2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

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Kurt Busch, driving the No. 97 car, won the 2004 Nextel Cup Series championship. Kurt Busch (2228680943).jpg
Kurt Busch, driving the No. 97 car, won the 2004 Nextel Cup Series championship.
Jimmie Johnson came in second behind Busch by 8 points. JimmieJohnsonAugust2007.jpg
Jimmie Johnson came in second behind Busch by 8 points.
Jeff Gordon came in third behind Busch by 16 points. JeffGordonAugust2007 (cropped).jpg
Jeff Gordon came in third behind Busch by 16 points.
Kasey Kahne, the 2004 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. KaseyKahneBristolAugust2007 (cropped).jpg
Kasey Kahne, the 2004 NASCAR Rookie of the Year.
Chevrolet won the Manufacturer's championship with 22 wins. Nascarphx09.jpg
Chevrolet won the Manufacturer's championship with 22 wins.

The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 33rd modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Saturday, February 7, and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch, who drove a Ford for Roush Racing, was the Nextel Cup champion. It would be the last time until 2012 that the championship would be won by someone other than Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson.

This was the first season that NASCAR utilized the Chase for the Nextel Cup format that began with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 19. Under the format rules, the top 10 drivers (and any additional drivers within 400 points of the leader) by the end of the 26th race would be eligible to compete in a final 10-race playoff to determine the NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. Following the 26th race, the eligible drivers would have their points reset to bring the drivers closer together in the standings, with only five points separating each driver. The season would then continue as normal, with the driver with the most points at the end of the season becoming the champion.

The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was won by Chevrolet when they captured 26 wins and 266 points. Ford finished in second place with 10 wins, and 224 points, while Dodge followed in third with 4 wins and 194 points. [1]

This was the first year for the new series sponsorship. Mobile phone provider Nextel assumed sponsorship of the NASCAR championship series from cigarette brand Winston. Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup Series for 33 seasons, from 1971 to 2003. Nextel would become only the second title sponsor in Cup Series history. This was also the first year for Sunoco as it replaced Unocal 76 Brand as the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco would become only the second gas company to be NASCAR's official fuel since Unocal had been the official fuel since the sport's inception in 1948.

The season was also marked by tragedy. On October 24, a charter airplane owned by Hendrick Motorsports crashed at Bull Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, near Martinsville Speedway. Ten people aboard the plane died, including four relatives of team owner Rick Hendrick, as well as Randy Dorton, Hendrick's chief engine builder. Jimmie Johnson, a Hendrick driver, had won the race, but the post-race victory ceremony was canceled as words spread of the incident.

2004 was the first season without Jerry Nadeau since 1996, Brett Bodine since 1985, and Pontiac (though a few Pontiacs without factory support ran several early-season races).

It was the last season until 2021 without Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson and the same time before Denny Hamlin joins NASCAR as a driver (he ran the last 7 races in 2005 before joining full-time in 2006).

Teams and drivers

Full-time schedule

ManufacturerTeamNo.DriverCrew chief
Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury
15 Michael Waltrip Slugger Labbe
Haas CNC Racing 0 Ward Burton 34 Bootie Barker
Mike Bliss 2
Hendrick Motorsports 5 Terry Labonte Jim Long
24 Jeff Gordon Robbie Loomis
25 Brian Vickers (R) Peter Sospenzo
48 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knaus
Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Bobby Labonte Michael McSwain 18
Brandon Thomas 18
20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli
MBV Motorsports 01 Joe Nemechek Ryan Pemberton
10 Scott Riggs (R) Doug Randolph
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Kevin Lepage 7 Chris Carrier
Jimmy Spencer 25
Mike Wallace 4
PPI Motorsports 32 Ricky Craven 25 Harold Holly
Bobby Hamilton Jr. 11
Richard Childress Racing 29 Kevin Harvick Todd Berrier
30 Johnny Sauter 13 Kevin Hamlin
Dave Blaney 8
Jim Inglebright 1
Jeff Burton 14
31 Robby Gordon Chris Andrews
Dodge BAM Racing 49 Ken Schrader David Hyder
Bill Davis Racing 22 Scott Wimmer (R) Frank Stoddard
Chip Ganassi Racing 40 Sterling Marlin Tony Glover
41 Casey Mears Jimmy Elledge
42 Jamie McMurray Donnie Wingo
Evernham Motorsports 9 Kasey Kahne (R) Tommy Baldwin Jr.
19 Jeremy Mayfield Kenny Francis
Penske-Jasper Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Larry Carter
12 Ryan Newman Matt Borland
77 Brendan Gaughan (R) Shane Wilson
Petty Enterprises 43 Jeff Green Greg Steadman
45 Kyle Petty Bill Henderson
Ford Kirk Shelmerdine Racing 72 Kirk Shelmerdine 32 Phil Harris
Tom Hubert 2
Ted Christopher 1
Brad Teague 1
Robert Yates Racing 38 Elliott Sadler Todd Parrott
88 Dale Jarrett Mike Ford
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Pat Tryson
16 Greg Biffle Doug Richert
17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser
97 Kurt Busch Jimmy Fennig
99 Jeff Burton 22 Bob Osbourne
Carl Edwards (R)13
Dave Blaney 1
Wood Brothers Racing 21 Ricky Rudd Ben Leslie 22
Michael McSwain 14

