2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season | |||
| Previous: | 2002 | Next: | 2004 |
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The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series began on February 8 and ended on November 16. Matt Kenseth, driving the No.17 Ford for Roush Racing, was crowned the Winston Cup champion, despite winning only one race in the season. Chevrolet took home the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship after capturing 19 wins and 264 points over second-place finisher Dodge, who had nine wins and 203 points. Ford finished the year third with seven wins and 200 points, and Pontiac finished fourth with one win and 125 points.[1]
This was the last year in which Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup series. After it decided not to renew its sponsorship, NASCAR decided on the telecommunications firm Nextel to be the title sponsor of the new series.
In addition, NASCAR instituted a new points system after this season entitled the Chase for the Cup, in which after 26 races, all the points standings in the top ten as well as any position within 400 points of the lead, would be reset, so the drivers in those positions would be eligible for the championship. This was done primarily because of the huge lead Kenseth accumulated during 2003 despite winning one race.
Contents
- 1 Teams and drivers
- 2 Budweiser Shootout
- 3 Gatorade Twin 125s
- 4 45th Daytona 500
- 5 Subway 400
- 6 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400
- 7 Bass Pro Shops 500
- 8 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
- 9 Food City 500
- 10 Samsung/Radio Shack 500
- 11 Aaron's 499
- 12 Virginia 500
- 13 Auto Club 500
- 14 Pontiac Excitement 400
- 15 The Winston
- 16 Coca-Cola 600
- 17 MBNA Armed Forces Family 400
- 18 Pocono 500
- 19 Sirius 400
- 20 Dodge/Save Mart 350
- 21 Pepsi 400
- 22 Tropicana 400
- 23 New England 300
- 24 Pennsylvania 500
- 25 Brickyard 400
- 26 Sirius at the Glen
- 27 GFS Marketplace 400
- 28 Sharpie 500
- 29 Mountain Dew Southern 500
- 30 Chevy Rock and Roll 400
- 31 Sylvania 300
- 32 MBNA America 400
- 33 EA Sports 500
- 34 Banquet 400
- 35 UAW-GM Quality 500
- 36 Subway 500
- 37 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
- 38 Checker Auto Parts 500
- 39 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
- 40 Ford 400
- 41 Final points standings
- 42 Rookie of the Year
- 43 References
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Budweiser Shootout
The Budweiser Shootout was held February 8 at Daytona International Speedway. It was won by #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.. The race featured drivers who have won a pole in the previous season or have won the event before. 2003 marked changes to the race's format, for the first time the race ran at night. The 70-lap event was now split into two segments. After the first 20-lap segment a 10-minute intermission took place allowing drivers to make pit stops and repair their cars. The second segment featured a 50-lap race to the finish with cars restarting double file on all restarts. Drivers were also required to make at least one pit stop under the green flag.
Top ten results:
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Make | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | Dale Earnhardt, Jr. | Chevrolet | Dale Earnhardt, Inc. |
| 2 | 24 | Jeff Gordon | Hendrick Motorsports | |
| 3 | 17 | Matt Kenseth | Ford | Roush Racing |
| 4 | 12 | Ryan Newman | Dodge | Penske Racing |
| 5 | 22 | Ward Burton | Bill Davis Racing | |
| 6 | 49 | Ken Schrader | BAM Racing | |
| 7 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | Chevrolet | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 8 | 21 | Ricky Rudd | Ford | Wood Brothers Racing |
| 9 | 29 | Kevin Harvick | Chevrolet | Richard Childress Racing |
| 10 | 32 | Ricky Craven | Pontiac | PPI Motorsports |
Gatorade Twin 125s
The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway.
| Race one | Race two | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top ten results | |||||
| pos. | No. | driver | pos. | No. | driver |
| 1 | 31 | Robby Gordon | 1 | 8 | Dale Earnhardt, Jr. |
| 2 | 30 | Jeff Green | 2 | 15 | Michael Waltrip |
| 3 | 21 | Ricky Rudd | 3 | 54 | Todd Bodine |
| 4 | 40 | Sterling Marlin | 4 | 2 | Rusty Wallace |
| 5 | 99 | Jeff Burton | 5 | 20 | Tony Stewart |
| 6 | 88 | Dale Jarrett | 6 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson |
| 7 | 24 | Jeff Gordon | 7 | 43 | John Andretti |
| 8 | 25 | Joe Nemechek | 8 | 9 | Bill Elliott |
| 9 | 22 | Ward Burton | 9 | 38 | Elliott Sadler |
| 10 | 42 | Jamie McMurray | 10 | 09 | Mike Wallace |
45th Daytona 500
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Michael Waltrip became a two-time winner of the "Great American Race", even though the race was rain-shortened.
