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2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

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.

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

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

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Full-time schedule

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Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew 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

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Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew Chief Rounds
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
70 1
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

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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

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No. Race Pole position Most laps led Winning driver Manufacturer
Budweiser Shootout Jeremy Mayfield Terry Labonte Dale Jarrett Ford
Gatorade 125 #1 Greg Biffle Greg Biffle Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
Gatorade 125 #2 Elliott Sadler Elliott Sadler Elliott Sadler Ford
1 Daytona 500 Greg Biffle Tony Stewart Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
2 Subway 400 Ryan Newman Matt Kenseth Matt Kenseth Ford
3 UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 Kasey Kahne Matt Kenseth Matt Kenseth Ford
4 Golden Corral 500 Ryan Newman Tony Stewart Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
5 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 Kasey Kahne Kurt Busch Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
6 Food City 500 Ryan Newman Kurt Busch Kurt Busch Ford
7 Samsung/Radio Shack 500 Bobby Labonte Kasey Kahne Elliott Sadler Ford
8 Advance Auto Parts 500 Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Rusty Wallace Dodge
9 Aaron's 499 Ricky Rudd Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
10 Auto Club 500 Kasey Kahne Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
11 Chevy American Revolution 400 Brian Vickers Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
Nextel Open Dave Blaney Jamie McMurray Sterling Marlin Dodge
Nextel All-Star Challenge Rusty Wallace Ryan Newman Matt Kenseth Ford
12 Coca-Cola 600 Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
13 MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes" Jeremy Mayfield Tony Stewart Mark Martin Ford
14 Pocono 500 Kasey Kahne Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
15 DHL 400 Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Ryan Newman Dodge
16 Dodge/Save Mart 350 Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
17 Pepsi 400 Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
18 Tropicana 400 presented by Meijer Jeff Gordon Tony Stewart Tony Stewart Chevrolet
19 Siemens 300 Ryan Newman Ryan Newman Kurt Busch Ford
20 Pennsylvania 500 Casey Mears Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
21 Brickyard 400 Casey Mears Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
22 Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Tony Stewart Chevrolet
23 GFS Marketplace 400 Jimmie Johnson Greg Biffle Greg Biffle Ford
24 Sharpie 500 Jeff Gordon Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
25 Pop Secret 500 Brian Vickers Mark Martin Elliott Sadler Ford
26 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Ryan Newman Jeremy Mayfield Jeremy Mayfield Dodge
27 Sylvania 300 Jeff Gordon Kurt Busch Kurt Busch Ford
28 MBNA America 400 Jeremy Mayfield Ryan Newman Ryan Newman Dodge
29 EA Sports 500 Joe Nemechek Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
30 Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods Joe Nemechek Jeremy Mayfield Joe Nemechek Chevrolet
31 UAW-GM Quality 500 Ryan Newman Kasey Kahne Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
32 Subway 500 Ryan Newman Kurt Busch Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
33 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Ryan Newman Mark Martin Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
34 Checker Auto Parts 500 Ryan Newman Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet
35 Mountain Dew Southern 500 Kurt Busch Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
36 Ford 400 Kurt Busch Greg Biffle Greg Biffle Ford

Budweiser Shootout

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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

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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

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Main article: 2004 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
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins the Daytona 500 in his 5th attempt. He also scored the win on February 15, 6 years to the day that his father, Dale Earnhardt, won his only Daytona 500 in his 20th attempt.
  • Michael Waltrip turned over early in this race in the grass.

Subway 400

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Main article: 2004 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

  • This was the final NASCAR Cup race held at Rockingham, which was dropped from the 2005 NASCAR schedule following the Ferko lawsuit and declining attendance.
  • During the race, Carl Long went for a wild tumble down the back straight and Robby Gordon was turned into the wall and got on his side.
  • The race also became the beginning of the focus of the season-long field-filler controversy. Joe Ruttman arrived at the track without a pit crew for a start and park, Andy Hillenburg was involved in a crash after running slow, and Kirk Shelmerdine was black-flagged for failing to maintain a minimum speed. NASCAR added a mandate of a full pit crew in an attempt to stop the start and park.
  • NASCAR also announced, in light of the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, at the drivers' meeting that a points penalty would also be assessed to anyone involved on a race team who uses inappropriate language. Previously, a fine had been assessed.

UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

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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

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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

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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)

  • This was the last 400-mile race held at Darlington until 2020.

Food City 500

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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)

  • Larry Foyt attempted the race with the #14 team but the car was confiscated by NASCAR for failing opening day inspection for a non-approved roof that did not fit the car templates which led the team to withdraw.[2]
  • This was Kurt Busch's third straight win in a Cup event at Bristol, and third straight spring Bristol win.
  • This marked the final race ever for Pontiac to be in a NASCAR Cup Series event. Hermie Sadler drove the 02 car for Pontiac's final ever race.
  • Dale Jarrett hit the wall with nearly five laps left. This Race was Red-flagged due to no overtime. The Race Restarted and Kurt Busch got his first win of the season.

Samsung/Radio Shack 500

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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)

  • Elliott Sadler edged out Kasey Kahne by a .028 of a second.
  • This was the last race attempted for Pontiac in the series. Andy Belmont failed to make the race. Carl Long, Andy Belmont, and Hermie Sadler however, did run a combined 4 races (which all 4 races were consecutive) in a Pontiac at the beginning of the season, driving the number 02 car for Sadler Brothers Racing, a single-car team. Carl Long raced the car at Las Vegas, then the next 2 weekends, Andy Belmont raced at Atlanta and Darlington, and finally, one week later, Hermie Sadler raced at Bristol. The Bristol race marked the final race ever for Pontiac, and those 4 races would be the final 4 races for Pontiac in NASCAR. Andy Belmont attempted Rockingham in February along with this race but failed to make both events. After failing to make this race, Pontiac left NASCAR for good. Pontiac left the sport with 3 Manufacturer's Championships (1961, 1962, and 1993), and scoring 154 career NASCAR wins. Rusty Wallace is the all-time winner in a Pontiac at 31. Only 4 drivers have won the Series Championship driving a Pontiac: Joe Weatherly (1962 and 1963), Rusty Wallace (1989), Bobby Labonte (2000), and Tony Stewart (2002).

Advance Auto Parts 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • On lap 284, the concrete pavement in turn 3 broke up, creating a pothole. Jeff Gordon would run into the broken up part of the track, damaging his race car. The race was red-flagged to repair the track, and while NASCAR would not grant the 24 team's request to be able to repair the car during the red flag, Gordon was able to fight back in the second half of the race for a sixth-place finish.
  • Rusty Wallace broke a winless streak of 106 races, dating back to April 29, 2001, at Auto Club Speedway.
  • This would be the 55th and final career win for Rusty Wallace. With this win, he passed Lee Petty on the NASCAR win list.

Aaron's 499

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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)

  • The race ended under controversy when Brian Vickers crashed with four laps to go. At the same time, Jeff Gordon was about to be passed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. As Gordon's car was still ahead of Earnhardt Jr.'s, he kept the lead for the following caution. However, the race never was restarted, and Gordon won the race under the caution, prompting angered fans to throw beverage cups at his car while he celebrated his victory by doing doughnuts on the track. The issue was very similar to the 2002 Indianapolis 500 controversial finish when Hélio Castroneves and Paul Tracy raced when the caution signal was given during Tracy's attempt to pass Castroneves. This led to the implementation of the green-white-checkered finish rule in order to avoid such situations in the future.
  • This would be Jeff Gordon's 1st Restrictor Plate win since this event in 2000.

Auto Club 500

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Main article: 2004 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

  • The race marked the 19th time in his career that Jeff Gordon won back-to-back races.

Chevy American Revolution 400

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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

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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
  • Sterling Marlin and Ken Schrader advanced to the All-Star Challenge after this race; Marlin for winning the race, and Schrader for winning the fan vote.

Nextel All-Star Challenge

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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

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • Jimmie Johnson won this race in dominating fashion, as he led 334 of the race's 400 laps.

MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes"

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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)

  • The race snapped a 73-race winless streak for Martin that had been going on since Charlotte in May 2002.
  • The race was decimated by a 20-car crash on lap 347 on a restart; one of the largest crashes ever outside of Daytona and Talladega. It started when Dave Blaney was hit by Michael Waltrip.

