2003 NASCAR Busch Series

The 2003 NASCAR Busch Series began February 15 and ended November 15. Brian Vickers of Hendrick Motorsports won the championship.

Brian Vickers won the Busch Series championship at the age of 20.
David Green finished second in points.
Ron Hornaday Jr. finished third in points.
David Stremme the 2003 Busch Series Rookie of the Year.
Chevrolet won the manufacturer's championship after not winning for a year.

2003 teams and drivers

Full schedule

ManufacturerTeamNo.Driver
ChevroletBill Davis Racing23Scott Wimmer
FitzBradshaw Racing12Kerry Earnhardt 19
Tim Fedewa 15
GIC-Mixon Motorsports44Mike Harmon
Hendrick Motorsports5Brian Vickers
Lewis Motorsports46Ashton Lewis Jr.
Richard Childress Racing2Ron Hornaday Jr.
21Kevin Harvick 18
Johnny Sauter 16
ST Motorsports59Stacy Compton
DodgeCarroll Racing26Kevin Grubb 23
Lance Norick 4
Chad Blount (R) 7
FordAkins Motorsports38Kasey Kahne
Moy Racing[N 1]77Donnie Neuenberger 4
Brad Teague 16
Bruce Bechtel 3
Dana White 5
Jimmy Kitchens 1
Jason Rudd 1
Ryck Sanders 1
Derek Hayes 3
ppc Racing10Scott Riggs
57Jason Keller
Team Rensi Motorsports25Bobby Hamilton Jr.
PontiacBrewco Motorsports37David Green
Chevrolet
Pontiac
27Chase Montgomery (R) 14
Hank Parker Jr. 2
Joey Clanton (R) 18
Day Enterprises Racing16Larry Gunselman
Evans Motorsports7Randy LaJoie 17
Greg Biffle 13
Todd Bodine 1
Joe Nemechek 1
Hank Parker Jr. 1
Mike Skinner 1
Innovative Motorsports48Shane Hmiel 26
Jeff Green 2
Todd Bodine 3
Randy LaJoie 1
Kerry Earnhardt 1
Carlos Contreras 1
Joe Gibbs Racing18Coy Gibbs (R)
20Mike Bliss
Dodge
Chevrolet
Phoenix Racing1Jamie McMurray 18
David Stremme (R) 16
Ford
Pontiac
Jay Robinson Racing49Derrike Cope 6
Chris Bingham (R) 8
Carlos Contreras 1
Jason White (R) 2
Shane Hall 2
Tammy Jo Kirk 15