Limited schedule

ManufacturerTeamNo.DriverCrew ChiefRounds
Chevrolet Bill McAnally Racing 61 Austin Cameron Doug George 1
Brewco Motorsports 27 David Green 1
Competitive Edge Motorsports 51 Kevin Lepage 9
Tony Raines 7
Conely Racing 79 Stan Boyd 2
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 1 John Andretti Pete Rondeau 6
Ron Fellows 1
Martin Truex Jr. 3
Kenny Wallace 1
Gary Keller Racing 35 Mike Wallace 4
Kenny Hendrick 1
GIC-Mixon Motorsports 93 Geoff Bodine 2
Haas CNC Racing 60 Jason Leffler 1
Hendrick Motorsports 84 Kyle Busch Gary DeHart 9
Hollenbeck Motorsports 62 Larry Hollenbeck 2
Joe Gibbs Racing 11 J. J. Yeley Doug Hewitt 4
Ricky Craven 1
80 Mike Bliss 2
Richard Childress Racing 33 Mike Skinner Gil Martin 8
Bobby Leslie 1
1
Kerry Earnhardt 6
Johnny Sauter 2
MB2 Motorsports 36 Boris Said 4
Michael Waltrip Racing 00 Kenny Wallace 8
McGlynn Racing Carl Long 5
Ryan McGlynn 5
08 Ryan McGlynn 1
Carl Long 1
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 04 Eric McClure 2
Dodge Arnold Motorsports 50 Derrike Cope Mike Hillman 12
Mike Wallace 3
P. J. Jones 5
Todd Bodine 12
Jeff Fuller 3
BAM Racing 59 Klaus Graf 3
Larry Foyt 2
701
Bill Davis Racing 23 Dave Blaney 6
Tony Raines 2
Shane Hmiel 5
Evernham Motorsports 91 Bill Elliott Sammy Johns 3
Chip Ganassi Racing 39 Scott Pruett 2
Gary Trout Autosports 34 Geoff Bodine 1
Glenn Racing 46 Carl Long 5
Haefele Racing 75 Mike Garvey 5
Penske-Jasper Racing 06 Chad Blount Roy McCauley 1
Travis Kvapil 4
Phoenix Racing 09 Johnny Benson Jerry Pitts 4
Joe Ruttman 7
Bobby Hamilton Jr. 6
Tony Raines 1
Scott Pruett 1
Mike Wallace 4
Johnny Sauter 5
R&J Racing 37 Todd Bodine Billy Poindexter 4
Chad Blount 2
Kevin Lepage 12
Andy Hillenburg 2
Stanton Barrett 1
Sacks Motorsports 13 Greg Sacks 11
Shepherd Racing Ventures 89 Morgan Shepherd Troy Kelly 14
Darin Kummrow 17
Terry Allen 2
32
Ultra Motorsports 7 Jimmy Spencer Bob Temple 1
Dave Blaney 1
Steve Park 1
Ware Racing Enterprises 52 Stanton Barrett 2
A. J. Foyt Enterprises 14 Larry Foyt Keith Koppenal 4
Dave Charpentier 5
4
Ford ppc Racing John Andretti 5
Donlavey Racing 90 Andy Hillenburg Junie Donlavey 1
Kevin Ray 1
A. J. Henriksen 1
Front Row Motorsports 92 Brad Teague 1
Tony Raines 1
Stanton Barrett 1
Harrah Racing 78 Jeff Fultz 1
Hover Motorsports 80 Andy Hillenburg Stan Hover 8
Randy LaJoie 1
Carl Long 4
Tony Ave 2
Ted Christopher 1
Derrike Cope 1
Mario Gosselin 3
Andy Belmont 1
Pontiac Andy Belmont Racing 59 Andy Belmont 1
Dodge
Ford
Mach 1 Motorsports 96 Larry Gunselman Mike Steurer 1
Derrike Cope 1
Randy LaJoie 1
98 Larry Gunselman Mike Steurer 31
Sammy Johns 3
6
Todd Bodine 10
Geoff Bodine 7
Bill Elliott 3
Derrike Cope 4
Chad Chaffin 1
Randy LaJoie 3
Chevrolet
Ford
Pontiac
SCORE Motorsports 02 Carl Long Ernie Cope 27
Ed Ash 1
Jeff Buckner 3
1
Andy Belmont 3
Hermie Sadler 24
Derrike Cope 1
Brandon Ash 1
Jason Jarrett 1
Chevrolet
Dodge
Ford
W. W. Motorsports 94 Stanton Barrett Terry Allen 11
Derrike Cope 4
Brad Teague 1

Schedule

No.Race Title Track Date
Budweiser Shootout Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach February 7
Gatorade Duels February 12
1 Daytona 500 February 15
2 Subway 400 North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham February 22
3 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas March 7
4 Golden Corral 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton March 14
5 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 Darlington Raceway, Darlington March 21
6 Food City 500 Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol March 28
7 Samsung / RadioShack 500 Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth April 4
8 Advance Auto Parts 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway April 18
9 Aaron's 499 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega April 25
10 Auto Club 500 California Speedway, Fontana May 2
11 Chevy American Revolution 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond May 15
Nextel Open Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord May 22
Nextel All-Star Challenge
12 Coca-Cola 600 May 30
13 MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes" Dover International Speedway, Dover June 6
14 Pocono 500 Pocono Raceway, Long Pond June 13
15 DHL 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn June 20
16 Dodge/Save Mart 350 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma June 27
17 Pepsi 400 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach July 3
18 Tropicana 400 presented by Meijer Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet July 11
19 Siemens 300 New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon July 25
20 Pennsylvania 500 Pocono Raceway, Long Pond August 1
21 Brickyard 400 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway August 8
22 Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen August 15
23 GFS Marketplace 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn August 22
24 Sharpie 500 Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol August 28
25 Pop Secret 500 California Speedway, Fontana September 5
26 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond September 11
Chase for the Nextel Cup
27 Sylvania 300 New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon September 19
28 MBNA America 400 Dover International Speedway, Dover September 26
29 EA Sports 500 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega October 3
30 Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods Kansas Speedway, Kansas City October 10
31 UAW-GM Quality 500 Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord October 16
32 Subway 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway October 24
33 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton October 31
34 Checker Auto Parts 500 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix November 7
35 Mountain Dew Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington November 14
36 Ford 400 Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead November 21