Top ten results
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 6- Mark Martin
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 09- Mike Wallace
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Brett Bodine (#11), Hermie Sadler (#02), David Green (#60), Kirk Shelmerdine (#90), Derrike Cope (#37), Mike Harmon (#78)
- Casey Mears made his debut and finished in 27th.
- Ryan Newman had a crash in this race, in which his car got clipped by Ken Schrader coming off of turn 4 and slid down the front straightaway, flipping violently in the tri-oval and coming to a rest on its roof.
- This was the shortest Daytona 500 ever recorded.
Subway 400
The Subway 400 was held on February 23 at North Carolina Speedway. Dave Blaney was the pole winner.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 6- Mark Martin
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 77- Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: none
- Only win of the season for Dale Jarrett.
UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Matt Kenseth won this race, the only win of his championship season. Bobby Labonte was the pole winner.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 1- Steve Park
Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (#16), Brandon Ash (#02)
Bass Pro Shops 500
The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on March 9 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
Top ten results
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 12- Ryan Newman
Failed to qualify: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. (#35), Jeff Fultz (#57)
- Matt Kenseth held on to the point lead and never looked back, he led the last 33 races on route to his first and only Championship.
Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
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The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 16 at Darlington Raceway. This was the last time a Darlington race would be held on this date. Ricky Craven beat Kurt Busch by .002 seconds for the closest finish in NASCAR history, putting Pontiac in Victory Lane for the last time. Elliott Sadler qualified on the pole. This race was the place where Larry McReynolds said one of his famed phrases that has been repeated many times in commercials and in media "They touch! They touch!". He shouted that to Craven's contact with Busch down the frontstretch on the last lap.
Top ten results
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 6- Mark Martin
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 20- Tony Stewart
Failed to qualify: none
- This was Ricky Craven's final win.
- This was also the last win for Pontiac in the sport.
- Elliott Sadler won his first pole in this race.
Food City 500
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The Food City 500 was held on March 23 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman was the pole winner for this race.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 23- Kenny Wallace
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Larry Foyt (#14)
- NASCAR considered postponing the race due to the Start of the War in Iraq. The Government said to all professional sporting associations with their consent to go on.
- This was NASCAR's 2000th race run in Cup Series History.
- Kyle Petty got caught up in a wreck where the force of gravity was over 80g. This would be the largest crash until 2010.
Samsung/Radio Shack 500
The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on March 30, 2003. Texas native Bobby Labonte was the pole sitter for this race.
Top ten results
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 01- Jerry Nadeau
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 30- Jeff Green
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 42- Jamie McMurray
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#83), David Starr (#75)
Aaron's 499
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The Aaron's 499 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on April 6, 2003. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole for this race while Dale Earnhardt Jr. became the first driver to win 4 consecutive races at Talladega. The "Big One" did not take long and collected 27 cars on the lap 4, making this the largest crash in a Cup race in the modern era. The crash barely included Earnhardt, Jr, who started in the back of the field and managed to race his way to victory lane anyway. Earnhardt was involved in a controversial decision at the end of the race where it appeared he went below the yellow line in an attempt to improve position. NASCAR ruled Earnhardt was forced down making it a clean pass.
Top ten results
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 22- Ward Burton
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 31- Robby Gordon
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (#11), Larry Foyt (#14), David Green (#60) (Note: Phoenix Racing's Mike Wallace had originally failed to qualify, but Green's car was found too low and his time was disallowed.)
Virginia 500
The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 13, 2003. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 49- Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: none
- This race ended under caution.