Limited schedule

ManufacturerTeamNo.DriverRounds
ChevroletAndy Petree Racing55Paul Menard7
BACE Motorsports33Tony Raines12
Damon Lusk (R)1
74Kerry Earnhardt1
Bennett Motorsports02Lowell Bennett2
Bost Motorsports22Jeff Fuller1
Regan Smith (R)16
Tina Gordon1
Wayne Edwards1
Brian Tyler1
Stan Boyd[N 2]1
Justin Ashburn[N 2]1
Dana White2
Phil Bonifield1
Bill Hoff1
Blake Mallory1
Jeff Streeter1
Jerry Reary3
Kevin Conway1
Brian Weber Racing84Joe Buford1
Brian Weber7
Gus Wasson1
Greg Pursley1
Norm Benning RacingNorm Benning3
811
82
Chance 2 MotorsportsDale Earnhardt Jr.3
Steve Park1
Hank Parker Jr.3
Tony Stewart1
Martin Truex Jr.3
814
Leik MotorsportsDwayne Leik4
Competitive Edge Motorsports32Mike Garvey1
Team AmickLyndon Amick1
Jeff Green1
Craig Motorsports86Jeff Fultz4
DLP Racing07Steve Grissom1
Mike BalesBrett Oakley3
Davis MotorsportsBrad Teague1
0Morgan Shepherd9
Jason White (R)15
J. R. Robbs3
Dude Teate1
Jay Sommers1
Gus Wasson4
70Brian Conz1
Morgan Shepherd4
Don Satterfield1
Mike Potter1
Gus Wasson3
Jason Rudd1
Jason White (R)2
Ken Alexander Racing1
Robby Benton3
Jimmy Kitchens1
DCT Motorsports36Steve Grissom2
FitzBradshaw Racing14Casey Atwood12
823
Jimmy Spencer1
Randy LaJoie1
Frank Cicci Racing34Mike McLaughlin6
GIC-Mixon Motorsports41Jimmy Kitchens1
Haas CNC Racing00Troy Cline3
Jason Leffler6
Henderson Motorsports75Jay Sauter11
Hendrick Motorsports87Kyle Busch7
Herzog-Jackson Motorsports92Todd Bodine18
Jeff Green2
Holman Motorsports78Caleb Holman5
Innovative Motorsports47Regan Smith (R)1
Michael Waltrip Racing99Michael Waltrip20
Kenny Wallace1
NEMCO MotorsportsJoe Nemechek1
Morgan–McClure Motorsports05Eric McClure1
PBM Racing65Vern Slagh1
PF2 Motorsports94Joe Buford1
A. J. Alsup1
Jerry Robertson1
Jamie Aube1
Daniel Johnson1
Kenny Hendrick3
Brian Tyler1
Rich Bickle2
Premier Motorsports85John Hayden17
Lackley MotorsportsRobby Benton1
RB1 Motorsports71Ron Young14
Shane Wallace1
Kenneth Appling RacingJeremy Clements1
511
Ware Racing EnterprisesStan Boyd2
Richard Childress Racing29Mardy Lindley1
Kevin Harvick1
Michael Lewis1
Johnny Sauter1
Smith Brothers Motorsports67C. W. Smith1
Streeter Racing83Jeff Streeter9
TC Motorsports35Wayne Anderson2
Team Bristol Motorsports54Hermie Sadler10
Truex Motorsports58Martin Truex Jr.3
White Knight Motorsports28Drew White1
DodgeBraun Racing19Chad Blount (R)11
Casey Mears14
30Jimmy Vasser2
Steadman Marlin8
Lance Norick2
Billy Boat1
David Stremme (R)2
40Jamie McMurray1
Carroll Racing90Lance Norick2
Kevin Grubb1
Creech Motorsports13Carl Long2
Franklin Butler III1
Cunningham Motorsports06Justin Labonte1
Evernham Motorsports79Jeremy Mayfield1
Jason Rudd Motorsports01Jason Rudd3
Team Jesel66Chad Blount (R)1
Tommy Baldwin Racing6Damon Lusk (R)10
Jimmy Spencer1
Ted Musgrave1
Paul Wolfe2
Windward Racing Enterprises08Scott Lynch1
FordAkins Motorsports98Mark Green1
Glidden Motorsports04Dion Ciccarelli3
846
Havill-Spoerl Racing73Jason Schuler30
Ron Barfield Jr.2
Freddy Tame1
Lavender Racing08Jody Lavender1
Long Brothers Racing8Joe Buford1
Means Racing52Brad Teague12
Mike Potter12
Wayne Jacks1
Donnie Neuenberger2
Ryck Sanders1
Bruce Bechtel1
Jay Robinson Racing89Shane Hall1
ppc Racing152
Jon Wood1
PPM Racing03Anthony Lazzaro1
Reiser Enterprises17Matt Kenseth14
Jeff Burton1
Wally Dallenbach Jr.1
894
Victory in Jesus RacingMorgan Shepherd5
94
Roush RacingJeff Burton3
Greg Biffle1
60Stanton Barrett15
Santerre Racing01Mike McLaughlin1
Sadler Brothers Racing95Kevin Ray1
David Keith2
Schuler Racing67Josh Richeson9
Brad Mueller1
Jason Schuler1
Team Rensi Motorsports35Elliott Sadler1
Vahsholtz Racing90Clint Vahsholtz2
PontiacGerhart Racing55Bobby Gerhart2
Chevrolet
Dodge
Curb Agajanian Motorsports43Johnny Sauter17
Kevin Grubb1
Shelby Howard1
Brewco MotorsportsJustin Hobgood1
Gary Baker Racing28Brad Baker10
Chevrolet
Ford
Marsh Racing31Dave Blaney10
SCORE Motorsports02Hermie Sadler4
Chevrolet
Pontiac
Aramendia Motorsports79Joe Aramendia5
Troy Cline1
Biagi Brothers Racing4Mike Wallace32
Rick Carelli1
Day Enterprise Racing81Mark Day1
6Justin Ashburn1
601
6122
DCT MotorsportsToby Porter1
Steve Grissom3
Hoff Motorsports93Bill Hoff3
Johnny Henderson63Jimmy Henderson4
MacDonald Motorsports72Randy MacDonald7
Michael Dokken1
Stan Boyd2
Jason Hedlesky1
Mac Hill Motorsports56Tim Sauter12
Jeff Spraker1
Regan Smith (R)1
Markle Motorsports68Rick Markle7
Montgomery Motorsports[N 3]80Chase Montgomery (R)1
Justin Hobgood1
Mark Green1
NEMCO Motorsports87Jeff Green1
Joe Nemechek12
David Reutimann5
Jeff Fuller3
883
David Reutimann2
Joe Nemechek2
Ortec Racing96Brad Baker1
Gus Wasson5
Kenny Hendrick1
Tim Edwards1
Josh Richeson1
Brent Moore2
Mark Green2
Brad Loney2
Stanton Barrett Motorsports97Kenny Hendrick2
Jimmy Kitchens5
Jeff Spraker1
Jeff Fuller6
S.W.A.T. Racing62Larry Hollenbeck3
Tennessee Mountain Boys Racing53Joe Buford2
Brad Teague2
Gene Allbert Jr.1
Butch Jarvis2
Ford
Dodge
Jay Robinson Racing39Mike McLaughlin1
Joe Buford1
Clint Vahsholtz2
Jason White (R)4
Shane Hall1
Chris Bingham (R)3
Brad Baker1
Jamie Mosley11
Blake Mallory3
Dan Pardus1
Derrike Cope1
Jerry Reary1
Dana White1
Mark Green1
Chevrolet
Ford
Pontiac
Stanton Barrett Racing91Ron Barfield Jr.6
Eddy McKean1
Andy Belmont1
Jeff Fuller2
Jason Hedlesky2
Kenny Hendrick5
Stanton Barrett8
Jimmy Kitchens3
Dan Pardus1
Martin Truex Jr.1