Races

No.Race Pole position Most laps ledWinning driverManufacturer
Budweiser ShootoutJeremy MayfieldTerry LabonteDale JarrettFord
Gatorade 125 #1Greg BiffleGreg BiffleDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
Gatorade 125 #2Elliott SadlerElliott SadlerElliott SadlerFord
1Daytona 500Greg BiffleTony StewartDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
2Subway 400Ryan NewmanMatt KensethMatt KensethFord
3UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400Kasey KahneMatt KensethMatt KensethFord
4Golden Corral 500Ryan NewmanTony StewartDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
5Carolina Dodge Dealers 400Kasey KahneKurt BuschJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
6Food City 500Ryan NewmanKurt BuschKurt BuschFord
7Samsung/Radio Shack 500Bobby LabonteKasey KahneElliott SadlerFord
8Advance Auto Parts 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonRusty WallaceDodge
9Aaron's 499Ricky RuddDale Earnhardt Jr.Jeff GordonChevrolet
10Auto Club 500Kasey KahneJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet
11Chevy American Revolution 400Brian VickersDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
Nextel OpenDave BlaneyJamie McMurraySterling MarlinDodge
Nextel All-Star ChallengeRusty WallaceRyan NewmanMatt KensethFord
12Coca-Cola 600Jimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
13MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes"Jeremy MayfieldTony StewartMark MartinFord
14Pocono 500Kasey KahneJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
15DHL 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonRyan NewmanDodge
16Dodge/Save Mart 350Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet
17Pepsi 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet
18Tropicana 400 presented by MeijerJeff GordonTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet
19Siemens 300Ryan NewmanRyan NewmanKurt BuschFord
20Pennsylvania 500Casey MearsJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
21Brickyard 400Casey MearsJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet
22Sirius Satellite Radio at The GlenJimmie JohnsonTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet
23GFS Marketplace 400Jimmie JohnsonGreg BiffleGreg BiffleFord
24Sharpie 500Jeff GordonDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
25Pop Secret 500Brian VickersMark MartinElliott SadlerFord
26Chevy Rock & Roll 400Ryan NewmanJeremy MayfieldJeremy MayfieldDodge
27Sylvania 300Jeff GordonKurt BuschKurt BuschFord
28MBNA America 400Jeremy MayfieldRyan NewmanRyan NewmanDodge
29EA Sports 500Joe NemechekDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
30Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra FoodsJoe NemechekJeremy MayfieldJoe NemechekChevrolet
31UAW-GM Quality 500Ryan NewmanKasey KahneJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
32Subway 500Ryan NewmanKurt BuschJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
33Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500Ryan NewmanMark MartinJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
34Checker Auto Parts 500Ryan NewmanDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet
35Mountain Dew Southern 500Kurt BuschJeff GordonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet
36Ford 400Kurt BuschGreg BiffleGreg BiffleFord

Budweiser Shootout

The exhibition Budweiser Shootout was held on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway.

Top ten results

  1. 88- Dale Jarrett
  2. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 29- Kevin Harvick
  4. 6- Mark Martin
  5. 24- Jeff Gordon
  6. 2- Rusty Wallace
  7. 20- Tony Stewart
  8. 5- Terry Labonte
  9. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  10. 01- Boris Said

Gatorade Twin 125s

The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway.

Race one: top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 20- Tony Stewart
  3. 42- Jamie McMurray
  4. 15- Michael Waltrip
  5. 99- Jeff Burton
  6. 18- Bobby Labonte
  7. 97- Kurt Busch
  8. 77- Brendan Gaughan (R)
  9. 0- Ward Burton
  10. 30- Johnny Sauter

Race two: top ten results

  1. 38- Elliott Sadler
  2. 40- Sterling Marlin
  3. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  4. 6- Mark Martin
  5. 29- Kevin Harvick
  6. 17- Matt Kenseth
  7. 01- Joe Nemechek
  8. 21- Ricky Rudd
  9. 2- Rusty Wallace
  10. 12- Ryan Newman

46th Daytona 500

Greg Biffle won the pole.

