2000 NASCAR Busch Series

The 2000 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series season began on February 19 and ended on November 11. Jeff Green of ppc Racing was crowned series champion.

NAPA Auto Parts 300
The NAPA Auto Parts 300 was held February 19 at Daytona International Speedway. Hut Stricklin won the pole. Two flips occurred during this race. The first flip was on lap 15 during a 7 car pileup coming out of the tri-oval. Jeff Green got turned around and flipped once. He was uninjured, though. Later, on lap 104, coming out of the tri-oval Michael Waltrip got turned around and flipped several times. He, too, was okay.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Shane Hall (#0), David Starr (#16), Lyndon Amick (#35), Kevin Grubb (#37) Michael Ritch (#55), Ed Berrier (#65), Skip Smith (#67), Blaise Alexander (#81), Greg Sacks (#84), Jimmie Johnson (#92), Gus Wasson (#96)

Alltel 200
The Alltel 200 was held February 26 at North Carolina Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Mike Skinner (#19), Ward Burton (#22), Hut Stricklin (#61), Kevin Harvick (#2), Shane Hall (#0), Jason Jarrett (#11), Mike Stefanik (#90), Wayne Grubb (#83), Ricky Hendrick (#24), Ken Alexander (#03), Johnny Benson (#91)

Sam's Town 300
The Sam's Town 300 was held March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Hank Parker Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Anthony Lazzaro (#97), Jay Sauter (#43), Rich Bickle (#91), Boris Said (#12), Gus Wasson (#96), Steve Park (#31), Tony Roper (#50), Hermie Sadler (#30), Shane Hall (#0), Mike Skinner (#19), Dave Steele (#82)

Aaron's 312
The Aaron's 312 was held March 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Matt Kenseth won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#30), Rich Bickle (#91), Tony Roper (#50), Gus Wasson (#96), Michael Ritch (#55), Jason Leffler (#18), Terry Labonte/Glenn Allen, Jr. (#44), Dave Steele (#82), Gary Bradberry (#86), Ron Young (#70)

SunCom 200
The SunCom 200 was held March 18 at Darlington Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Jason Jarrett (#11), Dave Steele (#82), Terry Labonte (#44), Wayne Grubb (#83), Ricky Hendrick (#24), Shane Hall (#0), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Jeff Purvis (#4), Morgan Shepherd (#19), Tony Roper (#50)

Cheez-It 250
The Cheez-It 250 was held March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#30), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Tony Roper (#50), Mike Borkowski (#20), Brad Teague (#49), Michael Ritch (#55), Shane Hall (#0), Tracy Hines (#12), Jason Jarrett (#11), Mark Day (#16)

•Marlin would capture his 2nd and final win, as well as his first since the 1990 All Pro 300. Furthermore, this race was the first of 8 Busch Series wins for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Albertsons 300
The Albertsons 300 was held April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jason Leffler won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Chad Little (#30), Terry Labonte (#44), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Anthony Lazzaro (#97), Michael Waltrip (#7), Tony Roper (#50), Jeff Fuller (#82), Michael Ritch (#55), Jason Jarrett (#11), Rich Bickle (#91), Dave Blaney (#20)

The race was known for a controversial move by MTV Networks to not broadcast the race after a rain delay.

BellSouth Mobility 320
The final BellSouth Mobility 320 was held April 8 at Nashville Speedway USA. Casey Atwood won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Andy Kirby (#39), Joe Buford (#16), Brad Baker (#13), David Keith (#95), Ron Young (#71), Kelly Denton (#75), Ashton Lewis (#46), Tyler Walker (#28), P. J. Jones (#19), Sammy Ragan (#78), Philip Morris (#30)

Touchstone Energy 300
The Touchstone Energy 300 was held April 14 at Talladega Superspeedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Johnny Rumley (#0), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Chad Little (#30), Kelly Denton (#75), Anthony Lazzaro (#97)

Auto Club 300
The Auto Club 300 was held April 29 at California Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: none

Hardee's 250
The Hardee's 250 was held May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Mike Stefanik (#90), Curtis Markham (#29), Lance Hooper (#0), Kenny Wallace (#29), P. J. Jones (#19), Kenny Irwin, Jr. (#42), Jason Jarrett (#11), Tony Roper (#50), Chad Little (#30), Ken Alexander (#03)


 * Final Busch Series start for Adam Petty.