Notes

Schedule

No.Race TitleTrackDate
1Koolerz 300Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 15
2Rockingham 200North Carolina Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 22
3Sam's Town 300Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las VegasMarch 1
4darlingtonraceway.com 200Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 15
5Channellock 250Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolMarch 22
6O'Reilly 300Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthMarch 29
7Aaron's 312Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaApril 5
8Pepsi 300Nashville Superspeedway, LebanonApril 12
91–800–Pitshop.com 300California Speedway, FontanaApril 26
10Hardee's 250Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMay 2
11Charter Pipeline 250Gateway International Raceway, MadisonMay 10
12Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries 200Nazareth Speedway, NazarethMay 18
13Carquest Auto Parts 300Lowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 24
14MBNA Armed Forces Family 200Dover International Speedway, DoverMay 31
15Trace Adkins Chrome 300Nashville Superspeedway, LebanonJune 7
16Meijer 300 presented by Oreo HappyKentucky Speedway, SpartaJune 14
17GNC Live Well 250The Milwaukee Mile, West AllisJune 29
18Winn-Dixie 250Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 4
19Tropicana Twister 300Chicagoland Speedway, JolietJuly 12
20New England 200New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 19
21TrimSpa Dream Body 250Pikes Peak International Raceway, FountainJuly 26
22Kroger 200Indianapolis Raceway Park, BrownsburgAugust 2
23Cabela's 250Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 16
24Food City 250Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 22
25Winn-Dixie 200 presented by PepsiCoDarlington Raceway, DarlingtonAugust 30
26Funai 250Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 5
27Stacker 200 presented by YJ StingerDover International Speedway, DoverSeptember 20
28Mr. Goodcents 300Kansas Speedway, Kansas CityOctober 4
29Little Trees 300Lowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 10
30Sam's Town 250Memphis International Raceway, MillingtonOctober 18
31Aaron's 312Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonOctober 25
32Bashas' Supermarkets 200Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 1
33Target House 200North Carolina Speedway, RockinghamNovember 8
34Ford 300Homestead-Miami Speedway, HomesteadNovember 15

Races

Koolerz 300

The Koolerz 300 was held on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole but was suffering from the flu, so Jeff Green started the car from the rear of the field.

Top ten results

  1. 8–Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 17–Matt Kenseth
  3. 21–Kevin Harvick
  4. 4–Mike Wallace
  5. 1–Jamie McMurray
  6. 92–Todd Bodine
  7. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  8. 38–Kasey Kahne
  9. 43–Johnny Sauter
  10. 27–Chase Montgomery

Failed to qualify: Mark Day (#81), Jay Sauter (#75), C. W. Smith (#67), Joe Buford (#84), Brad Teague (#52), Larry Hollenbeck (#82)-Withdrew, Ron Barfield (#91)-Withdrew

Rockingham 200

The Rockingham 200 was scheduled for February 22, but rain pushed it back to February 24 at North Carolina Speedway. David Green won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 1–Jamie McMurray
  2. 37–David Green
  3. 92–Todd Bodine
  4. 7–Randy LaJoie
  5. 57–Jason Keller
  6. 20–Mike Bliss
  7. 26–Kevin Grubb
  8. 5–Brian Vickers
  9. 43–Johnny Sauter
  10. 21–Kevin Harvick

Failed to qualify: Justin Ashburn (#61), Michael Dokken (#72), Jeff Fultz (#86)

Sam's Town 300

The Sam's Town 300 was held on March 1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stanton Barrett won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 87–Joe Nemechek
  2. 21–Kevin Harvick
  3. 20–Mike Bliss
  4. 8–Steve Park
  5. 57–Jason Keller
  6. 37–David Green
  7. 99–Michael Waltrip
  8. 60–Stanton Barrett
  9. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  10. 23–Scott Wimmer

Failed to qualify: Steadman Marlin (#30), Wayne Jacks (#52), Morgan Shepherd (#0), Mike McLaughlin (#01), Troy Cline (#00), Scott Lynch (#08)

darlingtonraceway.com 200

The darlingtonraceway.com 200 was scheduled for March 15 but instead held on March 17 at Darlington Raceway due to rain. Stanton Barrett won the pole as the field was set by 2002 Busch Series owner points due to said rain.

Top ten results

  1. 92–Todd Bodine
  2. 1–Jamie McMurray
  3. 10–Scott Riggs
  4. 59–Stacy Compton
  5. 21–Johnny Sauter
  6. 27–Hank Parker Jr.
  7. 5–Brian Vickers
  8. 38–Kasey Kahne
  9. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  10. 57–Jason Keller

Failed to qualify: none

  • Final Busch Series win for Todd Bodine
  • The end of the race was wild as Jamie McMurray slipped past Todd Bodine for the top spot on the last turn of the last lap, the two banged fenders and McMurray was spun as Bodine took the checkers. The day before, the closest finish in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history happened.

Channellock 250

The Channellock 250 was held on March 22 at Bristol Motor Speedway. David Green won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 21–Kevin Harvick
  2. 33–Tony Raines
  3. 57–Jason Keller
  4. 37–David Green
  5. 20–Mike Bliss
  6. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  7. 48–Shane Hmiel
  8. 7–Randy LaJoie
  9. 92–Todd Bodine
  10. 43–Johnny Sauter

Failed to qualify: none

O'Reilly 300

The O'Reilly 300 was held on March 29 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jason Keller won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 87–Joe Nemechek
  2. 10–Scott Riggs
  3. 48–Shane Hmiel
  4. 19–Chad Blount
  5. 82–Jimmy Spencer
  6. 17–Matt Kenseth
  7. 23–Scott Wimmer
  8. 38–Kasey Kahne
  9. 10–Coy Gibbs

Failed to qualify: Robby Benton (#85), Troy Cline (#00)

  • Chad Blount received a 25–point penalty for illegal modifications to his car's rear hubs found after the race.

Aaron's 312 (Talladega)

The Aaron's 312 was held on April 5 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8–Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 87–Joe Nemechek
  3. 48–Shane Hmiel
  4. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  5. 20–Mike Bliss
  6. 1–Jamie McMurray
  7. 99–Michael Waltrip
  8. 4–Mike Wallace
  9. 18–Coy Gibbs
  10. 22–Tina Gordon

Failed to qualify: Bobby Gerhart (#55), Kevin Ray (#95), Gus Wasson (#84)

Pepsi 300

The Pepsi 300 was held on April 12 at Nashville Superspeedway. Randy LaJoie won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 37–David Green
  2. 21–Johnny Sauter
  3. 46–Ashton Lewis
  4. 20–Mike Bliss
  5. 87–David Reutimann
  6. 60–Stanton Barrett
  7. 1–David Stremme
  8. 19–Chad Blount
  9. 5–Brian Vickers
  10. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.