Top 10 Results
  1. 8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 20-Tony Stewart
  3. 22-Scott Wimmer
  4. 29-Kevin Harvick
  5. 48-Jimmie Johnson
  6. 01-Joe Nemechek
  7. 38-Elliott Sadler
  8. 24-Jeff Gordon
  9. 17-Matt Kenseth
  10. 88-Dale Jarrett

Subway 400

The final Subway 400 was held on February 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17- Matt Kenseth
  2. 9- Kasey Kahne (R)
  3. 42- Jamie McMurray
  4. 40- Sterling Marlin
  5. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 12- Ryan Newman
  7. 2- Rusty Wallace
  8. 97- Kurt Busch
  9. 0- Ward Burton
  10. 24- Jeff Gordon - 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: none

UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 7 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17- Matt Kenseth
  2. 9- Kasey Kahne
  3. 20- Tony Stewart
  4. 42- Jamie McMurray
  5. 6- Mark Martin
  6. 38- Elliott Sadler
  7. 41- Casey Mears
  8. 18- Bobby Labonte
  9. 97- Kurt Busch
  10. 2- Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Larry Gunselman (#98)

Golden Corral 500

The Golden Corral 500 was held on March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  3. 9- Kasey Kahne
  4. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  5. 12- Ryan Newman
  6. 17- Matt Kenseth
  7. 20- Tony Stewart
  8. 16- Greg Biffle
  9. 88- Dale Jarrett
  10. 24- Jeff Gordon

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)

Carolina Dodge Dealers 400

The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 18- Bobby Labonte
  3. 12- Ryan Newman
  4. 31- Robby Gordon
  5. 38- Elliott Sadler
  6. 97- Kurt Busch
  7. 6- Mark Martin
  8. 29- Kevin Harvick
  9. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  10. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94)

Food City 500

The Food City 500 was held on March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 97- Kurt Busch
  2. 2- Rusty Wallace
  3. 29- Kevin Harvick
  4. 40- Sterling Marlin
  5. 17- Matt Kenseth
  6. 49- Ken Schrader
  7. 12- Ryan Newman
  8. 42- Jamie McMurray
  9. 24- Jeff Gordon
  10. 15- Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)
Withdrew: Larry Foyt (#14)

Samsung/Radio Shack 500

The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held on April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole for the final time in his career.

Top ten results

  1. 38- Elliott Sadler
  2. 9- Kasey Kahne
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  5. 2- Rusty Wallace
  6. 97- Kurt Busch
  7. 41- Casey Mears
  8. 20- Tony Stewart
  9. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  10. 42- Jamie McMurray

Failed to qualify: Kyle Busch (#84), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Hillenburg (#80), Andy Belmont (#02)

Advance Auto Parts 500

The Advance Auto Parts 500 was held on April 18 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2- Rusty Wallace
  2. 18- Bobby Labonte
  3. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  5. 12- Ryan Newman
  6. 24- Jeff Gordon
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 17- Matt Kenseth
  9. 40- Sterling Marlin
  10. 88- Dale Jarrett

Failed to qualify: Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Aaron's 499

The Aaron's 499 was held on April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole for the final time in his career.

Top ten results

  1. 24- Jeff Gordon
  2. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 29- Kevin Harvick
  4. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  5. 31- Robby Gordon
  6. 6- Mark Martin
  7. 99- Jeff Burton
  8. 41- Casey Mears
  9. 42- Jamie McMurray
  10. 18- Bobby Labonte

Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Todd Bodine (#98), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Auto Club 500

The Auto Club 500 was held on May 2 at California Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 24- Jeff Gordon
  2. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  3. 12- Ryan Newman
  4. 17- Matt Kenseth
  5. 18- Bobby Labonte
  6. 77- Brendan Gaughan
  7. 5- Terry Labonte
  8. 41- Casey Mears
  9. 29- Kevin Harvick
  10. 0- Ward Burton

Failed to qualify: none

Chevy American Revolution 400

The Chevy American Revolution 400 was held on May 15 at Richmond International Raceway. Brian Vickers won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  3. 18- Bobby Labonte
  4. 20- Tony Stewart
  5. 17- Matt Kenseth
  6. 24- Jeff Gordon
  7. 6- Mark Martin
  8. 25- Brian Vickers
  9. 12- Ryan Newman
  10. 15- Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Nextel Open

The Nextel Open was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 40- Sterling Marlin*
  2. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  3. 42- Jamie McMurray
  4. 43- Jeff Green
  5. 22- Scott Wimmer
  6. 30- Johnny Sauter
  7. 0- Ward Burton
  8. 23- Dave Blaney
  9. 49- Ken Schrader*
  10. 50- Derrike Cope

Nextel All-Star Challenge

The Nextel All-Star Challenge was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

  1. 17- Matt Kenseth
  2. 12- Ryan Newman
  3. 20- Tony Stewart
  4. 15- Michael Waltrip
  5. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 24- Jeff Gordon
  7. 9- Kasey Kahne
  8. 38- Elliott Sadler
  9. 2- Rusty Wallace
  10. 6- Mark Martin

Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held on May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 15- Michael Waltrip
  3. 17- Matt Kenseth
  4. 42- Jamie McMurray
  5. 38- Elliott Sadler
  6. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  7. 41- Casey Mears
  8. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  9. 20- Tony Stewart
  10. 2- Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Steve Park (#7), Todd Bodine (#37), Carl Long (#46), Stanton Barrett (#94), Geoff Bodine (#98), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Jeff Fultz (#78), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Andy Hillenburg (#80)

MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes"

The MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes" was held on June 6 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 6- Mark Martin
  2. 20- Tony Stewart
  3. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 99- Jeff Burton
  5. 10- Scott Riggs
  6. 15- Michael Waltrip 1 lap down
  7. 5- Terry Labonte 1 lap down
  8. 19- Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down
  9. 22- Scott Wimmer 2 laps down
  10. 29- Kevin Harvick 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Todd Bodine (#37), Larry Gunselman (#98)