Pocono 500

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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)

  • This race ended under caution. A fan, upset that the race was ending under caution, threw a cooler at the flagstand and hit the backup flagman. Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth were called to the NASCAR hauler after the race following contact under caution.[3]

DHL 400

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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)

  • This race ended under caution.
  • Kasey Kahne got his fourth second-place finish of the season.

Dodge/Save Mart 350

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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)

  • Scott Pruett picked up a top-five finish after finishing second at Watkins Glen the previous year and was the only road course ace to lead laps in the race.
  • Boris Said matched his best career Cup finish in the part-time #36 Chevrolet.

Pepsi 400

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • The start of the race was delayed more than 30 minutes due to rain and the race started under yellow to help the track dry from the rain.
  • 8 cars sported Coca-Cola C2 liveries, which were driven by John Andretti, Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Ricky Rudd, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Bill Elliott, and Jeff Burton.
  • This was the second Pepsi 400 televised by Fox.
  • This race marked the 20th time in his career that Jeff Gordon won back-to-back races.
  • Jeff Gordon became the 1st driver in NASCAR history to win from his 50th career pole.
  • All four Hendrick cars finished in the top ten. Gordon 1st, Johnson 2nd, Labonte 8th and Vickers 9th.

Tropicana 400

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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

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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

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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

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • Jeff Gordon became the first 4 time NASCAR winner at the Brickyard oval, and the only driver to do so until Jimmie Johnson in 2012. Gordon would join A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and as of 2021 Helio Castroneves as the only 4-time winners in the entire history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
  • This race marked the first time that the green-white-checkered finish rule came into play. The race was extended after Brian Vickers and Ryan Newman crashed on lap 158. However, when Ricky Rudd crashed on lap 160, the race still ended under caution.
  • Last career top 10 finish for Bill Elliott.

Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen

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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)

  • Tony Stewart put up a spectacular race, narrowly beating Ron Fellows for the win.
  • Ron Fellows matched his best career finish in a Cup Series race after starting 43rd in the race.
  • This was Jeff Burton's final start for Roush Racing before moving to Richard Childress Racing at Michigan the following week after he signed a three-year contract with Richard Childress Racing just before the race at Watkins Glen. Carl Edwards would take over the 99 car the following week, while Burton would move to the #30 RCR entry for the remainder of the season before taking over the #31 entry at the start of the 2005 season.
  • Tony Ave made his first NASCAR Cup start in this race.

GFS Marketplace 400

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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)

  • All five Roush Racing cars finished in the top 10.
  • This was Carl Edwards' first start in the Nextel Cup Series as well as his first ever top ten finish.

Sharpie 500

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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)

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. scores his only win at Bristol. He also scored the win on August 28, 5 years to the day that his father, Dale Earnhardt, scored his 9th and final win at Bristol. August 28 is also his sister Kelley's birthday.
  • In his victory lane interview, Earnhardt Jr. coined the popular phrase, "It's Bristol, Baby!".

Pop Secret 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • Portions of this race were filmed for the movie Herbie Fully Loaded.
  • Kasey Kahne got his fifth second-place finish of the season.
  • This was the only time Elliott Sadler would win multiple races in one season in his Cup career. It also turned out to be the final win of his Cup career.

Chevy Rock and Roll 400

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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)

  • This race was notable when Jeremy Mayfield gained five positions from 14th to 9th and clinched the spot in the Chase.
  • This race marked the only cup career top 5 for Mike Bliss as he finished 4th.

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

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Further information: 2004 Chase for the Nextel Cup

Sylvania 300

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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)

  • This was the first race of the new 10-race playoff format.

MBNA America 400

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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)

  • Ryan Newman ran away with the win in this race, leading 325 of 400 laps and winning by a margin of 8.149 seconds.

EA Sports 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • At the finish line, on the last lap, Elliott Sadler flipped over just as he had done in the same race in 2003. He was uninjured, though.
  • Although he won the race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was later penalized 25 points for uttering an obscenity during his post-race interview on NBC.
  • This was the first play-by-play appearance for Bill Weber, due to Allen Bestwick's injury during a hockey match.
  • Last career top 10 finish for Ward Burton.

Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods

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Main article: 2004 Banquet 400

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)

  • This would be the 4th and final career victory for Joe Nemechek. As of 2018, Nemechek is the only driver to score every single win with every different team. His 1st career win was in the 42, driving for SABCO Racing at Loudon in 1999. His 2nd career win was in the 33, driving for Andy Petree Racing at Rockingham in 2001. His 3rd career win was in the 25, driving for Hendrick Motorsports at Richmond in 2003. Finally, his 4th and final career win was in the 01, driving for MB2 Motorsports in this race at Kansas. The one thing in common with all 4 different teams, however, was that all 4 wins were in a Chevrolet. Nemechek is also one of two drivers to score his final Busch Series win and Cup Series win in the same weekend. He won the Mr. Goodcents 300 the previous day. The only other driver to accomplish this feat was in 1988 when Bobby Allison won the Goody's 300 and the Daytona 500.
  • The three branches of the United States military that were sponsors at the time finished 1-2-3 (Army, Air Force, National Guard).

UAW-GM Quality 500

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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)

  • With the win, Jimmie Johnson swept the two Charlotte races in 2004.

Subway 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • The victory lane celebration was canceled after a tragic plane crash that took the lives of key personnel in the Hendrick Motorsports stable.

Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • Johnson won the race just one week after a plane crash that killed ten people involved with Hendrick Motorsports including Rick Hendrick's son Ricky. The four Hendrick teammates drove a special paint scheme for the remainder of the season to honor those involved in the crash.
  • Johnson became the first driver since Jeff Gordon (last 2 races in 1998 and the 1999 Daytona 500) to win 3 races in a row.

Checker Auto Parts 500

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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)

  • The race was extended to 315 laps / 315 miles due to a green-white-checkered finish.
  • After two straight 33rd-place finishes at Martinsville due to a blown engine and Atlanta due to an accident on lap 310, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the race for the sixth time in this season that puts Earnhardt Jr. from fifth to third in the points standings with two races left in this season.
  • Ryan Newman won the pole for the 4th consecutive race. As of 2020, Ryan Newman is the last driver to win 4 straight pole positions. Also, as of 2020, 2004 is the only season in NASCAR history that 2 drivers won 4 straight pole positions in a single season (Jeff Gordon did it at Michigan, Sonoma, Daytona, and Chicagoland).

Mountain Dew Southern 500

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Main article: 2004 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)

  • With this win, Jimmie Johnson became the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to pull off the season sweep at 3 different tracks in one season. Along with Darlington, Johnson pulled off season sweeps at Pocono and Charlotte. However, Bill Elliott is the only driver in NASCAR history to pull off the season sweep at 4 different tracks in one season, with the tracks being Pocono, Michigan, Darlington, and Atlanta, back in 1985.
  • This would be the last Darlington race with the "Southern 500" name until 2009.
  • Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman were eliminated from Chase contention by being greater than 156 points behind the points leader.

Ford 400

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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)

  • This race was known as the deciding race of the 2004 Nextel Cup champion, in which five drivers were still mathematically alive for the championship including the points leader, Kurt Busch with an 18-point margin ahead of Jimmie Johnson, who earned the most wins in 2004, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and veteran Mark Martin. Those five chasers were separated by an 82-point margin from first to fifth for the final race. At the start of lap 1, Hermie Sadler got turned sideways while Mike Bliss was spun around but Johnson survived the wreck in the following caution. On lap 93, championship leader Kurt Busch lost a tire when he entered pit road, he lost the championship lead to Jeff Gordon, though Busch took back the points lead. With 3 laps to go, race leader Ryan Newman made some contact and lost the right side of the tire, the caution was out and set up a Green-white-checkered finish at Homestead. At the restart, Greg Biffle held off the hard-charging Hendrick teams of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon for the race lead and took the checkered flag to win the Ford 400, while Johnson and Gordon finished 2nd and 3rd. Kurt Busch won the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship with 8 points ahead of Johnson, the closest margin in Cup history (until the 2011 season, won by Tony Stewart. Stewart and Carl Edwards were tied following the 2011 season's last race, the Cup going to Stewart by virtue of more wins on the season, 5 to 1 respectively.)
  • In victory lane, Busch dedicated his championship to the Hendrick family because of the plane crash four weeks prior at the Martinsville race.
  • Kurt Busch would become the 6th different champion in the last 6 years, a NASCAR Modern Era record, which would later be tied with the 2016-2021 seasons.