Failed to qualify: John Hayden (#85), Jeff Streeter (#83), Gus Wasson (#96), Joe Buford (#8), Dion Ciccarelli (#04), Norm Benning (#84)
Note: Mike McLaughlin qualified the No. 92 for Todd Bodine.

1–800–Pitshop.com 300

The 1–800–Pitshop.com 300 was held on April 26 at California Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17–Matt Kenseth
  2. 99–Michael Waltrip
  3. 21–Kevin Harvick
  4. 38–Kasey Kahne
  5. 92–Todd Bodine
  6. 1–Jamie McMurray
  7. 57–Jason Keller
  8. 48–Shane Hmiel
  9. 37–David Green

Failed to qualify: Jason Hedlesky (#91), Brad Teague (#52), Greg Pursley (#84)

Hardee's 250

The Hardee's 250 was held on May 2 at Richmond International Raceway. Michael Waltrip won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 21–Kevin Harvick
  2. 10–Scott Riggs
  3. 33–Tony Raines
  4. 99–Michael Waltrip
  5. 23–Scott Wimmer
  6. 43–Johnny Sauter
  7. 59–Stacy Compton
  8. 48–Shane Hmiel
  9. 37–David Green
  10. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.

Failed to qualify: Brad Baker (#28), Kenny Hendrick (#91), Justin Ashburn (#61), Dion Ciccarelli (#84), Randy MacDonald (#72), Jason Rudd (#01)

Charter Pipeline 250

The Charter Pipeline 250 was held on May 10 at Gateway International Raceway. Ashton Lewis won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 10–Scott Riggs
  2. 37–David Green
  3. 57–Jason Keller
  4. 5–Brian Vickers
  5. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  6. 59–Stacy Compton
  7. 21–Johnny Sauter
  8. 23–Scott Wimmer
  9. 60–Stanton Barrett
  10. 99–Kenny Wallace

Failed to qualify: Joe Buford (#94) - Withdrew

Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries 200

The Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries 200 was held on May 18 at Nazareth Speedway. Randy LaJoie won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  2. 5–Brian Vickers
  3. 20–Mike Bliss
  4. 37–David Green
  5. 92–Todd Bodine
  6. 1–David Stremme
  7. 7–Randy LaJoie
  8. 59–Stacy Compton
  9. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  10. 21–Johnny Sauter

Failed to qualify: Brian Conz (#70)
Note: Mike McLaughlin qualified the No. 92 for Todd Bodine and Tim Fedewa qualified the No. 4 for Mike Wallace.

Carquest Auto Parts 300

The Carquest Auto Parts 300 was held on May 24 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17–Matt Kenseth
  2. 87–Kyle Busch
  3. 10–Scott Riggs
  4. 92–Todd Bodine
  5. 20–Mike Bliss
  6. 38–Kasey Kahne
  7. 8–Hank Parker Jr.
  8. 46–Ashton Lewis
  9. 21–Kevin Harvick
  10. 99–Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#0), Lance Norick (#90), Casey Atwood (#82), Brad Baker (#39), Kenny Hendrick (#91), Jason Schuler (#73)
Note: Joe Nemechek qualified the No. 88 for Jeff Fuller.

  • Kyle Busch made his first Busch series start, and surprised many by finishing 2nd to race winner Matt Kenseth.

MBNA Armed Forces Family 200

The MBNA Armed Forces Family 200 was held on May 31 at Dover International Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 87–Joe Nemechek
  2. 10–Scott Riggs
  3. 37–David Green
  4. 17–Matt Kenseth
  5. 5–Brian Vickers
  6. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  7. 92–Todd Bodine
  8. 38–Kasey Kahne
  9. 20–Mike Bliss
  10. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.

Failed to qualify: Gus Wasson (#96), Brian Weber (#84)

Trace Adkins Chrome 300

The Trace Adkins Chrome 300 was held on June 7 at Nashville Superspeedway. Johnny Sauter won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 10–Scott Riggs
  2. 37–David Green
  3. 1–David Stremme
  4. 7–Randy LaJoie
  5. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  6. 46–Ashton Lewis
  7. 60–Stanton Barrett
  8. 23–Scott Wimmer
  9. 75–Jay Sauter
  10. 5–Brian Vickers

Failed to qualify: Brian Weber (#84)
Note: Dan Pardus qualified the No. 39 for Jamie Mosley and David Reutimann qualified the No. 87 for Jeff Fuller.

  • This was Scott Riggs’ final Busch Series win.

Meijer 300 presented by Oreo Happy

The Meijer 300 presented by Oreo Happy was held on June 14 at Kentucky Speedway. Stacy Compton won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  2. 57–Jason Keller
  3. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  4. 59–Stacy Compton
  5. 5–Brian Vickers
  6. 46–Ashton Lewis
  7. 27–David Green
  8. 14–Casey Atwood
  9. 1–David Stremme

Failed to qualify: Jason Rudd (#01), Rick Markle (#68), Jamie Mosley (#39), Justin Ashburn (#61), Mike Potter (#52), John Hayden (#85), Stan Boyd (#72)

GNC Live Well 250

The GNC Live Well 250 was held on June 29 at The Milwaukee Mile. Johnny Sauter won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 57–Jason Keller
  2. 5–Brian Vickers
  3. 1–David Stremme
  4. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  5. 87–David Reutimann
  6. 37–David Green
  7. 10–Scott Riggs
  8. 92–Todd Bodine
  9. 59–Stacy Compton
  10. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.