Auto Club 500
The Auto Club 500 was held at California Speedway on April 27, 2003. Steve Park won the pole.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 43- John Andretti
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Hideo Fukuyama (#66)
- This was Jerry Nadeau's last race.
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on May 3, 2003. Terry Labonte won the pole. Jerry Nadeau, driver of the #01 U.S. Army Pontiac for MB2/MBV Motorsports, was critically injured in a practice session for this race, and hasn't raced since. This race was shortened to 393 laps due to rain
Top ten results
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 6- Mark Martin
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Derrike Cope (#37), Hideo Fukuyama (#66)
- After this race, Jeff Green was fired for his remarks about Kevin Harvick and swapped rides with Steve Park in the 1 who was fired a day later than Green was. Steve would drive the 30 for the rest of the year while Green drove the 1 until Bristol.
The Winston
Results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 99- Jeff Burton*
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 22- Ward Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 10- Johnny Benson
- Burton entered via winning the Winston Open
Coca-Cola 600
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The Coca-Cola 600 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 25, 2003. Ryan Newman was the pole winner. The race was shortened to 276 laps due to inclement weather.
Top ten results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 22- Ward Burton
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Brett Bodine (#11), Derrike Cope (#37)
MBNA Armed Forces Family 400
The MBNA Armed Forces Family 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on June 1, 2003. Ryan Newman swept qualifying as well as the race.
Top ten results
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 5- Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#37), Hermie Sadler (#02)
- Ryan Newman completed the last half of this race without power steering.
- Brett Bodine also competed in his last race.
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 8, 2003. Jimmie Johnson grabbed the top starting spot.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 22- Ward Burton
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 32- Ricky Craven
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#37), Morgan Shepherd (#89)
- On Lap 7 Ken Schrader gets loose and hits the wall and flips once before catching fire. He was uninjured.
- With 3 laps to go, Jeff Green hits the inside wall on the backstretch and smashes the front of the car. This would lead to Tony Stewart winning the race under caution. Terry Labonte and Greg Biffle were also shown to have damage afterwards.
Sirius 400
The Sirius 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, 2003. Bobby Labonte was the pole sitter.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 6- Mark Martin
- 5- Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Mike Skinner (#4), Larry Foyt (#14)
Dodge/Save Mart 350
The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held at Infineon Raceway on June 22, 2003. Boris Said was the pole sitter.
Top ten results
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 01- Boris Said
- 1- Ron Fellows
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: P. J. Jones (#14), Brandon Ash (#02), Paul Menard (#33), Jim Inglebright (#00)
- Controversy erupted on lap 71. Kevin Harvick was leading race winner Robby Gordon when a caution came out for a crash at a different part of the track. Gordon kept charging, and passed Harvick in the keyhole turn, taking the lead before they crossed the start/finish line. Harvick called it a "chicken move" and Jeff Gordon said "I could not believe it when I saw it" and called his passing under the yellow "unheard of." The controversial pass, however, was entirely legal under NASCAR rules at the time, and Robby Gordon was assessed no penalty. The so-called "unethical breach of racing ethics" proved to be the winning edge, and Robby Gordon went on to win the race. He was subjected to considerable scrutiny and ridicule after the race. However, others considered the complaints hypocrisy or "sour grapes" by the losers.
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2003. Steve Park won the pole.
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Tony Raines (#74), Shane Hmiel (#43), Christian Fittipaldi (#44)
- This was Greg Biffle's first career Winston Cup victory.
Tropicana 400
The Tropicana 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 13, 2003. Tony Stewart sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Jason Keller (#81)
New England 300
The New England 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 20, 2003. Matt Kenseth won the pole.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 30- Steve Park
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 16- Greg Biffle
Failed to qualify: Tim Sauter (#71), David Reutimann (#04), Carl Long (#46), Larry Foyt (#50)
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 27, 2003. Ryan Newman won the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 54- Todd Bodine
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (#4)
Brickyard 400
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The Brickyard 400 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 3, 2003. Kevin Harvick won the pole.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 6- Mark Martin
- 2- Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (#11), Ken Schrader (#49), Billy Bigley (#79), Ted Musgrave (#07), Robert Pressley (#4), Jim Sauter (#71), Christian Fittipaldi (#43), David Reutimann (#04), Hermie Sadler (#02)
Sirius at the Glen
The Sirius at the Glen was held at Watkins Glen International Raceway on August 10, 2003. Jeff Gordon was the pole sitter.
