in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

Sirius at the Glen

The Sirius at the Glen was held at Watkins Glen International Raceway on August 11. Ricky Rudd won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Austin Cameron (No. 62), Shane Lewis (No. 09), Justin Bell (No. 46), Jimmy Spencer (No. 42)

P. J. Jones' first ever top five.
Tony Stewart led the most laps with 34. Robby Gordon controlled the race early leading for 21 laps. On the final restart, Tony Stewart appeared to have restarted too early and despite this won the race. A cloud of controversy over the restart tainted the finish of the race. Ryan Newman's team owner Roger Penske protested, but Stewart's win was upheld by officials days later.

Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack

The Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 18. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (No. 16)

This was the last race Melling Racing competed in, finishing 26th with Stacy Compton who actually led 3 laps on a pit cycle.

Sharpie 500

The Sharpie 500 was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 24. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

This race is remembered for Jeff Gordon using the "Bump and Run" to get underneath and past Rusty Wallace to end a winless drought that dated back to the end of 2001.
The race was also marred with on-track confrontations, including Ward Burton who threw heel pads at Dale Earnhardt, Jr. after Earnhardt wrecked him on lap 405, which caused Burton to be summoned to the Big Red Truck. Robby Gordon was also penalized for two laps after spinning out Jimmie Johnson on a restart.

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Carl Long (No. 51), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Tim Sauter (No. 71)

Mountain Dew Southern 500

Main article: 2002 Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held at Darlington Speedway on September 1. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 7. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.

Top ten results

17- Matt Kenseth
12- Ryan Newman
30- Jeff Green
8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
26- Todd Bodine
6- Mark Martin
28- Ricky Rudd
22- Ward Burton 1 lap down
77- Dave Blaney 1 lap down
19- Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)

The race was billed as the Looney Tunes Rematch as 8 Chevrolet drivers drove special paint schemes of the Looney Tunes characters. The drivers were Jeff Green/Daffy Duck, Bobby Hamilton/Marvin the Martian, Jimmie Johnson/Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird, Mike Skinner/Yosemite Sam, and Joe Nemechek/Speedy Gonzales. Terry Labonte/Wile E. Coyote and The Roadrunner, Kevin Harvick/Tasmanian Devil, and Robby Gordon/Pepe Le Pew. Jeff Gordon planned to run a Bugs Bunny paint scheme but he crashed the car in practice, leaving Gordon to bring out his back-up car.
To the rear, No. 24 Jeff Gordon (back-up car)
Greg Biffle drove in place of Bobby Hamilton who suffered injuries in the Craftsman Truck Series race held the Thursday before.
There was a charity golf cart race sponsored by Students Against Violence which teamed the drivers with their respective Looney Tunes character, Jeff Green won the race paired with Daffy Duck.^[2] Jeff Gordon fell out of his golf cart and suffered a bruised hand but was still participated in the race.
During the pre-race, a pace car blew an engine and laid oil down turns 3 and 4. On lap the first few laps, several drivers went sliding and Jeff Burton, Jimmy Spencer, and Sterling Marlin, the points leader and competing in the No Bull wrecked on lap 7. Marlin would suffer several injuries from that wreck but raced until Kansas when a more serious injury occurred.

New Hampshire 300

The New Hampshire 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 15. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race was shortened to 207 laps due to rain.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)

This was Ryan Newman's first career cup series points victory

MBNA All-American Heroes 400

The MBNA All-American Heroes 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on September 22. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

48- Jimmie Johnson
6- Mark Martin
88- Dale Jarrett
17- Matt Kenseth
20- Tony Stewart
99- Jeff Burton
97- Kurt Busch
12- Ryan Newman
32- Ricky Craven 1 lap down
10- Johnny Benson 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Morgan Shepherd (No. 51)

Hideo Fukuyama made his Cup series debut in this race, becoming the first Japanese driver to start a NASCAR points race.^[3]
Jimmie Johnson swept both Dover races.
Johnson with this win also ties Tony Stewart's record for most wins in a season as a rookie in the Cup series.

Protection One 400

The Protection One 400 was held at Kansas Speedway on September 29. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

Due to a neck injury suffered in a crash, Sterling Marlin did not race again for the rest of the season.
Jimmie Johnson took the points lead, the first time that a Rookie driver has led the points standings in NASCAR history.

Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 27), Carl Long (No. 51)

EA Sports 500

Main article: 2002 EA Sports 500

The EA Sports 500 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on October 6. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Jimmie Johnson started on the pole. The race was caution-free for the third time in five years at Talladega.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (No. 51), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Robert Pressley (No. 92), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83)

In a bizarre event, during the pace laps, Mark Martin had a steering problem and crashed into Jimmie Johnson. Martin was black-flagged prior to the race start so NASCAR could verify his steering was working properly, while Johnson did not pit until the conclusion of the first green flag lap. Due to the caution free race, neither driver was able to recover from the incident.
Jamie McMurray began driving duties for Sterling Marlin in this race. This was his first career start. He finished in 26th
All Hendrick Motorsports engines failed during the race (Jeff Gordon, Joe Nemecheck, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, as well as Johnny Benson and Ken Schrader)
This is the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to go flag to flag green as of 2016.
Last Winston No Bull 5 race.

