What Is 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race held on October 21, 2001, at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. Jeff Gordon won the event, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, leading 193 of 400 laps under challenging rainy conditions.

Key Facts

Race held on October 21, 2001, at North Carolina Motor Speedway (Rockingham)
Jeff Gordon won, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Gordon led 193 of the 400 laps, the most of any driver
Race was delayed and shortened due to persistent rain showers
Final Winston Cup race at Rockingham before NASCAR discontinued the event

Overview

The 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was a significant NASCAR Winston Cup Series event that took place during a pivotal season marked by tragedy and transition. Held at the North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, the race served as the 32nd event of the 36-race 2001 season, occurring just weeks after the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Daytona 500.

This race was notable not only for its dramatic weather interruptions but also for its role in shaping the championship battle. As one of the final events before the season finale, it helped solidify standings and momentum for top contenders, including Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

Full race distance: Originally scheduled for 400 laps, the event was shortened due to rain and completed at 346 laps after multiple delays.
Track length: North Carolina Motor Speedway is a 1.017-mile D-shaped oval, known for its abrasive surface and high tire wear.
Winner: Jeff Gordon claimed victory, marking his fourth win of the 2001 season and his second at Rockingham.
Starting position: Gordon began the race in second place, behind pole-sitter Ricky Rudd, who drove the No. 26 Ford.
Attendance: Approximately 75,000 fans attended despite overcast skies and intermittent rain throughout the day.

How It Works

The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 followed standard NASCAR Winston Cup Series procedures for race structure, scoring, and safety, with unique challenges posed by weather and track conditions.

Green-White-Checkered Rule: In 2001, NASCAR used a traditional finish method; the race ended under caution after rain made conditions unsafe, bypassing modern overtime rules.
Caution Flags: The race saw 7 caution periods for a total of 47 laps, many due to rain-related incidents and multi-car crashes.
Lead Changes: There were 17 lead changes among 9 different drivers, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
Weather Impact: Persistent rain delayed the start by 45 minutes and ultimately forced NASCAR to end the race early at lap 346.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, with Winston Cup standings still in contention for Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon.
Pit Strategy: Crew chiefs had to adapt quickly to changing conditions, opting for rain tires briefly before NASCAR halted competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics from the top finishers in the 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400.

Driver	Car Number	Team	Laps Led	Finish Position
Jeff Gordon	24	Hendrick Motorsports	193	1st
Tony Stewart	20	Joe Gibbs Racing	56	2nd
Ricky Rudd	26	Petty Enterprises	42	3rd
Kurt Busch	97	Roush Racing	28	4th
Johnny Benson	10	MBV Motorsports	12	5th

The table illustrates how Jeff Gordon dominated the race in terms of laps led, nearly doubling the next closest competitor. Despite Stewart’s strong finish, the early exit due to weather prevented a potential late-race showdown. The event marked the last competitive appearance at Rockingham for many drivers, as NASCAR removed it from the schedule after 2004.

Why It Matters

The 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 holds historical significance in NASCAR’s evolution, both as a farewell to a classic track and as a turning point in the season’s championship narrative. Its weather-shortened format also sparked later rule changes regarding race completion and safety protocols.

Final Rockingham Race: This was the last fall race at Rockingham, ending a 30-year tradition of NASCAR events at the track.
Championship Implications: The result tightened the Winston Cup standings, with Stewart closing within 102 points of leader Gordon.
Weather Precedent: The rain-shortened finish influenced NASCAR to develop more robust weather policies in future seasons.
Driver Legacy: Jeff Gordon’s performance reinforced his status as one of NASCAR’s premier talents in the early 2000s.
Sponsorship Trends: Pop Secret’s naming rights reflected the growing role of food brands in motorsports marketing.
Historical Context: Held just months after 9/11, the race contributed to NASCAR’s role in national healing and entertainment recovery.

Ultimately, the 2001 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 stands as a memorable blend of competition, adversity, and transition in stock car racing history.