What Is 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of NASCAR's premier racing series, featuring 36 points races and culminating in Kurt Busch winning his first championship by just 8 points over Jimmie Johnson.

Key Facts

The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series began on February 15 with the Daytona 500 and ended on November 21.
Kurt Busch won the championship with a final margin of 8 points over Jimmie Johnson.
Jimmie Johnson led the series with 8 wins during the season.
Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Hendrick Motorsports each secured 4 wins.
The series introduced the Chase for the Championship playoff format in 2004.

Overview

The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series marked a pivotal year in stock car racing, serving as the first season under the Nextel sponsorship, replacing Winston after over three decades. This season introduced the groundbreaking 'Chase for the Championship' playoff format, reshaping how titles were contested and increasing late-season excitement.

Comprising 36 points races, the series began on February 15 with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and concluded on November 21 with the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. A total of 43 drivers competed regularly, with 19 different race winners highlighting the season’s competitiveness and unpredictability.

10-race playoff format: The Chase for the Championship included the top 10 drivers in points after 26 races, resetting their standings to contend for the title over the final 10 races.
Kurt Busch’s first title: Driving the #2 Miller Lite Dodge for Roush Racing, Busch claimed his first Cup Series championship by a narrow 8-point margin.
Jimmie Johnson dominated wins: Johnson secured 8 victories, the most of any driver, despite finishing second in the final standings.
Dale Earnhardt Inc. success: The team earned 4 wins, including victories by Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr., maintaining its prominence.
Homestead finale: The season concluded at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Greg Biffle won the Ford 400, but all eyes were on the tight championship battle.

How It Works

The 2004 season introduced structural changes that redefined NASCAR’s competitive landscape, particularly through the implementation of the Chase format and new sponsorship dynamics. These changes aimed to boost viewership and create tighter title races in the final stretch of the season.

Chase for the Championship: After 26 races, the top 10 drivers had their point totals reset, with 10-point increments separating them, creating a playoff-style finish.
Points system: The standard system awarded 180 points for a win, decreasing incrementally, with 5 bonus points for leading the most laps.
Nextel sponsorship: Nextel replaced Winston as title sponsor, introducing a new $1 million prize for any driver winning three of the first four Chase races.
Driver eligibility: Only drivers within 400 points of the leader after 26 races were eligible for the Chase, ensuring competitive parity.
Manufacturer performance: Dodge earned 11 wins, Ford had 10, and Chevrolet secured 15, reflecting strong manufacturer competition.
TV and marketing push: Fox and NBC shared broadcast rights, with Fox airing the first half and NBC/ TNT the second, amplifying national exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series standings:

Driver	Team	Wins	Top 5s	Points
Kurt Busch	Roush Racing	3	15	4,818
Jimmie Johnson	Hendrick Motorsports	8	22	4,810
Jeff Gordon	Hendrick Motorsports	3	17	4,783
Mark Martin	Roush Racing	0	11	4,765
Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Dale Earnhardt Inc.	1	12	4,730

The table illustrates how consistency, not just wins, influenced the final standings. Despite Johnson’s 8 victories, Busch’s steady top-15 finishes in the Chase races secured him the title. This highlighted the strategic shift brought by the new playoff format, where endurance mattered as much as dominance.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season fundamentally altered NASCAR’s championship structure and set the template for future seasons, influencing how races and titles were marketed and contested. Its innovations had lasting impacts on fan engagement and competitive balance.

Introduced modern playoffs: The Chase format evolved into today’s elimination-style playoffs, now a staple in NASCAR.
Boosted television ratings: NBC’s coverage of the Chase saw 15% higher viewership compared to previous finales.
Increased sponsor interest: Nextel’s $1 million bonus created new marketing opportunities and media buzz.
Highlighted driver adaptability: Success required consistency in the final 10 races, not just raw speed.
Set stage for parity: Smaller teams like Roush Racing could compete for titles against powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports.
Legacy of close finishes: The 8-point margin remains one of the closest in NASCAR history, underscoring the format’s drama.

The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series stands as a turning point, blending tradition with innovation and setting new standards for excitement and competition in American motorsports.