- 31- Robby Gordon*
- 39- Scott Pruett
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 22- Ward Burton
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (#49), Joe Varde (#35), Scott Maxwell (#43), Larry Foyt (#50)
- Paul Menard made his NASCAR debut, finishing 29th.
- This was Robby Gordon's final Cup win.
GFS Marketplace 400
The GFS Marketplace 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 17, 2003. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 30- Steve Park
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 49- Ken Schrader
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 10- Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (#4)
- Meanwhile, through the race, Todd Bodine bounces off Kurt Busch and then into Kenny Wallace, causing Bodine to get airborne and land on Wallace and erupt in flames. Fortunately both drivers escaped.
- An altercation occurred between Kurt Busch and Jimmy Spencer after the race and punches were thrown. A police report was filed and Jimmy Spencer was suspended for the next weeks race at Bristol. Kurt would be on probation after this race.
Sharpie 500
The Sharpie 500 was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 23, 2003. Jeff Gordon sat on the pole.
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Billy Bigley (#79), Derrike Cope (#37)
- Fans disagreement over the suspension of Jimmy Spencer and only placing Kurt Busch on probation stemming from the incident the previous week prompted fans to boo Busch as he exited his car in victory lane.
Mountain Dew Southern 500
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held at Darlington Speedway on August 31, 2003. This would be the last time the race was held on this date (See notes below). Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 16- Greg Biffle
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#50)
- This was Terry Labonte's first cup win since Texas in 1999, as well as Labonte's final career win on the Cup circuit.
- This was the last Southern 500 to be held on its traditional Labor Day weekend date until 2015.
- This race has been labeled by millions of fans as the most popular win of 2003.
Chevy Rock and Roll 400
The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 6, 2003. Mike Skinner sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#50), Billy Bigley (#79)
- With 8 laps to go, Kevin Harvick got loose against Ricky Rudd and spun in the wall. After the race, both cars stopped in the pit road and both drivers began a scuffle between the #21 and #29 with the pit crew member yells during the fight. Following an incident between Rudd and Harvick, Harvick fined $35,000 and crew chief Todd Berrier fined $10,000 for the incident. In addition, two other pit crew member fined $2,500 each and both pit crew member suspended for the next week's race.
Sylvania 300
The Sylvania 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 14, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 38- Elliott Sadler
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 42- Jamie McMurray
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#50), Derrike Cope (#37), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Carl Long (#46)
- This was the final Cup race in which drivers raced back to the start-finish line as soon as a caution flag came out. Dale Jarrett's #88 Ford hit the wall exiting turn 4 and stopped in the middle of the track. Many cars entering the front straight swerved wildly trying to avoid Jarrett's car.
MBNA America 400
The MBNA America 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on September 21, 2003. Qualifying was cancelled due to Hurricane Isabel; as a result, Matt Kenseth sat on the pole on owner points.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 16- Greg Biffle
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 21- Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#50), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Billy Bigley (#79), Scott Wimmer (#27), Christian Fittipaldi (#44), Tim Sauter (#71)
- Starting with this race, racing back to the caution was eliminated. At the moment the caution flag comes out, the field is frozen; running order is determined by video replays and scoring loops around the track. It also introduced the Lucky dog rule, in which the highest-running driver not on the lead lap gets a lap back when the caution period begins.