Pocono 500

The Pocono 500 was held on June 13 at Pocono Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  3. 18- Bobby Labonte
  4. 24- Jeff Gordon
  5. 97- Kurt Busch
  6. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  7. 5- Terry Labonte
  8. 31- Robby Gordon
  9. 42- Jamie McMurray
  10. 41- Casey Mears

Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Andy Hillenburg (#80)

DHL 400

The DHL 400 was held on June 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 12- Ryan Newman
  2. 9- Kasey Kahne
  3. 88- Dale Jarrett
  4. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  5. 38- Elliott Sadler
  6. 40- Sterling Marlin
  7. 17- Matt Kenseth
  8. 18- Bobby Labonte
  9. 25- Brian Vickers
  10. 15- Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Carl Long (#00)

Dodge/Save Mart 350

The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held on June 27 at Infineon Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole and led 92 of the 110 laps en route to victory.

Top ten results

  1. 24- Jeff Gordon
  2. 42- Jamie McMurray
  3. 39- Scott Pruett*
  4. 15- Michael Waltrip
  5. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  6. 36- Boris Said*
  7. 41- Casey Mears
  8. 6- Mark Martin
  9. 99- Jeff Burton
  10. 38- Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)

Pepsi 400

The Pepsi 400 was held on July 3 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 24- Jeff Gordon
  2. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  3. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 97- Kurt Busch
  5. 20- Tony Stewart
  6. 6- Mark Martin
  7. 18- Bobby Labonte
  8. 5- Terry Labonte
  9. 25- Brian Vickers
  10. 01- Joe Nemechek

Failed to qualify: Chad Blount (#37), Tony Raines (#23), Derrike Cope (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Eric McClure (#04), Kenny Wallace (#00)

Tropicana 400

The Tropicana 400 was held on July 11 at Chicagoland Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole for the 4th consecutive race. This was the first time since Darrell Waltrip in 1981 that a driver won 4 consecutive poles in a season.

Top ten results

  1. 20- Tony Stewart
  2. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  3. 88- Dale Jarrett
  4. 24- Jeff Gordon
  5. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  6. 5- Terry Labonte
  7. 40- Sterling Marlin
  8. 01- Joe Nemechek
  9. 15- Michael Waltrip
  10. 29- Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: Todd Bodine (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Siemens 300

The Siemens 300 was held on July 25 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 97- Kurt Busch
  2. 24- Jeff Gordon
  3. 12- Ryan Newman
  4. 17- Matt Kenseth
  5. 20- Tony Stewart
  6. 15- Michael Waltrip
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 9- Kasey Kahne
  9. 88- Dale Jarrett
  10. 19- Jeremy Mayfield

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kyle Busch (#84), Ryan McGlynn (#00)

Pennsylvania 500

The Pennsylvania 500 was held on August 1 at Pocono Raceway. Casey Mears won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 9- Kasey Kahne
  4. 16- Greg Biffle
  5. 24- Jeff Gordon
  6. 5- Terry Labonte
  7. 31- Robby Gordon
  8. 17- Matt Kenseth
  9. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  10. 38- Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Andy Hillenburg (#37), A. J. Henriksen (#90)

Brickyard 400

The Brickyard 400 was held on August 8 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Casey Mears won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 24- Jeff Gordon
  2. 88- Dale Jarrett
  3. 38- Elliott Sadler
  4. 9- Kasey Kahne
  5. 20- Tony Stewart
  6. 16- Greg Biffle
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 29- Kevin Harvick
  9. 91- Bill Elliott
  10. 97- Kurt Busch

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Greg Sacks (#13), Andy Hillenburg (#37), Geoff Bodine (#34), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen

The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen was held on August 15 at Watkins Glen International. Jimmie Johnson started on the pole after qualifying was rained out and set to the current owners points.

Top ten results

  1. 20- Tony Stewart
  2. 1- Ron Fellows*
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 41- Casey Mears
  5. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 29- Kevin Harvick
  7. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  8. 21- Ricky Rudd
  9. 17- Matt Kenseth
  10. 97- Kurt Busch

Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (#39), Boris Said (#36), Klaus Graf (#59), Stanton Barrett (#52)

GFS Marketplace 400

The GFS Marketplace 400 was held on August 22 at Michigan International Speedway. Jimmie Johnson started on the pole after qualifying was rained out.

Top ten results

  1. 16- Greg Biffle
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 88- Dale Jarrett
  4. 42- Jamie McMurray
  5. 9- Kasey Kahne
  6. 97- Kurt Busch
  7. 24- Jeff Gordon
  8. 17- Matt Kenseth
  9. 20- Tony Stewart
  10. 99- Carl Edwards

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Kyle Busch (#84), Kenny Wallace (#00), J. J. Yeley (#11), Mike Wallace (#35), Stan Boyd (#79), Stanton Barrett (#37)

Sharpie 500

The Sharpie 500 was held on August 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 12- Ryan Newman
  3. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  4. 30- Jeff Burton
  5. 38- Elliott Sadler
  6. 40- Sterling Marlin
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 97- Kurt Busch
  9. 17- Matt Kenseth
  10. 88- Dale Jarrett

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Stanton Barrett (#52), Brad Teague (#72), Tony Ave (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00)