Busch 200
The Busch 200 was held May 13 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Tim Fedewa won the pole. The weekend was marked by tragedy, when during a practice run on May 12, 19-year-old Adam Petty lost control of his race car and crashed into the Turn 3 wall. He did not survive the accident.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ricky Hendrick (#24), Tony Roper (#50), Wayne Grubb (#83), Ashton Lewis (#46), Andy Kirby (#39)

Carquest Auto Parts 300
The Carquest Auto Parts 300 was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: P. J. Jones (#19), Michael Waltrip (#7), Anthony Lazzaro (#97), Jeff Purvis (#4), Mark Green (#63), Wayne Grubb (#83), Jim Bown (#51), Ashton Lewis (#46), Stanton Barrett (#50), Roberto Guerrero (#72), Michael Ritch (#55), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Rich Bickle (#91), Justin Labonte (#44)

MBNA Platinum 200
The MBNA Platinum 200 was held June 3 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Mike Stefanik (#90), Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Jason Jarrett (#11), Chad Little (#30), Rich Bickle (#91)

Textilease/Medique 300
The final Textilease/Medique 300 was held June 10 at South Boston Speedway. Casey Atwood won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: R. D. Smith (#79), Forrest Urban, Jr. (#54)

Myrtle Beach 250
The final Myrtle Beach 250 was held June 17 at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole. It was also Jay Robinson Racing's first start

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Richard Jarvis (#54), Jason Jarrett (#11), Andy Kirby (#39), Lance Hooper (#0)

Lysol 200
The Lysol 200 was held June 25 at Watkins Glen International Raceway. Ron Fellows won the pole. This race was known for a massive crash involving then-Busch Series regular Jimmie Johnson. Johnson's brakes failed entering turn 1, causing his car to smack the styrofoam retaining wall at about 140 miles per hour. Johnson was uninjured, even standing on top of the car and pumping his fists in the air after the wreck.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Michael Ritch (#55), Dale Quarterley (#32), Jaime Guerrero (#72), John Preston (#12)

Sears DieHard 250
The Sears DieHard 250 was held July 2 at The Milwaukee Mile. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ricky Hendrick (#24), Ted Smokstad (#12), Ashton Lewis (#46), Mario Gosselin (#58), Brad Baker (#13), David Starr (#16), Melvin Walen (#88), Doug Reid III (#86)

Econo Lodge 200
The Econo Lodge 200 was held July 16 at Nazareth Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Jason Jarrett (#11), Bill Hoff (#93), Derrick Gilchrest (#15)

NAPA Autocare 250
The NAPA Autocare 250 was held July 22 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Jeff Purvis won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Brendan Gaughan (#16)

Carquest Auto Parts 250
The Carquest Auto Parts 250 was held July 29 at Gateway International Raceway. Jeff Green won the pole. Qualifying for this event was rained out.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Bobby Hillin, Jr. (#8), Andy Kirby (#39), Hut Stricklin (#11), Johnny Rumley (#0), Mel Walen (#85), Doug Reid III (#86), Curtis Markham (#29), Jay Fogleman (#68)


 * This was Kevin Harvick's first career victory in the NASCAR Busch Series.

Kroger 200
The Kroger 200 was held August 4 at Indianapolis Raceway Park at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Jason Leffler won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Brad Baker (#13), Justin Labonte (#44), Sammy Sanders (#16), Jay Fogleman (#68), Brian Tyler (#49), Melvin Whalen (#85), Forrest Urban, Jr. (#54), Bill Hoff (#93)

NAPAonline.com 250
The NAPAonline.com 250 was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Buckshot Jones won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#11), Michael Ritch (#55), P. J. Jones (#19), Rich Bickle (#91), Brett Bodine (#44), Doug Reid III (#86), Mark Martin (#60)

Food City 250
The Food City 250 was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Jay Fogleman (#68), Wayne Grubb (#83), Matt Kenseth (#17), P. J. Jones (#19), Ashton Lewis (#46), Ron Young (#70), Tom Hubert (#20), Ricky Hendrick (#24), Doug Reid III (#86), Justin Labonte (#44)

Dura Lube / All Pro Bumper to Bumper 200
The Dura Lube / All Pro Bumper to Bumper 200 was held September 2 at Darlington Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Steve Park (#31), Justin Labonte, Andy Kirby (#39), Mike Stefanik (#90), Jason Jarrett (#11), Stanton Barrett (#12)

Autolite / Fram 250
The Autolite / Fram 250 was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Todd Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Michael Ritch (#55), Rich Bickle (#91), Tim Sauter (#61), Steve Park (#31), Ashton Lewis (#46), Mike Stefanik (#90), Justin Labonte (#44), Wayne Grubb (#83), Jay Fogleman (#68), Hermie Sadler (#6), Forrest Urban, Jr. (#54), Richard Jarvis (#80), Bill Hoff (#93)

MBNA.com 200
The MBNA.com 200 was held September 23 at Dover International Speedway. Mike Skinner won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Terry Labonte (#44), P. J. Jones (#19), Andy Kirby (#39)