Failed to qualify (rained out):[1] Brad Teague (#52) - Withdrew, Brad Mueller (#67) - Withdrew, Morgan Shepherd (#70) - Withdrew, Kenny Hendrick (#97) - Withdrew

Winn-Dixie 250

The Winn-Dixie 250 was held on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 8–Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 99–Michael Waltrip
  3. 1–Jamie McMurray
  4. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  5. 21–Johnny Sauter
  6. 10–Scott Riggs
  7. 5–Brian Vickers
  8. 92–Todd Bodine
  9. 34–Mike McLaughlin
  10. 48–Shane Hmiel

Failed to qualify: Jason Schuler (#73), Dan Pardus (#39), Jason Hedlesky (#91), Jimmy Kitchens (#70), Joe Aramendia (#79)

  • In addition to winning the pole, Earnhardt Jr would lead all 100 laps to win his third superspeedway race of the season.
  • Earnhardt Jr’s win marked a season sweep for DEI in the Busch Series restrictor plate races as well as DEI’s 5th straight restrictor plate win across NASCAR as a whole.

Tropicana Twister 300

The Tropicana Twister 300 was held on July 12 at Chicagoland Speedway. Casey Mears won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  2. 17–Matt Kenseth
  3. 5–Brian Vickers
  4. 19–Casey Mears
  5. 99–Michael Waltrip
  6. 57–Jason Keller
  7. 10–Scott Riggs
  8. 33–Tony Raines
  9. 1–Jamie McMurray
  10. 20–Mike Bliss

Failed to qualify: none
Note: Joe Nemechek qualified the No. 7 for Todd Bodine and Greg Biffle qualified the No. 88 for Joe Nemechek.

New England 200

The New England 200 was held on July 19 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 37–David Green
  2. 21–Kevin Harvick
  3. 17–Matt Kenseth
  4. 5–Brian Vickers
  5. 23–Scott Wimmer
  6. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  7. 57–Jason Keller
  8. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  9. 38–Kasey Kahne
  10. 59–Stacy Compton

Failed to qualify: none

TrimSpa Dream Body 250

The TrimSpa Dream Body 250 was held on July 26 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Bobby Hamilton Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 23–Scott Wimmer
  2. 57–Jason Keller
  3. 10–Scott Riggs
  4. 21–Johnny Sauter
  5. 27–Joey Clanton
  6. 59–Stacy Compton
  7. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  8. 26–Kevin Grubb
  9. 46–Ashton Lewis
  10. 38–Kasey Kahne

Failed to qualify: Drew White (#28)

Kroger 200

The Kroger 200 was held on August 2 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Shane Hmiel won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5–Brian Vickers
  2. 57–Jason Keller
  3. 59–Stacy Compton
  4. 48–Shane Hmiel
  5. 10–Scott Riggs
  6. 37–David Green
  7. 7–Mike Skinner
  8. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  9. 55–Paul Menard
  10. 20–Mike Bliss

Failed to qualify: Norm Benning (#84), Brett Oakley (#07), Bill Hoff (#93)

Cabela's 250

The Cabela's 250 was held on August 16 at Michigan International Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. The race was shortened to 110 laps due to rain.

Top ten results

  1. 21–Kevin Harvick
  2. 38–Kasey Kahne
  3. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  4. 37–David Green
  5. 10–Scott Riggs
  6. 87–David Reutimann
  7. 19–Casey Mears
  8. 99–Michael Waltrip
  9. 48–Shane Hmiel
  10. 31–Dave Blaney

Failed to qualify: Mike Potter (#52), Justin Ashburn (#61), Rick Markle (#68), Larry Hollenbeck (#62)
Note: Stan Boyd qualified the No. 22 but he was replaced in the race by Justin Ashburn who failed to qualify his No. 61.

Food City 250

The Food City 250 was held on August 22 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jason Keller won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 99–Michael Waltrip
  2. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  3. 6–Ted Musgrave
  4. 48–Shane Hmiel
  5. 21–Kevin Harvick
  6. 81–Martin Truex Jr.
  7. 5–Brian Vickers
  8. 33–Tony Raines
  9. 10–Scott Riggs
  10. 46–Ashton Lewis

Failed to qualify: Caleb Holman (#78), Justin Ashburn (#60), John Hayden (#85), Jason White (#70), Dion Ciccarelli (#84), Butch Jarvis (#53), Brett Oakley (#07), Norm Benning (#8), Daniel Johnson (#94)
Note: Stanton Barrett qualified the No. 91 for Jimmy Kitchens.

Winn-Dixie 200 presented by PepsiCo

The Winn-Dixie 200 presented by PepsiCo was held on August 30 at Darlington Raceway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5–Brian Vickers
  2. 87–Kyle Busch
  3. 99–Michael Waltrip
  4. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  5. 21–Kevin Harvick
  6. 38–Kasey Kahne
  7. 57–Jason Keller
  8. 59–Stacy Compton
  9. 19–Casey Mears
  10. 14–Casey Atwood

Failed to qualify: Kenny Hendrick (#94), Jimmy Kitchens (#97), Dan Pardus (#91), Caleb Holman (#78)-Withdrew

Funai 250

The Funai 250 was held on September 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 43–Johnny Sauter
  2. 21–Kevin Harvick
  3. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  4. 5–Brian Vickers
  5. 37–David Green
  6. 17–Matt Kenseth
  7. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  8. 33–Tony Raines
  9. 31–Dave Blaney
  10. 48–Shane Hmiel

Failed to qualify: Dion Ciccarelli (#84), Jimmy Kitchens (#97), Paul Menard (#55), Kenny Hendrick (#94), Franklin Butler III (#13), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Hermie Sadler (#02), Jimmy Henderson (#63)

Stacker 200 presented by YJ Stinger

The Stacker 200 presented by YJ Stinger was held on September 20 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5–Brian Vickers
  2. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  3. 10–Scott Riggs
  4. 38–Kasey Kahne
  5. 20–Mike Bliss
  6. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  7. 46–Ashton Lewis
  8. 57–Jason Keller
  9. 21–Kevin Harvick
  10. 4–Mike Wallace

Failed to qualify: Kenny Hendrick (#94), Jeff Streeter (#83), Martin Truex Jr. (#81), Jason Rudd (#01), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Jimmy Henderson (#63), Jimmy Kitchens (#41)
Note: Due to Hurricane Isabel, the qualifying was rained out, consequently Martin Truex Jr. replaced an unknown driver in the No. 91 in the race, after failed to qualify his No. 81 and Jason Rudd also replaced an unknown driver in the No. 70 in the race, after failed to qualify his No. 01.