Pop Secret 500

The inaugural Pop Secret 500 was held on September 5 at California Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 38- Elliott Sadler*
  2. 9- Kasey Kahne
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 42- Jamie McMurray
  5. 12- Ryan Newman
  6. 99- Carl Edwards
  7. 10- Scott Riggs
  8. 88- Dale Jarrett
  9. 31- Robby Gordon
  10. 2- Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Hermie Sadler (#02), Kevin Lepage (#37), Mike Wallace (#35)

Chevy Rock and Roll 400

The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held on September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  2. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 80- Mike Bliss
  5. 6- Mark Martin
  6. 99- Carl Edwards
  7. 09- Mike Wallace
  8. 16- Greg Biffle
  9. 42- Jamie McMurray
  10. 2- Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Johnny Sauter (#33), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Greg Sacks (#13), Hermie Sadler (#02), Brad Teague (#92), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Carl Long (#80)

Making The Chase - Starting with this year, and every year following until 2017, the fall race at Richmond served as the end of the Cup Series' regular season and as the cut off for making the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The Chase field for 2004 consisted of the following drivers:

  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. 48 - Jimmie Johnson
  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 20 - Tony Stewart
  5. 17 - Matt Kenseth
  6. 38 - Elliott Sadler
  7. 97 - Kurt Busch
  8. 6 - Mark Martin
  9. 19 - Jeremy Mayfield
  10. 12 - Ryan Newman

Chase for the Nextel Cup

Sylvania 300

The Sylvania 300 was held on September 19 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Despite the rain washing out the qualifying, the starting lineup was set by owner's points, and Jeff Gordon started on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 97- Kurt Busch
  2. 17- Matt Kenseth
  3. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 9- Kasey Kahne
  5. 42- Jamie McMurray
  6. 01- Joe Nemechek
  7. 24- Jeff Gordon
  8. 38- Elliott Sadler
  9. 15- Michael Waltrip
  10. 29- Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Martin Truex Jr. (#1), Johnny Sauter (#33), Greg Sacks (#13), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Carl Long (#46), Tony Raines (#92), Stan Boyd (#79)

MBNA America 400

The MBNA America 400 was held on September 26 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 12- Ryan Newman
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 88- Dale Jarrett
  5. 97- Kurt Busch
  6. 20- Tony Stewart
  7. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  8. 42- Jamie McMurray
  9. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  10. 48- Jimmie Johnson

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Derrike Cope (#80), Greg Sacks (#13), Carl Long (#00), Kenny Hendrick (#35), Stanton Barrett (#92), Mike Garvey (#75)

EA Sports 500

The EA Sports 500 was held on October 3 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 29- Kevin Harvick
  3. 88- Dale Jarrett
  4. 77- Brendan Gaughan
  5. 97- Kurt Busch
  6. 20- Tony Stewart
  7. 01- Joe Nemechek
  8. 41- Casey Mears
  9. 31- Robby Gordon
  10. 0- Ward Burton

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80)

Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods

The Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods was held on October 10 at Kansas Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 01- Joe Nemechek
  2. 21- Ricky Rudd
  3. 16- Greg Biffle
  4. 38- Elliott Sadler
  5. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  6. 97- Kurt Busch
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 88- Dale Jarrett
  9. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  10. 77- Brendan Gaughan

Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89)

UAW-GM Quality 500

The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held on October 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 24- Jeff Gordon
  3. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 97- Kurt Busch
  5. 01- Joe Nemechek
  6. 88- Dale Jarrett
  7. 38- Elliott Sadler
  8. 42- Jamie McMurray
  9. 30- Jeff Burton
  10. 20- Tony Stewart

Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (#00), Derrike Cope (#94), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Larry Foyt (#59), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Geoff Bodine (#98)

Subway 500

The Subway 500 was held on October 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 42- Jamie McMurray
  3. 12- Ryan Newman
  4. 40- Sterling Marlin
  5. 97- Kurt Busch
  6. 19- Jeremy Mayfield
  7. 43- Jeff Green
  8. 29- Kevin Harvick
  9. 24- Jeff Gordon
  10. 2- Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#46), Brad Teague (#94), Greg Sacks (#13), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Mike Garvey (#75), Klaus Graf (#59)

Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500

The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on October 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 99- Carl Edwards
  4. 01- Joe Nemechek
  5. 9- Kasey Kahne
  6. 30- Jeff Burton
  7. 25- Brian Vickers
  8. 42- Jamie McMurray
  9. 20- Tony Stewart
  10. 16- Greg Biffle

Failed to qualify: Scott Riggs (#10), Scott Wimmer (#22), Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Johnny Sauter (#09), Hermie Sadler (#02), Mike Wallace (#4), Derrike Cope (#94), Randy LaJoie (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Larry Foyt (#59), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Belmont (#80), Larry Hollenbeck (#62), Kenny Wallace (#00)

Checker Auto Parts 500

The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held on November 7 at Phoenix International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race at Phoenix was very cloudy and a short chance of rain in cold weather.

