my-server
← Wiki

2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was 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. Bill Elliott won the 2002 NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award. He would win it for the 16th and final time in his career. He withdrew from the ballot after receiving the award. 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.

This was the final season for the non-common template bodies. The following season would require all manufacturers to use the same roofline. The most significant rule change for 2002 was the implementation of the one-engine rule for race weekends. At a race event, cars would now be required to practice, qualify, and race with the same engine. The rule banned separate "qualifying engines" (and "practice engines"). Unapproved engine changes during the weekend would be met with a grid penalty. Before the start of the race, cars that changed engines would be forced to move to the rear of the field before the green flag. The rule was an effort to reduce costs, and potentially save crews valuable time during the course of a race weekend.

Teams and drivers

Complete schedule

Limited schedule

Schedule

Races

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. Instead of qualifying, the starting lineup was decided by random draw. Kurt Busch started on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #20 - Tony Stewart
  2. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  4. #36 - Ken Schrader
  5. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  7. #5 - Terry Labonte
  8. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  9. #1 - Kenny Wallace
  10. #66 - Todd Bodine

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

  1. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. #36 - Ken Schrader
  4. #21 - Ricky Rudd
  5. #5 - Terry Labonte
  6. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  7. #97 - Kurt Busch
  8. #33 - Mike Wallace
  9. #22 - Ward Burton
  10. #88 - Dale Jarrett

Race two: Top ten results

  1. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  2. #20 - Tony Stewart
  3. #25 - Jerry Nadeau
  4. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  5. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. #31 - Robby Gordon
  7. #71 - Dave Marcis
  8. #43 - John Andretti
  9. #1 - Kenny Wallace
  10. #4 - Mike Skinner

Daytona 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #22 - Ward Burton
  2. #21 - Elliott Sadler
  3. #09 - Geoff Bodine
  4. #97 - Kurt Busch
  5. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  6. #6 - Mark Martin
  7. #12 - Ryan Newman
  8. #40 - Sterling Marlin*
  9. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  10. #10 - Johnny Benson

Failed to qualify: #41-Jimmy Spencer, #23-Hut Stricklin, #44-Buckshot Jones, #16-Greg Biffle, #90-Rick Mast, #59-Bobby Gerhart, #02-Hermie Sadler, #85-Carl Long, #84-Norm Benning, #80-Kirk Shelmerdine

  • 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 into 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 restrictor-plate tracks. While under the red flag, Marlin got out of his race car and started pulling on his fender, 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.
  • This was the first Daytona 500 victory for Dodge since Richard Petty won in 1974.
  • As of 2020, this is the only Daytona 500 in NASCAR History that 2 sets of 3 brothers all raced against each other: The Wallaces (Rusty, Mike, & Kenny), and The Bodines (Geoff, Brett, & Todd). The eldest brother of each set (Rusty and Geoff), finished ahead of the younger brothers. The Wallaces finished 18th (Rusty), 21st (Mike), & 30th (Kenny). The Bodines finished 3rd (Geoff), 16th (Brett), & 31st (Todd). All 6 drivers saw the checkered flag and finished the race.
  • Dave Marcis made his final career start in this race, starting 14th and finishing 42nd with a blown engine. This was Marcis' 33rd Daytona 500 start, a record that still stands today.

Subway 400

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

  1. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  2. #40 - Sterling Marlin*
  3. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  4. #20 - Tony Stewart
  5. #32 - Ricky Craven
  6. #99 - Jeff Burton
  7. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  8. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  9. #55 - Bobby Hamilton
  10. #1 - Kenny Wallace

Failed to qualify: Dick Trickle (#71), Randy Renfrow (#59), Carl Long (#85)

  • Sterling Marlin would take over the points lead, and he would hold the top spot for 25 consecutive weeks. He would lose the lead at Loudon in mid-September. As of 2020, his streak of 25 straight weeks would be the longest in history for a driver to not win a NASCAR championship.

UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  2. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield
  3. #6 - Mark Martin
  4. #12 - Ryan Newman
  5. #20 - Tony Stewart
  6. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  7. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  8. #9 - Bill Elliott
  9. #99 - Jeff Burton
  10. #41 - Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#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

  1. #20 - Tony Stewart
  2. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  4. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. #32 - Ricky Craven
  6. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  7. #22 - Ward Burton
  8. #6 - Mark Martin
  9. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  10. #12 - Ryan Newman

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#57), Carl Long (#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 seconds; 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

  1. #40 - Sterling Marlin*
  2. #21 - Elliott Sadler
  3. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  4. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  5. #12 - Ryan Newman
  6. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  7. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  9. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  10. #9 - Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: none

  • Marlin had to start at the back after changing an engine in a happy hour. By the halfway point he was already in third 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

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

Top ten results

  1. #97 - Kurt Busch*
  2. #41 - Jimmy Spencer
  3. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.*
  5. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  7. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  8. #25 - Jerry Nadeau
  9. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  10. #29 - Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: none

  • Tony Stewart started the race 13th and led 74 laps, but was replaced 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. This was also the first of what would be four victories in the next five Bristol Cup races for Busch.
  • After the race, a heated incident occurred on pit road with Robby Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. from an incident earlier in the race when Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon, who was a lap down at the time, got together. At the end of the cool-down lap, Earnhardt Jr. ran into the side of Gordon's car entering pit road before Gordon retaliated by running into the back of him and turning him around in the middle of the pits.

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

  1. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  2. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. #6 - Mark Martin
  4. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  5. #20 - Tony Stewart
  6. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  7. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  8. #41 - Jimmy Spencer
  9. #9 - Bill Elliott
  10. #5 - Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#57)

Virginia 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #18 - Bobby Labonte*
  2. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  3. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  4. #20 - Tony Stewart
  5. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. #5 - Terry Labonte
  7. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  8. #6 - Mark Martin
  9. #99 - Jeff Burton
  10. #97 - Kurt Busch

Failed to qualify: Randy Renfrow (#59)

  • Kevin Harvick was ejected 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 #29 in his place. Harvick was previously on probation for an incident at Bristol with Greg Biffle in the Busch Series race, leading to NASCAR's ejection.
  • This was Labonte's first and only Cup Series victory on a short track.

Aaron's 499

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

Top ten results

  1. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  3. #97 - Kurt Busch
  4. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  5. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  7. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  8. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  9. #99 - Jeff Burton
  10. #45 - Kyle Petty

Failed to qualify: Shawna Robinson (#49), Rick Mast (#90), Bobby Gerhart (#59), Dick Trickle (#91)

  • The "Big One" took out at least 24 cars on lap 164.

NAPA Auto Parts 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #48 - Jimmie Johnson*
  2. #97 - Kurt Busch
  3. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott
  5. #6 - Mark Martin
  6. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  7. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  8. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  9. #77 - Dave Blaney
  10. #15 - Michael Waltrip

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

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. was involved in a hard crash when Kevin Harvick cut down a tire and hit Earnhardt's 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. This is now prohibited because of Earnhardt's 2012 admission of concussions after a Talladega crash in the playoffs. Current rules require drivers to pass concussion protocol after incidents.
  • The win was Johnson's first career Winston Cup victory.
  • Greg Biffle made his Cup Series debut in this race, driving a fifth Roush Racing entry. Biffle started 29th and finished 13th.

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was scheduled to be run at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night on May 4th, but rain ended up stopping the race after 66 laps; the remainder was run the next day. Ward Burton won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #20 - Tony Stewart
  2. #12 - Ryan Newman
  3. #99 - Jeff Burton
  4. #6 - Mark Martin
  5. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield
  6. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  7. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  8. #44 - Steve Grissom
  9. #32 - Ricky Craven
  10. #41 - Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: Kevin Grubb (#54)

The Winston

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

Winston Open: Top five results

  1. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield
  2. #36 - Ken Schrader
  3. #12 - Ryan Newman
  4. #23 - Hut Stricklin
  5. #45 - Kyle Petty