Mr. Goodcents 300

The Mr. Goodcents 300 was held on October 4 at Kansas Speedway. Michael Waltrip won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 37–David Green
  2. 21–Kevin Harvick
  3. 7–Greg Biffle
  4. 57–Jason Keller
  5. 8–Hank Parker Jr.
  6. 46–Ashton Lewis
  7. 23–Scott Wimmer
  8. 59–Stacy Compton
  9. 87–Joe Nemechek
  10. 1–Jamie McMurray

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#9), Ron Young (#71), Jeff Streeter (#83), John Hayden (#85), Jamie Mosley (#39), Stanton Barrett (#91), Justin Ashburn (#61)

  • This race was the last win for Pontiac in the Busch Series, and in any of the top two divisions of NASCAR altogether.

Little Trees 300

The Little Trees 300 was held on October 11 after rain postponed it from October 10 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7–Greg Biffle
  2. 99–Michael Waltrip
  3. 20–Mike Bliss
  4. 5–Brian Vickers
  5. 1–Jamie McMurray
  6. 37–David Green
  7. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  8. 38–Kasey Kahne
  9. 21–Kevin Harvick
  10. 57–Jason Keller

Failed to qualify: Shane Hall (#15), Jeff Streeter (#22), Wayne Anderson (#35), Justin Ashburn (#61), Mike Harmon (#44), Jamie Mosley (#39), Gus Wasson (#70), Brad Teague (#52)
Note: Matt Kenseth qualified the No. 17 for Jeff Burton.

Sam's Town 250

The Sam's Town 250 was held on October 18 at Memphis Motorsports Park. David Reutimann won the pole filling for Greg Biffle.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  2. 57–Jason Keller
  3. 21–Johnny Sauter
  4. 2–Ron Hornaday Jr.
  5. 5–Brian Vickers
  6. 23–Scott Wimmer
  7. 14–Casey Atwood
  8. 20–Mike Bliss
  9. 1–David Stremme
  10. 46–Ashton Lewis

Failed to qualify: John Hayden (#85), Justin Ashburn (#61), Brent Moore (#96), Jason Hedlesky (#72), Butch Jarvis (#53), Dana White (#39), Dude Teate (#70).[2]
Note: David Reutimann qualified the No. 7 for Greg Biffle and won the pole.

Aaron's 312 (Atlanta)

The Aaron's 312 was held on October 25 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Greg Biffle won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7–Greg Biffle
  2. 17–Matt Kenseth
  3. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  4. 99–Michael Waltrip
  5. 8–Hank Parker Jr.
  6. 10–Scott Riggs
  7. 38–Kasey Kahne
  8. 37–David Green
  9. 21–Kevin Harvick
  10. 31–Dave Blaney

Failed to qualify: John Hayden (#85), Jimmy Henderson (#63), Wayne Anderson (#35), Justin Ashburn (#61), Dwayne Leik (#81), Jeff Fuller (#91), Jeremy Clements (#51)

Bashas' Supermarkets 200

The Bashas' Supermarkets 200 was held on November 1 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kevin Harvick won the pole. The race was shortened to 181 laps due to rain.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  2. 21–Kevin Harvick
  3. 5–Brian Vickers
  4. 87–Joe Nemechek
  5. 10–Scott Riggs
  6. 23–Scott Wimmer
  7. 14–Casey Atwood
  8. 43–Johnny Sauter
  9. 7–Greg Biffle

Failed to qualify: Stan Boyd (#51), Blake Mallory (#39), Josh Richeson (#67), Jeff Fuller (#97), Randy MacDonald (#72), John Hayden (#85), Freddy Tame (#73), Jeff Streeter (#83), Clint Vahsholtz (#90)

  • This would be Hamilton’s 5th and final Busch Series win as well as his fourth of the season.
  • Hamilton's victory, along with point leader David Green's 17th place finish, tightened up the championship fight. With 2 races to go, 6 drivers were still in contention for the Busch Series crown, while 7th place Scott Wimmer was 502 out of the lead, and therefore mathematically ineligible.
Busch Series points standings (after 32 of 34 races)
Pos.DriverPointsDifference
1Scott Riggs4373Leader
2Ron Hornaday Jr.4356-17
3Brian Vickers4352-21
4David Green4351-22
5Jason Keller4313-60
6Bobby Hamilton Jr.4248-125

Target House 200

The Target House 200 was held on November 8 at North Carolina Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 1–Jamie McMurray
  2. 8–Martin Truex Jr.
  3. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  4. 79–Jeremy Mayfield
  5. 30–David Stremme
  6. 5–Brian Vickers
  7. 87–Kyle Busch
  8. 23–Scott Wimmer
  9. 43-Johnny Sauter
  10. 37–David Green

Failed to qualify: Josh Richeson (#67), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Rich Bickle (#94), Brad Teague (#52), Jason Schuler (#73), Justin Ashburn (#61), Caleb Holman (#78), Dion Ciccarelli (#84), Norm Benning (#81), Jerry Reary (#22), Justin Hobgood (#80)