EA Sports 500
The EA Sports 500 was held September 28, 2003 at Talladega Superspeedway. Elliott Sadler won the pole. An early wreck took place on lap 10 when #19-Jeremy Mayfield had a tire go down, during pit stops #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. made contact with #43-Jeff Green resulting in damage to his car's nose. Earnhardt Jr. would go a lap down on lap 62 after damage repair to his car. On lap 143 the 3rd caution came out when leader #48-Jimmie Johnson was sent spinning down to the inside of Turn 1 after Dale Earnhardt Jr. bumped #15-Michael Waltrip who slapped the side of Johnson, Johnson's car slid back up the Turn 1 banking barely missing a few cars. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the lucky dog during the caution and got back on the lead lap. On lap 158 Johnson retired to the garage with engine problems. On lap 182 with 7 laps of racing left #38-Elliott Sadler who was racing four wide near the front of the pack down the backstretch went to block #97-Kurt Busch. The #38 car made contact with the #97 and was turned around, as the car spun it became airborne flipping through the air then landing on the roof near the entrance of Turn 3. The car continued to slide across the grass to the track pavement in Turn 3, when the car caught the pavement it tumbled 5 more times before coming to a stop. Elliott Sadler was removed from the car and was ok. The race was red flagged as track workers cleaned up debris. Michael Waltrip led during the restart with 5 laps to go, Waltrip led all of the last five laps with drafting help from teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., as the checkered flag waved cars were running 5 wide mid pack when #9-Bill Elliott made contact with #18-Bobby Labonte creating a small wreck in Turn 1. Waltrip celebrated the win by popping out of his car's newly installed emergency roof hatch after doing donuts on the infield grass.[2]
Top ten results:
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Make | Team | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | Michael Waltrip | Chevrolet | Dale Earnhardt Inc. | NAPA Auto Parts |
| 2 | 8 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Chevrolet | Dale Earnhardt Inc. | Budweiser |
| 3 | 20 | Tony Stewart | Chevrolet | Joe Gibbs Racing | The Home Depot |
| 4 | 12 | Ryan Newman | Dodge | Penske Racing | Alltel |
| 5 | 24 | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | Hendrick Motorsports | DuPont |
| 6 | 97 | Kurt Busch | Ford | Roush Racing | Rubbermaid |
| 7 | 29 | Kevin Harvick | Chevrolet | Richard Childress Racing | GM Goddwrench |
| 8 | 32 | Ricky Craven | Pontiac | PPI Motorsports | Tide |
| 9 | 2 | Rusty Wallace | Dodge | Penske Racing | Miller Lite |
| 10 | 09 | Mike Wallace | Dodge | Phoenix Racing | Miccosukee Resort |
Did not Qualify: Jason Leffler (#0), Kevin Lepage (#4), Steve Park (#30), Kyle Petty (#45), Mike Bliss (#80), Todd Bodine (#54)
Banquet 400
The Banquet 400 was held at Kansas Speedway on October 5, 2003. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. sat on the pole.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 21- Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Johnny Sauter (#4)
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 11, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (#49), Hermie Sadler (#02), Mark Green (#14), Jeff Fultz (#55)
- This was the first fall race at Charlotte to be held on a Saturday night.
- Brian Vickers made his NASCAR debut, finishing in 33rd.
Subway 500
The Subway 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on October 19, 2003. Jeff Gordon sat on the pole.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 99- Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Mark Green (#14), Morgan Shepherd (#89)
- Jeff Gordon led the race's majority, having led 313 of the race's 500 laps on his way to victory. Gordon also swept both Martinsville races for the 2003 season.
Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 26 – October 27, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole. The race was suspended after 39 laps due to rain and resumed the following day. A crash involving Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 4 laps left caused the race to finish under caution.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 7- Jimmy Spencer
- 01- Joe Nemechek
Failed to qualify: Jeff Green (#43), Buckshot Jones (#00), Larry Foyt (#14), Mike Wallace (#09), Billy Bigley (#79), Shelby Howard (#27)
Checker Auto Parts 500
The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held Phoenix International Raceway on November 2, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 22- Scott Wimmer
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#37), Brandon Ash (#02)
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held at North Carolina Speedway on November 9, 2003. Ryan Newman sat on the pole.
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 74- Tony Raines
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Tim Sauter (#71), Rich Bickle (#79)
- This was Bill Elliott's final win.
- This was the final Rockingham race in the fall.
- Matt Kenseth clinched the Championship by finishing 4th.
Ford 400
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The Ford 400, the final race of the season, and the last race ever under the "Winston Cup" name, was held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 16, 2003. Jamie McMurray sat on the pole.