No Bull Sprint: Top five results

  1. #12 - Ryan Newman
  2. #45 - Kyle Petty
  3. #36 - Ken Schrader
  4. #23 - Hut Stricklin
  5. #41 - Jimmy Spencer

The Winston: Top ten results

  1. #12 - Ryan Newman
  2. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  4. #97 - Kurt Busch
  5. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  6. #20 - Tony Stewart
  7. #31 - Robby Gordon
  8. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  9. #32 - Ricky Craven
  10. #9 - Bill Elliott

Coca-Cola Racing Family 600

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

Top ten results

  1. #6 - Mark Martin*
  2. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  3. #32 - Ricky Craven
  4. #28 - Ricky Rudd*
  5. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. #20 - Tony Stewart
  7. #48 - Jimmie Johnson*
  8. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  9. #9 - Bill Elliott
  10. #2 - Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: Chad Little (#74), Carl Long (#85), Derrike Cope (#37), Randy Renfrow (#59)

  • Jimmie Johnson led a race-high 263 laps, but spun out Hut Stricklin in turn 3 while leading on lap 359, bringing out the final caution. Johnson dropped to 9th on the restart, while Martin won the race off pit road and led the rest of the way.
  • This was Mark Martin's first win in 73 races since Martinsville back in April 2000. Not only did Martin snap his winless drought, but he also won his first and only Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus in his 9th attempt. He became eligible for this race after finishing in the Top 5 at Las Vegas two months prior. He is also the first and only driver not named Jeff or Dale to win the bonus.
  • In this race, Ricky Rudd would become NASCAR's new Iron Man by making his 656th consecutive start, passing Terry Labonte. Labonte held the Iron Man record with 655 consecutive starts. Rudd would finish his Iron Man streak at the end of 2005 with 788 consecutive starts, and he would hold that record for exactly 10 years. In late 2015 at Loudon, Jeff Gordon would pass Rudd by making his 789th consecutive start. As of 2022, Jeff Gordon is currently NASCAR's Iron Man with 797 consecutive starts.

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

  1. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  2. #9 - Bill Elliott
  3. #99 - Jeff Burton
  4. #12 - Ryan Newman
  5. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  6. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. #32 - Ricky Craven
  8. #31 - Robby Gordon
  9. #55 - Bobby Hamilton
  10. #21 - Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#37), Hermie Sadler (#90), Randy Renfrow (#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

  1. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. #6 - Mark Martin
  3. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  4. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  5. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. #99 - Jeff Burton
  7. #20 - Tony Stewart
  8. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  9. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  10. #77 - Dave Blaney

Failed to qualify: none

Sirius 400

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

Top ten results

  1. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  2. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  3. #12 - Ryan Newman
  4. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  5. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. #10 - Johnny Benson
  7. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  8. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  9. #6 - Mark Martin
  10. #97 - Kurt Busch

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

  1. #28 - Ricky Rudd*
  2. #20 - Tony Stewart
  3. #5 - Terry Labonte
  4. #97 - Kurt Busch
  5. #30 - Jeff Green
  6. #21 - Elliott Sadler
  7. #6 - Mark Martin
  8. #9 - Bill Elliott
  9. #12 - Ryan Newman
  10. #43 - John Andretti

Failed to qualify: Brandon Ash (#46), Stacy Compton (#14)

  • Jerry Nadeau nearly won the race when his rear-end gear failed, causing him to stop his #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.
  • 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

  1. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  2. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  4. #41 - Jimmy Spencer
  5. #6 - Mark Martin
  6. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  7. #26 - Todd Bodine
  8. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  9. #22 - Ward Burton
  10. #09 - Geoff Bodine

Failed to qualify: Ed Berrier (#90), Steve Grissom (#44)

  • The Big One occurred with 25 laps remaining when Dale Jarrett got down low and spun back up into traffic, blocking the entire track and collecting 13 other cars.
  • Fox was airing MLB regional games that day, and both of the scheduled late afternoon games ran long. Viewers who had been watching the FOX telecast of the San Francisco Giants/Arizona Diamondbacks game (Giants won 3-2) joined this race just in time for the green flag to start. Those who were watching the Los Angeles Dodgers/St. Louis Cardinals game (Dodgers won 4-2 in 11 innings) joined the race under caution on lap 4.
  • Johnny Benson was involved in a hard crash on lap 8, rebreaking the ribs he broke at Richmond in May, and forcing him to miss two more races.