Top ten results

  1. 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 12- Ryan Newman
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 29- Kevin Harvick
  5. 9- Kasey Kahne
  6. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  7. 2- Rusty Wallace
  8. 20- Tony Stewart
  9. 18- Bobby Labonte
  10. 97- Kurt Busch

Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Tony Raines (#51), Stanton Barrett (#94), Mario Gosselin (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Geoff Bodine (#93), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)

Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held on November 14 at Darlington Raceway. Qualifying was canceled due to rain and the starting lineup was set by owner's points so Kurt Busch won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 42- Jamie McMurray
  5. 9- Kasey Kahne
  6. 97- Kurt Busch
  7. 99- Carl Edwards
  8. 01- Joe Nemechek
  9. 18- Bobby Labonte
  10. 0- Mike Bliss

Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), John Andretti (#14), Derrike Cope (#94), Carl Long (#00), Travis Kvapil (#06)

Ford 400

The Ford 400 was held on November 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kurt Busch won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 16- Greg Biffle
  2. 48- Jimmie Johnson
  3. 24- Jeff Gordon
  4. 20- Tony Stewart
  5. 97- Kurt Busch
  6. 77- Brendan Gaughan
  7. 42- Jamie McMurray
  8. 2- Rusty Wallace
  9. 21- Ricky Rudd
  10. 29- Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (#45), Johnny Sauter (#09), Mike Garvey (#75), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Todd Bodine (#50), Larry Foyt (#70), J. J. Yeley (#11), Randy LaJoie (#98), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80), Geoff Bodine (#93)

Full Drivers' Championship

(key) Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. * – Most laps led.

Pos.Driver DAY CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts.
1 Kurt Busch 1689126*1*61136233111125113643512610106811151*55645*4210656506
2 Jimmie Johnson 541164116944221*321*4522111*36404031436111037321116126498
3 Jeff Gordon 810151041936*11*63036438*1*1*4251*21714373731913293433*36490
4 Mark Martin 431251472317346117361363486241422532133*5132152013122*152116399
5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 153511011432*191*63621113223125275211*342391*9333331*11236368
6 Tony Stewart 2*2637*17248142216492*27241551*53551*91918193966141015981746326
7 Ryan Newman 31627537395113935243011412343*133126142520331*163314317234306180
8 Matt Kenseth 91*1*631516842453222172039124816989222823214171116413620196069
9 Elliott Sadler 7186295141122822125181251026211510315325117820224732363823346024
10 Jeremy Mayfield 2511142917343621142288219302251091171122161*357385*306262119356000
Chase for the Nextel Cup cut-off
Pos.Driver DAY CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts.
11 Jamie McMurray 363437218107915384159372371373071347495817782824474597
12 Bobby Labonte 112581823325210531325383371817291511261620161814351617182099124277
13 Kasey Kahne (R)4122313402*21301328122114231253683414521224442271232*13555384274
14 Kevin Harvick 413213283131939252310201712141013328616242812101923536835432104228
15 Dale Jarrett 10401193221181016241318112631816392422731082627438637152237244214
16 Rusty Wallace 2971035292513335161013322228271130171325362610101413261831101171883960
17 Greg Biffle 122340812123135153321212611231331203546351*11368281128333171013241*3902
18 Jeff Burton 4237132011382725726142242413923331234121212415231533131591161113363902
19 Joe Nemechek 62419152027142732283614381835291082016172213421222635715304128273878
20 Michael Waltrip 3833372335102015123210263310413963620201727231391625112819141733173878
21 Sterling Marlin 374181614426931271539293162120721153336156261412153434124122512163857
22 Casey Mears 14217341536737883272810317111526182642030293529248312029133426263690
23 Robby Gordon 3536301741923305122420148333419172572216251293232309281823163515293646
24 Ricky Rudd 1819283133372220171711263019123517323912288244017213712122161412191693615
25 Brian Vickers (R)391623212335121327298152313922914341429302220133722383619402771821183521
26 Terry Labonte 2017172419184123257183777264086166383927151918242721212525313228313519
27 Scott Wimmer (R)31539271613332918303028935142532231811321918362138362331362620DNQ2622133198
28 Brendan Gaughan (R)1920223327203817136343327391626363022283534333542273022410233418302763165
29 Scott Riggs (R)34312925303415283425352551620422129282237231917739263111263826DNQ1425153090
30 Jeff Green 332834192429352419373727311527273028243314172329272519213929357212314373054
31 Ken Schrader 402732262261940232023313425392335273721182828323330162520272131232030253032
32 Ward Burton 17926131828322240102016191730244019293139373018314025371030192830402929
33 Kyle Petty 2139122834252118243927383737183224262719231829373534211729382722292835DNQ2811
34 Ricky Craven 23352522362228164318262416342916383838202432353417302086
35 Jimmy Spencer 24293820384129172328292523231942313132333826402529351969
36 Johnny Sauter (R)26142430261524311421194020DNQDNQ24DNQ3929DNQ1430
37 Carl Edwards 10336620184222QL243377141424
38 Dave Blaney 151111394017332915153733272124QL371347
39 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 17424241193838112943231536381631211271
40 Derrike Cope 30303338252637333831293442DNQ4041384042DNQDNQDNQDNQ1058
41 Todd Bodine 41404339DNQ3433DNQDNQ4236DNQ41384141432343233943394339DNQ986
42 Morgan Shepherd Wth42DNQ35DNQDNQ32413639DNQ42384033Wth4037DNQ383441DNQDNQ4034DNQDNQDNQDNQ4143DNQ925
43 Kevin Lepage 3322363628304341434342DNQDNQDNQDNQ43DNQDNQDNQ36DNQ39422827DNQDNQ915
44 Hermie Sadler 3126414241DNQ4043DNQ3342DNQDNQDNQ31DNQ2340DNQ38DNQ334043852
45 John Andretti 1329Wth194316222534DNQ20818
46 Mike Wallace 354132DNQ28DNQ73418DNQDNQDNQ293833764
47 Kirk Shelmerdine DNQ424340394142DNQDNQ42DNQDNQ394043DNQDNQ41DNQ37DNQ414240DNQ43DNQ40DNQDNQ42DNQ723
48 Bill Elliott 20361892522595
49 Mike Bliss 3141040407
50 Kenny Wallace 37DNQ34DNQ2532DNQDNQ22365
51 Shane Hmiel 3929242441349
52 Kyle Busch 41DNQ32DNQDNQ24373443345
53 Tony Raines 40DNQ3039WthDNQDNQ2843Wth40DNQDNQ318
54 P. J. Jones 2225393943316
55 Boris Said 6DNQ3028302
56 Geoff Bodine 39DNQ2832DNQ4139DNQDNQWthWth278
57 Johnny Benson 27314029QL271
58 Carl Long 3838DNQWth41DNQWth423939DNQDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQWthDNQDNQ267
59 Larry Gunselman WthDNQDNQ3734433342248
60 Joe Ruttman 434343424343Wth41247
61 Kerry Earnhardt 35WthDNQ28DNQ24DNQWth228
62 Stanton Barrett DNQ32Wth4140DNQDNQ43DNQDNQDNQDNQDNQ41DNQ224
63 Travis Kvapil 2132DNQ39213
64 Scott Pruett 342DNQ207
65 Andy Hillenburg DNQ34Wth424243DNQ42WthDNQWthDNQDNQDNQ206
66 Larry Foyt 2832WthWth30DNQDNQDNQDNQ194
67 Ron Fellows 2170
68 Randy LaJoie 43DNQ4236DNQ126
69 J. J. Yeley DNQ4127DNQ122
70 Martin Truex Jr. QLDNQ3732119
71 Greg Sacks DNQ42DNQWthDNQDNQDNQ41DNQDNQ42114
72 Klaus Graf 17DNQDNQ112
73 Tom Hubert 4329110
74 Jim Inglebright 19106
75 Jeff Fuller 434342105
76 Andy Belmont WthWth3937DNQWthWthDNQ98
77 Mike Skinner 2297
78 Eric McClure 26DNQ90
79 Ted Christopher 364389
80 Mario Gosselin 41DNQ4180
81 Chad Blount DNQ434174
82 David Green 3170
83 Tony Ave 31DNQ70
84 Austin Cameron 3849
85 Chad Chaffin 3946
86 Jason Jarrett 4043
87 Brandon Ash 4140
88 Jason Leffler 4334
89 Steve Park DNQ
90 Jeff Fultz DNQ
91 A. J. Henriksen DNQ
92 Larry Hollenbeck DNQWthDNQ
93 Stan Boyd WthWthDNQDNQ
94 Brad Teague DNQDNQDNQ
95 Ryan McGlynn WthWthWthDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQ
96 Kenny Hendrick WthDNQ
97 Mike Garvey WthWthDNQDNQDNQDNQWthDNQ
98 Kevin Ray Wth
99 Damon Lusk WthWth
100 Steve Grissom Wth
101 Ted Musgrave Wth
Pos.Driver DAY CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts.