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 42- Jamie McMurray
- 40- Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Ken Schrader (#49), Kyle Petty (#45), Mike Wallace (#09), Derrike Cope (#79), Rich Bickle (#78)
- First race with new configuration at Miami.
- With one lap remaining, Bill Elliott was leading when he cut a tire between turns 1 and 2, handing the win to Bobby Labonte, the only lap he led.
- Matt Kenseth, who had clinched the Winston Cup title at Rockingham one week earlier, finished 43rd due to a blown engine on lap 28, his worst finish of the season.
- This was the last time Labonte won. This would be 2 races in a row where 2 drivers last wins happened (Bill Elliott was the week before).
Final points standings
| Pos. | Driver | Pts. | Pts. Behind | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Kenseth | 5022 | Champion | 1 |
| 2 | Jimmie Johnson | 4932 | -90 | 3 |
| 3 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 4815 | -207 | 2 |
| 4 | Jeff Gordon | 4785 | -237 | 3 |
| 5 | Kevin Harvick | 4770 | -252 | 1 |
| 6 | Ryan Newman | 4711 | -311 | 8 |
| 7 | Tony Stewart | 4549 | -473 | 2 |
| 8 | Bobby Labonte | 4377 | -645 | 2 |
| 9 | Bill Elliott | 4303 | -719 | 1 |
| 10 | Terry Labonte | 4162 | -860 | 1 |
| 11 | Kurt Busch | 4150 | -872 | 4 |
| 12 | Jeff Burton | 4109 | -913 | 0 |
| 13 | Jamie McMurray (R) | 3965 | -1057 | 0 |
| 14 | Rusty Wallace | 3950 | -1072 | 0 |
| 15 | Michael Waltrip | 3934 | -1088 | 2 |
| 16 | Robby Gordon | 3856 | -1166 | 2 |
| 17 | Mark Martin | 3769 | -1253 | 0 |
| 18 | Sterling Marlin | 3745 | -1277 | 0 |
| 19 | Jeremy Mayfield | 3736 | -1286 | 0 |
| 20 | Greg Biffle (R) | 3696 | -1326 | 1 |
| 21 | Ward Burton | 3550 | -1472 | 0 |
| 22 | Elliott Sadler | 3525 | -1497 | 0 |
| 23 | Ricky Rudd | 3521 | -1501 | 0 |
| 24 | Johnny Benson | 3448 | -1574 | 0 |
| 25 | Joe Nemechek | 3426 | -1596 | 1 |
| 26 | Dale Jarrett | 3358 | -1664 | 1 |
| 27 | Ricky Craven | 3334 | -1688 | 1 |
| 28 | Dave Blaney | 3194 | -1828 | 0 |
| 29 | Jimmy Spencer | 3147 | -1875 | 0 |
| 30 | Kenny Wallace | 3061 | -1961 | 0 |
| 31 | Todd Bodine | 2976 | -2046 | 0 |
| 32 | Steve Park | 2923 | -2099 | 0 |
| 33 | Tony Raines (R) | 2772 | -2250 | 0 |
| 34 | Jeff Green | 2656 | -2366 | 0 |
| 35 | Casey Mears (R) | 2638 | -2384 | 0 |
All information in this article is from Racing Reference and NASCAR.com.
Rookie of the Year
The easy favorite for Rookie of the Year heading was Jamie McMurray, who had won the previous year in just his second start, and he did not disappoint, posting thirteen top-tens and a pole position despite not winning again. Runner-up Greg Biffle finished in the top-25 in the first two races, failed to qualify at Las Vegas, then won the Pepsi 400, while Tony Raines posted just one top ten finish in BACE Motorsports' only full season in Winston Cup. Casey Mears couldn't finish higher than 15th in his debut season, but has gone on since to garner sixteen top-tens. Former Craftsman Truck Series champion Jack Sprague only lasted eighteen races before being released from his #0 ride, while Larry Foyt's best finish in 20 starts was a sixteenth at the season ending race at Homestead. The only other declared candidate, Hideo Fukuyama, dropped out early due to a lack of funding from his BelCar Racing team.
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ NewYorkTimes.com: Waltrip Ends Streak of Earnhardt Jr.