Tropicana 400

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

Top ten results

  1. #29 - Kevin Harvick*
  2. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  3. #20 - Tony Stewart
  4. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  5. #12 - Ryan Newman
  6. #97 - Kurt Busch
  7. #9 - Bill Elliott
  8. #31 - Robby Gordon
  9. #6 - Mark Martin
  10. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#49), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Tony Raines (#74), Scott Wimmer (#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 the grass in turn 1 that caused three other cars to lose control and spin out. 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

  1. #22 - Ward Burton*
  2. #30 - Jeff Green
  3. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  4. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  5. #12 - Ryan Newman
  6. #26 - Todd Bodine
  7. #31 - Robby Gordon
  8. #97 - Kurt Busch
  9. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  10. #21 - Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: none

  • This was the final Cup Series victory for Ward Burton, and for Bill Davis Racing.
  • With this win and the Daytona 500 win, 2002 was the only season in Ward Burton's career that he won multiple races in a season.
  • Matt Kenseth dominated the last part of the race, as well as leading the most laps, but ended up with a flat tire while leading with 10 laps to go, and unfortunately finished 33rd, the last car one lap down.

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 Ã¢Â€Â“ 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

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #97 - Kurt Busch
  3. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  4. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  5. #12 - Ryan Newman
  6. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  7. #20 - Tony Stewart
  8. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  9. #5 - Terry Labonte
  10. #28 - Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#79)

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 was used to make racing accidents safer.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  4. #12 - Ryan Newman
  5. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  6. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. #1 - Steve Park
  8. #31 - Robby Gordon
  9. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  10. #88 - Dale Jarrett

Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#49), Derrike Cope (#37), Scott Wimmer (#27), Tony Raines (#74), Jim Sauter (#71), Stuart Kirby (#57), P. J. Jones (#50)

Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen

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

Top ten results

  1. #20 - Tony Stewart
  2. #12 - Ryan Newman
  3. #31 - Robby Gordon
  4. #14 - P. J. Jones
  5. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  6. #41 - Scott Pruett*
  7. #99 - Jeff Burton
  8. #26 - Todd Bodine
  9. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  10. #6 - Mark Martin

Failed to qualify: Austin Cameron (#62), Shane Lewis (#09), Justin Bell (#46), Jimmy Spencer (#42)

  • 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.
  • Scott Pruett picked up his career-best finish at that point in time, substituting for Jimmy Spencer, who DNQ'd in a third Chip Ganassi entry.

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

  1. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  2. #20 - Tony Stewart
  3. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  4. #99 - Jeff Burton
  5. #6 - Mark Martin
  6. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  7. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  8. #10 - Johnny Benson
  9. #30 - Jeff Green
  10. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (#16)

Sharpie 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. #29 - Kevin Harvick
  5. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  6. #97 - Kurt Busch
  7. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  8. #41 - Jimmy Spencer
  9. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  10. #14 - Mike Wallace

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Carl Long (#51), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Tim Sauter (#71)

  • 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 Jr. wrecked him on lap 405. Robby Gordon was also penalized for two laps after spinning out Jimmie Johnson on a restart.

Mountain Dew Southern 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #24 - Jeff Gordon*
  2. #12 - Ryan Newman
  3. #9 - Bill Elliott
  4. #40 - Sterling Marlin
  5. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  6. #22 - Ward Burton
  7. #97 - Kurt Busch
  8. #20 - Tony Stewart
  9. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  10. #99 - Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51)

  • With this win, Jeff Gordon would tie Cale Yarborough as a 5-time winner of the Southern 500, the most of all drivers.
  • Jeff Gordon would become the 7th driver in NASCAR history to win 60+ NASCAR races.