Full Drivers' Championship

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Further information: List of NASCAR points scoring systems

(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 16 8 9 12 6* 1* 6 11 36 23 31 11 12 5 11 36 4 35 1 26 10 10 6 8 11 15 1* 5 5 6 4 5* 42 10 6 5 6506
2 Jimmie Johnson 5 41 16 4 1 16 9 4 4 2 2 1* 32 1* 4 5 2 2 11 1* 36 40 40 3 14 36 11 10 37 32 1 1 1 6 1 2 6498
3 Jeff Gordon 8 10 15 10 41 9 3 6* 1 1* 6 30 36 4 38* 1* 1* 4 2 5 1* 21 7 14 37 3 7 3 19 13 2 9 34 3 3* 3 6490
4 Mark Martin 43 12 5 14 7 23 17 34 6 11 7 36 1 36 34 8 6 24 14 2 25 3 2 13 3* 5 13 2 15 20 13 12 2* 15 2 11 6399
5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1 5 35 1 10 11 4 3 2* 19 1* 6 3 6 21 11 3 22 31 25 27 5 21 1* 34 2 3 9 1* 9 3 33 33 1* 11 23 6368
6 Tony Stewart 2* 26 3 7* 17 24 8 14 22 16 4 9 2* 27 24 15 5 1* 5 35 5 1* 9 19 18 19 39 6 6 14 10 15 9 8 17 4 6326
7 Ryan Newman 31 6 27 5 3 7 39 5 11 3 9 35 24 30 1 14 12 34 3* 13 31 26 14 2 5 20 33 1* 16 33 14 3 17 2 34 30 6180
8 Matt Kenseth 9 1* 1* 6 31 5 16 8 42 4 5 3 22 21 7 20 39 12 4 8 16 9 8 9 22 28 2 32 14 17 11 16 41 36 20 19 6069
9 Elliott Sadler 7 18 6 29 5 14 1 12 28 22 12 5 18 12 5 10 26 21 15 10 3 15 32 5 1 17 8 20 22 4 7 32 36 38 23 34 6024
10 Jeremy Mayfield 25 11 14 2 9 17 34 36 21 14 22 8 8 2 19 30 22 5 10 9 11 7 11 22 16 1* 35 7 38 5* 30 6 26 21 19 35 6000
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 36 3 4 37 21 8 10 7 9 15 38 4 15 9 37 2 37 13 7 30 7 13 4 7 4 9 5 8 17 7 8 2 8 24 4 7 4597
12 Bobby Labonte 11 25 8 18 2 33 25 2 10 5 3 13 25 3 8 33 7 18 17 29 15 11 26 16 20 16 18 14 35 16 17 18 20 9 9 12 4277
13 Kasey Kahne (R) 41 2 2 3 13 40 2* 21 30 13 28 12 21 14 2 31 25 36 8 3 4 14 5 21 2 24 4 42 27 12 32* 13 5 5 5 38 4274
14 Kevin Harvick 4 13 21 32 8 3 13 19 3 9 25 23 10 20 17 12 14 10 13 32 8 6 16 24 28 12 10 19 2 35 36 8 35 4 32 10 4228
15 Dale Jarrett 10 40 11 9 32 21 18 10 16 24 13 18 11 26 3 18 16 3 9 24 2 27 3 10 8 26 27 4 3 8 6 37 15 22 37 24 4214
16 Rusty Wallace 29 7 10 35 29 2 5 1 33 35 16 10 13 32 22 28 27 11 30 17 13 25 36 26 10 10 14 13 26 18 31 10 11 7 18 8 3960
17 Greg Biffle 12 23 40 8 12 12 31 35 15 33 21 21 26 11 23 13 31 20 35 4 6 35 1* 11 36 8 28 11 28 3 33 17 10 13 24 1* 3902
18 Jeff Burton 42 37 13 20 11 38 27 25 7 26 14 22 4 24 13 9 23 33 12 34 12 12 12 4 15 23 15 33 13 15 9 11 6 11 13 36 3902
19 Joe Nemechek 6 24 19 15 20 27 14 27 32 28 36 14 38 18 35 29 10 8 20 16 17 22 13 42 12 22 6 35 7 1 5 30 4 12 8 27 3878
20 Michael Waltrip 38 33 37 23 35 10 20 15 12 32 10 2 6 33 10 4 13 9 6 36 20 20 17 27 23 13 9 16 25 11 28 19 14 17 33 17 3878
21 Sterling Marlin 37 4 18 16 14 4 26 9 31 27 15 39 29 31 6 21 20 7 21 15 33 36 15 6 26 14 12 15 34 34 12 4 12 25 12 16 3857