  • The championship battle took on a new complexion going into Miami. After polesitter Brian Vickers led the opening 6 laps, none of the title contenders were a serious threat for the win, though all but Keller and Hornaday ran in the Top 10 in the first half of the race. Point leader Scott Riggs dropped from the Top 10 due to a loose condition, exacerbated by a long green flag run. Though he gained several spots in the pit cycle by coming in early, he slid into the wall on Lap 166 and ended his day in the garage in 38th. Hamilton rebounded with another Top 5, with Vickers and Green in the Top 10, Keller on the lead lap in 13th, and Hornaday, who never cracked the Top 10 all day, a lap down in 17th. All this left 20 year old Brian Vickers with a 22 point lead over 1994 champion David Green, with Riggs dropping from the lead to 5th, and 6th place Hamilton still in reasonable contention at 89 points out of the lead. Disregarding what any of his title challengers might do, Vickers would secure the championship if he could finish 3rd or better at Homestead.
Busch Series points standings (after 33 of 34 races)
Pos.DriverPointsDifference
1Brian Vickers4507Leader
2David Green4485-22
3Ron Hornaday Jr.4468-39
4Jason Keller4437-70
5Scott Riggs4422-85
6Bobby Hamilton Jr.4418-89

Ford 300

The Ford 300 was held on November 15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Greg Biffle won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 38–Kasey Kahne
  2. 8–Martin Truex Jr.
  3. 25–Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  4. 00–Jason Leffler
  5. 46–Ashton Lewis
  6. 21–Kevin Harvick
  7. 20–Mike Bliss
  8. 19–Casey Mears
  9. 37–David Green
  10. 99–Michael Waltrip
  • This was Kahne's first Busch series victory.

Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#9), Jason Schuler (#73), Clint Vahsholtz (#39), Justin Ashburn (#61), Mike Harmon (#44), Stan Boyd (#51), Joe Aramendia (#79), Brad Baker (#28)

Full Drivers' Championship

(keyBold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led. ** - All laps led.

