The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 33rd modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Saturday, February 7, and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch, who drove a Ford for Roush Racing, was the Nextel Cup champion. It would be the last time until 2012 that the championship would be won by someone other than Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson.
This was the first season that NASCAR utilized the Chase for the Nextel Cup format that began with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 19. Under the format rules, the top 10 drivers (and any additional drivers within 400 points of the leader) by the end of the 26th race would be eligible to compete in a final 10-race playoff to determine the NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. Following the 26th race, the eligible drivers would have their points reset to bring the drivers closer together in the standings, with only five points separating each driver. The season would then continue as normal, with the driver with the most points at the end of the season becoming the champion.
The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was won by Chevrolet when they captured 26 wins and 266 points. Ford finished in second place with 10 wins, and 224 points, while Dodge followed in third with 4 wins and 194 points. [1]
This was the first year for the new series sponsorship. Mobile phone provider Nextel assumed sponsorship of the NASCAR championship series from cigarette brand Winston. Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup Series for 33 seasons, from 1971 to 2003. Nextel would become only the second title sponsor in Cup Series history. This was also the first year for Sunoco as it replaced Unocal 76 Brand as the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco would become only the second gas company to be NASCAR's official fuel since Unocal had been the official fuel since the sport's inception in 1948.
The season was also marked by tragedy. On October 24, a charter airplane owned by Hendrick Motorsports crashed at Bull Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, near Martinsville Speedway. Ten people aboard the plane died, including four relatives of team owner Rick Hendrick, as well as Randy Dorton, Hendrick's chief engine builder. Jimmie Johnson, a Hendrick driver, had won the race, but the post-race victory ceremony was canceled as words spread of the incident.
2004 was the first season without Jerry Nadeau since 1996, Brett Bodine since 1985, and Pontiac (though a few Pontiacs without factory support ran several early-season races).
It was the last season until 2021 without Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson and the same time before Denny Hamlin joins NASCAR as a driver (he ran the last 7 races in 2005 before joining full-time in 2006).
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 |
The exhibition Budweiser Shootout was held on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway.
Top ten results
The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway.
Race one: top ten results
Race two: top ten results
Greg Biffle won the pole.
The final Subway 400 was held on February 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: none
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 7 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Larry Gunselman (#98)
The Golden Corral 500 was held on March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94)
The Food City 500 was held on March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify:
Morgan Shepherd (#89)
Withdrew:
Larry Foyt (#14)
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
Failed to qualify: Kyle Busch (#84), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Hillenburg (#80), Andy Belmont (#02)
The Advance Auto Parts 500 was held on April 18 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
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
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Todd Bodine (#98), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Auto Club 500 was held on May 2 at California Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: none
The Chevy American Revolution 400 was held on May 15 at Richmond International Raceway. Brian Vickers won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Nextel Open was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole.
Top ten results
The Nextel All-Star Challenge was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
The Coca-Cola 600 was held on May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
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
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Todd Bodine (#37), Larry Gunselman (#98)
The Pocono 500 was held on June 13 at Pocono Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Andy Hillenburg (#80)
The DHL 400 was held on June 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Carl Long (#00)
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
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The Pepsi 400 was held on July 3 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Chad Blount (#37), Tony Raines (#23), Derrike Cope (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Eric McClure (#04), Kenny Wallace (#00)
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
Failed to qualify: Todd Bodine (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Siemens 300 was held on July 25 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kyle Busch (#84), Ryan McGlynn (#00)
The Pennsylvania 500 was held on August 1 at Pocono Raceway. Casey Mears won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Andy Hillenburg (#37), A. J. Henriksen (#90)
The Brickyard 400 was held on August 8 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Casey Mears won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Greg Sacks (#13), Andy Hillenburg (#37), Geoff Bodine (#34), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
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
Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (#39), Boris Said (#36), Klaus Graf (#59), Stanton Barrett (#52)
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
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)
The Sharpie 500 was held on August 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Stanton Barrett (#52), Brad Teague (#72), Tony Ave (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00)
The inaugural Pop Secret 500 was held on September 5 at California Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Hermie Sadler (#02), Kevin Lepage (#37), Mike Wallace (#35)
The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held on September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Johnny Sauter (#33), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Greg Sacks (#13), Hermie Sadler (#02), Brad Teague (#92), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Carl Long (#80)
Making The Chase - Starting with this year, and every year following until 2017, the fall race at Richmond served as the end of the Cup Series' regular season and as the cut off for making the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The Chase field for 2004 consisted of the following drivers:
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
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)
The MBNA America 400 was held on September 26 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Derrike Cope (#80), Greg Sacks (#13), Carl Long (#00), Kenny Hendrick (#35), Stanton Barrett (#92), Mike Garvey (#75)
The EA Sports 500 was held on October 3 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80)
The Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods was held on October 10 at Kansas Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held on October 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
The Subway 500 was held on October 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on October 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
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
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 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
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), John Andretti (#14), Derrike Cope (#94), Carl Long (#00), Travis Kvapil (#06)
The Ford 400 was held on November 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kurt Busch won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
( 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. |
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.