All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300
The All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 was held October 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Matt Kenseth won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Justin Labonte (#44), Steve Park (#31), Sterling Marlin (#01), Rich Bickle (#91), Mike Stefanik (#90), Johnny Rumley (#0), Chad Little (#74), Michael Ritch (#55), Terry Labonte (#04), Ricky Craven (#19), Ashton Lewis (#74), Jay Fogleman (#68)

Sam's Club 200
The Sam's Club 200 was held October 21 at North Carolina Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Jason Jarrett (#11), Andy Kirby (#39), Michael Waltrip (#99), Lyndon Amick (#35), Brandon Butler (#83), Mike Stefanik (#90), Tim Sauter (#61), Scott Wimmer (#20), Rich Bickle (#91), Jay Fogleman (#68)

Sam's Town 250
The Sam's Town 250 was held October 29 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Ashton Lewis (#46), Mike Stefanik, Justin Labonte (#44), Jason Jarrett (#11), Ron Young (#70), Sammy Sanders (#16), Steadman Marlin (#01), Wayman Wittman (#93)

Outback Steakhouse 200
The Outback Steakhouse 200 was held November 4 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jason Leffler won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Curtis Markham (#29), Hut Stricklin (#11), Justin Labonte (#44), Ashton Lewis (#46), Rich Bickle (#91), Brandon Butler (#83), Rick Carelli (#88)

Miami 300
The Miami 300 was held November 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bobby Hamilton, Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

Failed to qualify: Mike Dillon (#21), Sterling Marlin (#01), Chad Little (#74), Justin Labonte (#44), Michael Ritch (#55), Rich Bickle (#91), Lyndon Amick (#35), Curtis Markham (#29), Ricky Craven (#19), Mark McFarland (#84), Ashton Lewis (#46), Mark Green (#63)


 * Final Busch Series start and win for Jeff Gordon as well as JG Motorsports.

Final points standings

 * 1) Jeff Green – 5005
 * 2) Jason Keller – 4389
 * 3) Kevin Harvick – 4113
 * 4) Todd Bodine – 4075
 * 5) Ron Hornaday, Jr. – 3870
 * 6) Elton Sawyer – 3776
 * 7) Randy LaJoie – 3670
 * 8) Casey Atwood – 3404
 * 9) David Green – 3316
 * 10) Jimmie Johnson – 3264
 * 11) Jeff Purvis – 3212
 * 12) Phil Parsons – 3176
 * 13) Kevin Grubb – 3124
 * 14) Hank Parker, Jr. – 3109
 * 15) Tony Raines – 3061
 * 16) Jay Sauter – 3037
 * 17) Matt Kenseth – 3022
 * 18) Tim Fedewa – 3009
 * 19) Bobby Hamilton, Jr. – 2968
 * 20) Jason Leffler – 2956
 * 21) Buckshot Jones – 2952
 * 22) Dick Trickle – 2808
 * 23) Mike Dillon – 2743
 * 24) Mike McLaughlin – 2690
 * 25) Blaise Alexander – 2540
 * 26) Mark Green – 2470
 * 27) Mark Martin – 2280
 * 28) Lyndon Amick – 2266
 * 29) Jeff Burton – 2259
 * 30) Kenny Wallace – 1814
 * 31) Kyle Petty – 1710
 * 32) Joe Nemechek – 1691
 * 33) Michael Ritch – 1643
 * 34) Andy Santerre – 1498
 * 35) Hermie Sadler – 1449
 * 36) Chad Chaffin – 1373
 * 37) Michael Waltrip – 1356
 * 38) P. J. Jones – 1262
 * 39) Jason Jarrett – 1187
 * 40) Wayne Grubb – 1158
 * 41) Bobby Hillin, Jr. – 1137
 * 42) Kevin Lepage – 1063
 * 43) Steve Park – 999
 * 44) Jason Schuler – 991
 * 45) Hut Stricklin – 983
 * 46) Dave Blaney – 976
 * 47) Adam Petty – 928
 * 48) Justin Labonte – 913
 * 49) Ricky Hendrick – 876
 * 50) Kenny Irwin, Jr. – 852

Rookie of the Year
Kevin Harvick tied for a record three wins and beat out pre-season favorite Ron Hornaday, Jr. for the Rookie of the Year award in 2000, despite missing one race. Hornaday, the only rookie candidate to compete in every race, had two wins and a fifth-place points finish. Jimmie Johnson drove for a brand-new team and had a tenth-place points finish, while Jay Sauter had eight top-ten finishes. Michael Ritch struggled with qualifying problems all year, while P. J. Jones, Anthony Lazzaro, Mike Borkowski, and Dave Steele were all open-wheel drivers who were released from their rides early in the season. Mike Stefanik was the only other rookie candidate.