22 Casey Mears 14 21 7 34 15 36 7 37 8 8 32 7 28 10 31 7 11 15 26 18 26 4 20 30 29 35 29 24 8 31 20 29 13 34 26 26 3690
23 Robby Gordon 35 36 30 17 4 19 23 30 5 12 24 20 14 8 33 34 19 17 25 7 22 16 25 12 9 32 32 30 9 28 18 23 16 35 15 29 3646
24 Ricky Rudd 18 19 28 31 33 37 22 20 17 17 11 26 30 19 12 35 17 32 39 12 28 8 24 40 17 21 37 12 12 2 16 14 12 19 16 9 3615
25 Brian Vickers (R) 39 16 23 21 23 35 12 13 27 29 8 15 23 13 9 22 9 14 34 14 29 30 22 20 13 37 22 38 36 19 40 27 7 18 21 18 3521
26 Terry Labonte 20 17 17 24 19 18 41 23 25 7 18 37 7 7 26 40 8 6 16 6 38 39 27 15 19 18 24 27 21 21 25 25 31 32 28 31 3519
27 Scott Wimmer (R) 3 15 39 27 16 13 33 29 18 30 30 28 9 35 14 25 32 23 18 11 32 19 18 36 21 38 36 23 31 36 26 20 DNQ 26 22 13 3198
28 Brendan Gaughan (R) 19 20 22 33 27 20 38 17 13 6 34 33 27 39 16 26 36 30 22 28 35 34 33 35 42 27 30 22 4 10 23 34 18 30 27 6 3165
29 Scott Riggs (R) 34 31 29 25 30 34 15 28 34 25 35 25 5 16 20 42 21 29 28 22 37 23 19 17 7 39 26 31 11 26 38 26 DNQ 14 25 15 3090
30 Jeff Green 33 28 34 19 24 29 35 24 19 37 37 27 31 15 27 27 30 28 24 33 14 17 23 29 27 25 19 21 39 29 35 7 21 23 14 37 3054
31 Ken Schrader 40 27 32 26 22 6 19 40 23 20 23 31 34 25 39 23 35 27 37 21 18 28 28 32 33 30 16 25 20 27 21 31 23 20 30 25 3032
32 Ward Burton 17 9 26 13 18 28 32 22 40 10 20 16 19 17 30 24 40 19 29 31 39 37 30 18 31 40 25 37 10 30 19 28 30 40 2929
33 Kyle Petty 21 39 12 28 34 25 21 18 24 39 27 38 37 37 18 32 24 26 27 19 23 18 29 37 35 34 21 17 29 38 27 22 29 28 35 DNQ 2811
34 Ricky Craven 23 35 25 22 36 22 28 16 43 18 26 24 16 34 29 16 38 38 38 20 24 32 35 34 17 30 2086
35 Jimmy Spencer 24 29 38 20 38 41 29 17 23 28 29 25 23 23 19 42 31 31 32 33 38 26 40 25 29 35 1969
36 Johnny Sauter (R) 26 14 24 30 26 15 24 31 14 21 19 40 20 DNQ DNQ 24 DNQ 39 29 DNQ 1430
37 Carl Edwards 10 33 6 6 20 18 42 22 QL 24 3 37 7 14 1424
38 Dave Blaney 15 11 11 39 40 17 33 29 15 15 37 33 27 21 24 QL 37 1347
39 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 17 42 42 41 19 38 38 11 29 43 23 15 36 38 16 31 21 1271
40 Derrike Cope 30 30 33 38 25 26 37 33 38 31 29 34 42 DNQ 40 41 38 40 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 1058
41 Todd Bodine 41 40 43 39 DNQ 34 33 DNQ DNQ 42 36 DNQ 41 38 41 41 43 23 43 23 39 43 39 43 39 DNQ 986
42 Morgan Shepherd Wth 42 DNQ 35 DNQ DNQ 32 41 36 39 DNQ 42 38 40 33 Wth 40 37 DNQ 38 34 41 DNQ DNQ 40 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 43 DNQ 925
43 Kevin Lepage 33 22 36 36 28 30 43 41 43 43 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ 39 42 28 27 DNQ DNQ 915
44 Hermie Sadler 31 26 41 42 41 DNQ 40 43 DNQ 33 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 DNQ 23 40 DNQ 38 DNQ 33 40 43 852
45 John Andretti 13 29 Wth 19 43 16 22 25 34 DNQ 20 818