The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 33rd modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Saturday, February 7, and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch, who drove a Ford for Roush Racing, was the Nextel Cup champion. It would be the last time until 2012 that the championship would be won by someone other than Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson.
This was the first season that NASCAR utilized the Chase for the Nextel Cup format that began with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 19. Under the format rules, the top 10 drivers (and any additional drivers within 400 points of the leader) by the end of the 26th race would be eligible to compete in a final 10-race playoff to determine the NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. Following the 26th race, the eligible drivers would have their points reset to bring the drivers closer together in the standings, with only five points separating each driver. The season would then continue as normal, with the driver with the most points at the end of the season becoming the champion.
The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was won by Chevrolet when they captured 26 wins and 266 points. Ford finished in second place with 10 wins, and 224 points, while Dodge followed in third with 4 wins and 194 points. [1]
This was the first year for the new series sponsorship. Mobile phone provider Nextel assumed sponsorship of the NASCAR championship series from cigarette brand Winston. Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup Series for 33 seasons, from 1971 to 2003. Nextel would become only the second title sponsor in Cup Series history. This was also the first year for Sunoco as it replaced Unocal 76 Brand as the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco would become only the second gas company to be NASCAR's official fuel since Unocal had been the official fuel since the sport's inception in 1948.
The season was also marked by tragedy. On October 24, a charter airplane owned by Hendrick Motorsports crashed at Bull Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, near Martinsville Speedway. Ten people aboard the plane died, including four relatives of team owner Rick Hendrick, as well as Randy Dorton, Hendrick's chief engine builder. Jimmie Johnson, a Hendrick driver, had won the race, but the post-race victory ceremony was canceled as words spread of the incident.
2004 was the first season without Jerry Nadeau since 1996, Brett Bodine since 1985, and Pontiac (though a few Pontiacs without factory support ran several early-season races).
It was the last season until 2021 without Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson and the same time before Denny Hamlin joins NASCAR as a driver (he ran the last 7 races in 2005 before joining full-time in 2006).
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 |
The exhibition Budweiser Shootout was held on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway.
Top ten results
The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway.
Race one: top ten results
Race two: top ten results
Greg Biffle won the pole.
The final Subway 400 was held on February 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: none
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 7 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Larry Gunselman (#98)
The Golden Corral 500 was held on March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94)
The Food City 500 was held on March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify:
Morgan Shepherd (#89)
Withdrew:
Larry Foyt (#14)
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
Failed to qualify: Kyle Busch (#84), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Hillenburg (#80), Andy Belmont (#02)
The Advance Auto Parts 500 was held on April 18 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
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
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Todd Bodine (#98), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Auto Club 500 was held on May 2 at California Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: none
The Chevy American Revolution 400 was held on May 15 at Richmond International Raceway. Brian Vickers won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Nextel Open was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole.
Top ten results
The Nextel All-Star Challenge was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
The Coca-Cola 600 was held on May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
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
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Todd Bodine (#37), Larry Gunselman (#98)
The Pocono 500 was held on June 13 at Pocono Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Andy Hillenburg (#80)
The DHL 400 was held on June 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Carl Long (#00)
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
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The Pepsi 400 was held on July 3 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Chad Blount (#37), Tony Raines (#23), Derrike Cope (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Eric McClure (#04), Kenny Wallace (#00)
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
Failed to qualify: Todd Bodine (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
The Siemens 300 was held on July 25 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kyle Busch (#84), Ryan McGlynn (#00)
The Pennsylvania 500 was held on August 1 at Pocono Raceway. Casey Mears won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Andy Hillenburg (#37), A. J. Henriksen (#90)
The Brickyard 400 was held on August 8 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Casey Mears won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Greg Sacks (#13), Andy Hillenburg (#37), Geoff Bodine (#34), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72)
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
Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (#39), Boris Said (#36), Klaus Graf (#59), Stanton Barrett (#52)
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
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)
The Sharpie 500 was held on August 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Stanton Barrett (#52), Brad Teague (#72), Tony Ave (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00)
The inaugural Pop Secret 500 was held on September 5 at California Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Hermie Sadler (#02), Kevin Lepage (#37), Mike Wallace (#35)
The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held on September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Johnny Sauter (#33), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Greg Sacks (#13), Hermie Sadler (#02), Brad Teague (#92), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Carl Long (#80)
Making The Chase - Starting with this year, and every year following until 2017, the fall race at Richmond served as the end of the Cup Series' regular season and as the cut off for making the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The Chase field for 2004 consisted of the following drivers:
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
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)
The MBNA America 400 was held on September 26 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Derrike Cope (#80), Greg Sacks (#13), Carl Long (#00), Kenny Hendrick (#35), Stanton Barrett (#92), Mike Garvey (#75)
The EA Sports 500 was held on October 3 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80)
The Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods was held on October 10 at Kansas Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89)
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held on October 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
The Subway 500 was held on October 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on October 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
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
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 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
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), John Andretti (#14), Derrike Cope (#94), Carl Long (#00), Travis Kvapil (#06)
The Ford 400 was held on November 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kurt Busch won the pole.
Top ten results
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)
( 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. |
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.