UAW-GM Quality 500

Main article: 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500

The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 13. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 59), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 72), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Ron Hornaday (No. 54)

Rain caused the start of the race to be delayed over 3 hours. After the rain stopped, NASCAR decided to start the race under yellow for the first 5 laps as the track continued to dry.
The race went green at 3:45 pm Charlotte time (Eastern). Sunset time was 6:51 pm, the race was completed at 7:17, The late finish contributed to a large jump in ratings for the NBC telecast. NASCAR decided to move the fall race at Charlotte from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night for 2003.
Jamie McMurray, subbing for an injured Sterling Marlin, won his first race in his second career start, setting a new modern era NASCAR record for quickest win.

Old Dominion 500

The Old Dominion 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on October 20. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Brian Rose (No. 51), Carl Long (No. 59), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Ryan McGlynn (No. 80), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 27)

NAPA 500

The NAPA 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 27. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole. The race was shortened to 248 laps due to rain.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Frank Kimmel (No. 66), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Greg Biffle (No. 16), Buckshot Jones (No. 00), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Ron Hornaday (No. 54)

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held at North Carolina Speedway on November 3. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Tony Raines (No. 74), Tim Sauter (No. 71), Carl Long (No. 59), Ron Hornaday (No. 54), Hideo Fukuyama (No. 66)

This would be Johnny Benson's only Winston Cup Series win.
Mark Martin failed post-race inspection after an illegal left front spring was discovered. Martin was penalized 25 driver points.

Checker Auto Parts 500

The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held at Phoenix International Raceway on November 10. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (No. 07), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Jerry Robertson (No. 51), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Jeff Jefferson (No. 37), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Mike Harmon (No. 93)

Tony Stewart finished 8th and Mark Martin finished 4th. Stewart needed to finish 22nd or better to clinch his first championship at Homestead. Martin's appeal was denied during qualifying at Homestead and didn't have 25 points returned after a front spring infraction from Rockingham.

Ford 400

The Ford 400 was held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 17. Kurt Busch won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: David Green (No. 54), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Tony Raines (No. 74), Boris Said (No. 67), Carl Long (No. 59), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Mike Harmon (No. 93)

Tony Stewart clinches the Championship. He would be the last driver who would clinch in the last race before the Chase.

Final points standings

Tony Stewart – 4800
Mark Martin – 4762
Kurt Busch – 4641
Jeff Gordon – 4607
Jimmie Johnson (R) – 4600
Ryan Newman (R) – 4593
Rusty Wallace – 4574
Matt Kenseth – 4432
Dale Jarrett – 4415
Ricky Rudd – 4323
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 4270
Jeff Burton – 4259
Bill Elliott – 4158
Michael Waltrip – 3985
Ricky Craven – 3888
Bobby Labonte – 3810
Jeff Green – 3704
Sterling Marlin – 3703
Dave Blaney – 3670
Robby Gordon – 3632
Kevin Harvick – 3501
Kyle Petty – 3501
Elliott Sadler – 3418
Terry Labonte – 3417
Ward Burton – 3362
Jeremy Mayfield – 3309
Jimmy Spencer – 3187
John Andretti – 3161
Johnny Benson – 3132
Ken Schrader – 2954
Mike Skinner – 2886
Bobby Hamilton – 2832
Steve Park – 2694
Joe Nemechek – 2682
Casey Atwood – 2621
Brett Bodine – 2276
Jerry Nadeau – 2250
Todd Bodine – 1987
Kenny Wallace – 1868
Hut Stricklin – 1781
Mike Wallace – 1551
Stacy Compton – 1557
Geoffrey Bodine – 803
Steve Grissom - 769
Hermie Sadler (R) - 688
Jamie McMurray - 679
Rick Mast - 576
Greg Biffle - 570
Buckshot Jones - 559
Ted Musgrave - 452
Tony Raines - 382
Derrike Cope - 361
Shawna Robinson (R) - 361

Source: ESPN.com

Rookie of the Year

Because he had more wins, a teammate/mentor in Jeff Gordon, and the higher position in points, Jimmie Johnson was the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. But in the end, his rival Ryan Newman was named the victor. Newman's one win seemed mild to Johnson's record-tying three victories and even leading the championship standings at one point, but Newman broke the record for pole positions. The rookie points system is separate from the championship system, and only a driver's 15 best finishes counted towards the award. Newman's 15 best finishes were better than Johnson's, despite Johnson having the better run in championship points. Shawna Robinson and Carl Long, the only other racers who declared for the award, did not run enough races to remain eligible.

References

↑ "Standings: 2002 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
↑ "Chevrolet Invites SAVE to Select NASCAR Events to Increase SAVE Awareness". Students Against Violence.
↑ Jenkins, Chris (2002-09-19). "Japanese driver gunning for first". USA Today. Retrieved 2013-06-05.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series seasons

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