Rookie of the Year

The Rookie of the year battle in 2004 marked the first time since 1998 that a rookie driver did not visit victory lane. The winner of the battle was dark horse candidate Kasey Kahne, who went from a 41st-place finish at the season opening Daytona 500, to being narrowly defeated by Matt Kenseth the next week at Rockingham, and he never looked back, grabbing fourteen top ten finishes and thirteen top-five finishes, as well as a couple of pole positions. Pre-season favorites Scott Wimmer and Brian Vickers struggled, although Wimmer placed third in the Daytona 500, but neither made competitive strides during the season. Brendan Gaughan was a pleasant surprise, posting four top tens and finishing runner-up to Kahne for the award, while Scott Riggs only had two-top ten finishes. The only other rookie, Johnny Sauter, was released from his ride mid-season and never made a challenge for the top honor.

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500</span> Motor car race

The 2012 Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race held on October 7, 2012 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama, United States. Contested over 188 laps on the 2.66-mile (4.3 km) asphalt tri-oval, it was the thirtieth race of the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season, as well as the fourth race in the ten-race Chase for the Sprint Cup, which ends the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Pepsi 400</span> Motor car race

The 2004 Pepsi 400 was the 17th race of the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season. It was held on July 3, 2004 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports won the race from the pole position and also led the most laps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Subway 500</span> Motor car race

The 2004 Subway 500 was a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series stock car race held on October 24, 2004 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Contested over 500 laps, the race was the 32nd of the 36-race 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season, and the sixth race in the 2004 Chase for the Nextel Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Advance Auto Parts 500</span> Motor car race

The 2004 Advance Auto Parts 500 was the eighth stock car race of the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. It was held on April 18, 2004, at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia before a crowd of 91,000. The 500-lap race was won by Rusty Wallace of the Penske-Jasper Racing team after he started from a seventeenth position; It was Wallace's fifty-fifth and final victory of his career. Bobby Labonte finished second and Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in third.

References

  1. "Standings: 2004 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  2. "2004 NASCAR Penalties". Jayski . April 21, 2004. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  3. Caldwell, Dave (June 14, 2004). "Auto Racing: Johnson Prevails Despite Pitfalls of Pocono 500". The New York Times. Retrieved January 26, 2020.