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

  1. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  2. #12 - Ryan Newman
  3. #30 - Jeff Green
  4. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  5. #26 - Todd Bodine
  6. #6 - Mark Martin
  7. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  8. #22 - Ward Burton 1 lap down
  9. #77 - Dave Blaney 1 lap down
  10. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51)

  • Bobby Hamilton suffered injuries in the Craftsman Truck Series race held the Thursday before and would miss the next five Cup races. Greg Biffle drove Hamilton's #55 for the first four races while Ron Hornaday Jr. drove in the fifth.
  • 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. Jeff Gordon fell out of his golf cart and suffered a bruised hand but still participated in the race.
  • During the pre-race, the pace car blew an engine and laid oil down turns 3 and 4. On 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

  1. #12 - Ryan Newman*
  2. #97 - Kurt Busch
  3. #20 - Tony Stewart
  4. #10 - Johnny Benson
  5. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  6. #32 - Ricky Craven
  7. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  8. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  9. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  10. #17 - Matt Kenseth

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51)

  • This was Ryan Newman's first career Cup Series points victory
  • After finishing 21st, Sterling Marlin would lose the points lead for the first time after leading the standings for 25 consecutive weeks. As of 2020, his streak of 25 straight weeks would be the longest in history for a driver to not win a NASCAR championship. Mark Martin would lead the points following this race.

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

  1. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  2. #6 - Mark Martin
  3. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  4. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  5. #20 - Tony Stewart
  6. #99 - Jeff Burton
  7. #97 - Kurt Busch
  8. #12 - Ryan Newman
  9. #32 - Ricky Craven 1 lap down
  10. #10 - Johnny Benson 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#27), Brett Bodine (#11), Morgan Shepherd (#51)

  • Hideo Fukuyama made his Cup series debut in this race, becoming the first Japanese driver to start a NASCAR Cup Series points race.
  • With this victory, Johnson ties Tony Stewart's record for most wins in a season as a rookie in the Cup series, with three.

Protection One 400

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

Top ten results

  1. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  2. #12 - Ryan Newman
  3. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  4. #25 - Joe Nemechek
  5. #9 - Bill Elliott
  6. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  7. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  8. #20 - Tony Stewart
  9. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield
  10. #48 - Jimmie Johnson 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (#11), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Carl Long (#51)

  • On lap 148, Sterling Marlin crashed hard into the outside wall exiting turn 2. Although he was checked and released from the infield care center, Marlin was later diagnosed with a neck injury that would cause him to miss the rest of the season.
  • Points leader Mark Martin finished 25th with a blown engine, handing the points lead to Jimmie Johnson, the first time that a Rookie driver has led the points standings in NASCAR history.

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

  1. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. #20 - Tony Stewart
  3. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. #97 - Kurt Busch
  5. #30 - Jeff Green
  6. #1 - Steve Park
  7. #12 - Ryan Newman
  8. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  9. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  10. #22 - Ward Burton

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#51), Geoff Bodine (#09), Robert Pressley (#92)*, Kerry Earnhardt (#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 Nemechek, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, as well as the Hendrick affiliated cars of Johnny Benson and Ken Schrader)
  • With both Johnson and Martin having problems, Tony Stewart would take the points lead for the first time after this race.
  • As of 2018, this would be the last time ever that a NASCAR Cup race would go flag to flag green (or caution free).
  • Pressley's DNQ marked the last appearance of Melling Racing in NASCAR, as the team would never attempt another race, and would shut down in 2003.
  • This was the final race for the Winston No Bull 5 program.

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. Jamie McMurray, subbing for an injured Sterling Marlin, won his first race in his second career start.

Top ten results

  1. #40 - Jamie McMurray
  2. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  3. #20 - Tony Stewart
  4. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  5. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  6. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  7. #99 - Jeff Burton
  8. #12 - Ryan Newman
  9. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  10. #77 - Dave Blaney

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#59), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Scott Wimmer (#27), Jack Sprague (#60), Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#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 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.
  • This race marked the last start for Donlavey Racing in a Cup Series points race, finishing in last place with driver Jason Hedlesky.