46 Mike Wallace 35 41 32 DNQ 28 DNQ 7 34 18 DNQ DNQ DNQ 29 38 33 764
47 Kirk Shelmerdine DNQ 42 43 40 39 41 42 DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ 39 40 43 DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 37 DNQ 41 42 40 DNQ 43 DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ 723
48 Bill Elliott 20 36 18 9 25 22 595
49 Mike Bliss 31 4 10 40 407
50 Kenny Wallace 37 DNQ 34 DNQ 25 32 DNQ DNQ 22 365
51 Shane Hmiel 39 29 24 24 41 349
52 Kyle Busch 41 DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ 24 37 34 43 345
53 Tony Raines 40 DNQ 30 39 Wth DNQ DNQ 28 43 Wth 40 DNQ DNQ 318
54 P. J. Jones 22 25 39 39 43 316
55 Boris Said 6 DNQ 30 28 302
56 Geoff Bodine 39 DNQ 28 32 DNQ 41 39 DNQ DNQ Wth Wth 278
57 Johnny Benson 27 31 40 29 QL 271
58 Carl Long 38 38 DNQ Wth 41 DNQ Wth 42 39 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ 267
59 Larry Gunselman Wth DNQ DNQ 37 34 43 33 42 248
60 Joe Ruttman 43 43 43 42 43 43 Wth 41 247
61 Kerry Earnhardt 35 Wth DNQ 28 DNQ 24 DNQ Wth 228
62 Stanton Barrett DNQ 32 Wth 41 40 DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 224
63 Travis Kvapil 21 32 DNQ 39 213
64 Scott Pruett 3 42 DNQ 207
65 Andy Hillenburg DNQ 34 Wth 42 42 43 DNQ 42 Wth DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 206
66 Larry Foyt 28 32 Wth Wth 30 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 194
67 Ron Fellows 2 170
68 Randy LaJoie 43 DNQ 42 36 DNQ 126
69 J. J. Yeley DNQ 41 27 DNQ 122
70 Martin Truex Jr. QL DNQ 37 32 119
71 Greg Sacks DNQ 42 DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 42 114
72 Klaus Graf 17 DNQ DNQ 112
73 Tom Hubert 43 29 110
74 Jim Inglebright 19 106
75 Jeff Fuller 43 43 42 105
76 Andy Belmont Wth Wth 39 37 DNQ Wth Wth DNQ 98
77 Mike Skinner 22 97
78 Eric McClure 26 DNQ 90
79 Ted Christopher 36 43 89
80 Mario Gosselin 41 DNQ 41 80
81 Chad Blount DNQ 43 41 74
82 David Green 31 70
83 Tony Ave 31 DNQ 70
84 Austin Cameron 38 49
85 Chad Chaffin 39 46
86 Jason Jarrett 40 43
87 Brandon Ash 41 40
88 Jason Leffler 43 34
89 Steve Park DNQ
90 Jeff Fultz DNQ
91 A. J. Henriksen DNQ
92 Larry Hollenbeck DNQ Wth DNQ
93 Stan Boyd Wth Wth DNQ DNQ
94 Brad Teague DNQ DNQ DNQ
95 Ryan McGlynn Wth Wth Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
96 Kenny Hendrick Wth DNQ
97 Mike Garvey Wth Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ
98 Kevin Ray Wth
99 Damon Lusk Wth Wth
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

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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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References

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  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.
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