Old Dominion 500

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

Top ten results

  1. #97 - Kurt Busch
  2. #10 - Johnny Benson
  3. #28 - Ricky Rudd
  4. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  5. #22 - Ward Burton
  6. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  7. #32 - Ricky Craven
  8. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  9. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  10. #6 - Mark Martin

Failed to qualify: Brian Rose (#51), Carl Long (#59), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Ryan McGlynn (#80), Kirk Shelmerdine (#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

  1. #97 - Kurt Busch
  2. #25 - Joe Nemechek
  3. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  4. #20 - Tony Stewart
  5. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  7. #40 - Jamie McMurray
  8. #6 - Mark Martin
  9. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  10. #12 - Ryan Newman

Failed to qualify: Geoff Bodine (#09), Frank Kimmel (#66), Scott Wimmer (#27), Greg Biffle (#16), Buckshot Jones (#00), Jack Sprague (#60), Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#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

  1. #10 - Johnny Benson*
  2. #6 - Mark Martin*
  3. #97 - Kurt Busch
  4. #99 - Jeff Burton
  5. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. #4 - Mike Skinner
  7. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  8. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  9. #32 - Ricky Craven
  10. #30 - Jeff Green

Failed to qualify: Tony Raines (#74), Tim Sauter (#71), Carl Long (#59), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#54), Hideo Fukuyama (#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, and Jack Roush was penalized 25 owner points.
  • First win for MB2 Motorsports.

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

  1. #17 - Matt Kenseth
  2. #2 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  4. #6 - Mark Martin*
  5. #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. #97 - Kurt Busch
  7. #77 - Dave Blaney
  8. #20 - Tony Stewart*
  9. #88 - Dale Jarrett
  10. #21 - Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (#07), Jack Sprague (#60), Brett Bodine (#11), Jerry Robertson (#51), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Jeff Jefferson (#37), Lance Hooper (#47), Mike Harmon (#93)

  • Tony Stewart left Phoenix with an 89-point lead over Mark Martin. Stewart had to finish 22nd or better to clinch his first championship the following week at Homestead if Martin led the most laps and won the race.
  • Mark Martin's appeal to regain the 25 points back from his penalty at Rockingham was denied during qualifying for the following race at Homestead, the season finale. If the penalty was withdrawn, the points gap between Stewart and Martin would've been 64 points.

Ford 400

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

Top ten results

  1. #97 - Kurt Busch
  2. #25 - Joe Nemechek
  3. #99 - Jeff Burton
  4. #6 - Mark Martin
  5. #24 - Jeff Gordon
  6. #12 - Ryan Newman
  7. #9 - Bill Elliott
  8. #48 - Jimmie Johnson
  9. #21 - Elliott Sadler
  10. #55 - Bobby Hamilton

Failed to qualify: David Green (#54), Brett Bodine (#11), Hermie Sadler (#02), Tony Raines (#74), Boris Said (#67), Carl Long (#59), Geoff Bodine (#09), Mike Harmon (#93)

  • Tony Stewart clinched the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship after finishing in 18th place, the lowest for a driver to win the championship in the season finale since 1995 when Jeff Gordon finished 32nd.
  • Tony Stewart would be the last driver to win the championship in the season finale before the Playoffs Era.
  • 2002 would be the last time in NASCAR history that a driver would win the title with less than 5,000 points to his total. 2002 would also be the only season in the 36 race era (2001–Present) that a driver won the title with less than 5,000 points.
  • As of 2021, Tony Stewart is the only driver in NASCAR history to win the championship after finishing last in the first race of the season (43rd in the Daytona 500).
  • After 16 straight seasons with at least one victory from 1986 to 2001, Rusty Wallace failed to keep his winning streak alive in 2002.

Full Drivers' Championship

()&nbsp;<span style="font-size:90%;">Bold&nbsp;– Pole position awarded by time. Italics&nbsp;– Pole position set by owner's points. *&nbsp;– Most laps led.</span><br />

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.

See also

References