PosDriverDAYCARLVSDARBRITEXTALNSHCALRCHGTYNAZCLTDOVNSHKENMILDAYCHINHAPPRIRPMCHBRIDARRCHDOVKANCLTMEMATLPHOCARHOMPts
1Brian Vickers4281371425*2391916421451062734291197141*3245*3136114637
2David Green1426314291619924373286201111264171453116198161094623
3Ron Hornaday Jr.16129912174161015281*2110163441287*828211761412413517154591
4Bobby Hamilton Jr.71334126403510*18105913651*10221*62535334432197131*334588
5Jason Keller275510318282772131117111421146722231172184102151713244528
6Scott Riggs31172032322411202*115321*307*67143559172931313126638414462
7Kasey Kahne82611813937294183112682511163828910142146124308157271814104
8Johnny Sauter993151037262236710252111171352725411221916129342131699124098
9Scott Wimmer1211102825838361458131915851416155112263218161472061478394059
10Mike Bliss33633252254172812*3593331213910331610163012275313821201573932
11Stacy Compton38221541516323121768182928491919106317298151282311233516213893
12Ashton Lewis2516272518272031230333582267121242119343610201976161011121253801
13Mike Wallace436181611308281612161720172413221317192716151710151917171829233489
14Coy Gibbs (R)39141614271093013243621242531152417201917253722232018212625252833313212
15Shane Hmiel17351213733148813193813341918101615144*9428103160
16Kevin Harvick3102*1*3*192*15*5*2*929921463077
17Todd Bodine63191*94271352911547262988312918192763
18Michael Waltrip34187363311724*10*2581324*2441102637
19Kevin Grubb3071711261325122233323134353515182981513131915202498
20Jamie McMurray51*3321714662339231412411051*20*2478
21Larry Gunselman353328372839183430262223423232233432382030323839262332233322393242402371
22David Stremme (R)7141463131031117132114912135142354
23Mike Harmon23304335402334223943302841333835332522282220312327323328DNQ36303937DNQ2207
24Matt Kenseth2427114*2318256QL2*19381925
25Stanton Barrett411981516194063441920221273442QL38DNQ304241401877
26Randy LaJoie1543217834293232273572826438113014Wth1863
27Kerry Earnhardt1415143334311726401917143514303415334125231767
28Jason Schuler4339252242381935422041DNQ40133626DNQ393828393433343422392338DNQDNQ1765
29Jason White (R)4032312142232634172527262322203032DNQ3030233535411754
30Joey Clanton (R)221518262727162011142754124312237271716
31Joe NemechekQL134124336QL118433113409364191704
32Brad TeagueDNQ2923303323DNQ23372539363733Wth4235393440332024413041DNQ372734DNQ1647
33Chad Blount (R)1132291831541833172940153536272137371581
34Casey Mears1528474193128121520212181525
35Greg Biffle1223QL213829281131*3911011131502
36Tim FedewaQL1213132524191817182520242424421491
37Casey AtwoodDNQ91927213218101125327288431422
38Regan Smith (R)3141193815333625192231162932373440281313
39Tony Raines38236313368882238231230
40Martin Truex Jr.1531182121613221228
41Chase Montgomery (R)1036221213392537273426343031331219
42Ron Young21302020201833222021DNQ1432351201
43Dave Blaney37113013131091810161133
44Hermie Sadler32202129292122193711DNQ4239291066
45Tammy Jo Kirk3421293937252224333728353332321062
46Tim Sauter2730202739231721331826301028
47Damon Lusk (R)2122432429312118124218950
48Kyle Busch23321516437827
49Jay SauterDNQ3624409401740261328818
50David Reutimann24511QL375326QL805
51Hank Parker Jr.38671555783
52Jason Leffler16112211224739
53Morgan Shepherd40DNQ273933114135DNQ3842Wth3742DNQDNQDNQ404140DNQDNQ727
54Jeff Fuller244318434343381541434340DNQDNQ43688
55Chris Bingham (R)3437263726423834343033680
56Gus Wasson19DNQDNQDNQ19223740DNQ29313434672
57John Hayden21DNQ2418DNQ361842DNQ364335DNQ31DNQDNQDNQ663
58Justin AshburnDNQ4237DNQ263720DNQ4343354341DNQ384243DNQDNQDNQDNQ43DNQDNQ646
59Brad Baker40243041DNQDNQ1915364229DNQ639
60Paul Menard121437239DNQ22629
61Mike McLaughlin29DNQ39QL13QL3093026615
62Derrike Cope13142030353335601
63Steadman MarlinDNQ28251539243224580
64Lance Norick351735DNQ23183129577
65Jamie Mosley21DNQ26264036333926DNQDNQ563
66Dale Earnhardt Jr.1*1*1**555
67Steve Grissom402926142830482
68Mike Potter4241414340384341DNQ3632DNQ43473
69Ron Barfield Jr.Wth21323941303525472
70Mark Green1627202726467
71Dana White36212428354041DNQ466
72Jeff Green364039112427447
73Wally Dallenbach Jr.1217363725434
74Donnie Neuenberger204121423036408
75Rick Markle1239DNQ4227DNQ31362
76Jeff Burton35162038330
77Jeff Fultz19DNQ1622318
78Jimmy Kitchens4043DNQ2433374343DNQDNQDNQ318
79Josh Richeson4140403742393542DNQDNQ316
80Dion Ciccarelli24DNQDNQ2426DNQDNQ42DNQ304
81Randy MacDonald223942DNQ3934DNQ287
82Joe Aramendia252320DNQDNQ285
83Kenny HendrickDNQ2142DNQ413527WthDNQDNQDNQ280
84Bruce Bechtel24322842274
85Shane Hall38433928DNQ31254
86Jimmy Spencer246241
87Jeff StreeterDNQ29382941DNQDNQDNQ29DNQ241
88Dwayne Leik262535DNQ231
89Paul Wolfe1619221
90Derek Hayes243635204
91Bill Hoff3424DNQ38201
92Carlos Conteras2617197
93Robby Benton373726DNQ189
94J. R. Robbs273637189
95Jerry Reary313836DNQ174
96Lowell Bennett2824170
97Jimmy Vasser2825167
98Ted Musgrave3165
99Jeremy Mayfield4165
100Blake Mallory323740DNQ162
101Larry HollenbeckWth1740DNQ161
102Steve Park4160
103Brad Loney3225155
104Joe BufordDNQ4135DNQWth35153
105Clint Vahsholtz4018DNQDNQ152
106Mike Skinner7146
107Jason RuddDNQDNQ2437143
108Caleb Holman3229DNQWthDNQ143
109Tony Stewart11*140
110Tina Gordon10134
111Ryck Sanders3926131
112Troy ClineDNQDNQ2738131
113Brian Tyler2343128
114Carl Long2839125
115Jeff Spraker2841119
116Brian Weber4338432527DNQDNQ117
117Mardy Lindley16115
118David Keith4132107
119Rick Carelli19106
120Shelby Howard20103
121Norm BenningDNQ4036DNQDNQDNQ98
122Dude Teate22DNQ97
123Jon Wood2297
124Jody Lavender2394
125Stan Boyd23DNQQLDNQDNQ94
126Bobby GerhartDNQ2491
127Anthony Lazzaro2588
128Toby Porter2685
129Mike Garvey2685
130Eric McClure2685
131Brent Moore27DNQ82
132Justin Hobgood27DNQ82
133Jay Sommers2879
134Justin Labonte2976
135Billy Boat2976
136Vern Slagh3073
137Jeremy Clements31DNQ70
138Jimmy HendersonDNQDNQ33DNQ64
139Kevin Conway3364
140Michael Lewis3461
141Lyndon Amick3655
142Gene Allbert Jr.3655
143Shane Wallace3655
144Elliott Sadler3655
145Brett Oakley38DNQDNQ49
146Jamie Aube3849
147Rich Bickle38DNQ49
148Eddy McKean3946
149Tim Edwards3946
150Phil Bonifield4043
151Andy Belmont4237
152Don Satterfield4237
153A. J. Alsup4237
154Wayne Edwards4334
155Kenny Wallace10
156Jerry Robertson41
157Mark DayDNQ
158C. W. SmithDNQ
159Michael DokkenDNQ
160Wayne JacksDNQ
161Scott LynchDNQ
162Kevin RayDNQ
163Greg PursleyDNQ
164Jason HedleskyDNQDNQDNQ
165Brian ConzDNQ
166Dan PardusQLDNQDNQ
167Drew WhiteDNQ
168Butch JarvisDNQDNQ
169Daniel JohnsonDNQ
170Franklin Butler IIIDNQ
171Wayne AndersonDNQDNQ
172Freddy TameDNQ
173Brad MuellerWth
PosDriverDAYCARLVSDARBRITEXTALNSHCALRCHGTYNAZCLTDOVNSHKENMILDAYCHINHAPPRIRPMCHBRIDARRCHDOVKANCLTMEMATLPHOCARHOMPts

Rookie of the Year

Despite not completing a full schedule and running for two different teams, David Stremme was named the 2003 Busch Series Rookie of the Year, posting three top-five finishes. Runner-up Coy Gibbs ran the full schedule and finished 14th in points, but did not accumulate enough rookie points to overtake Stremme. He would retire from racing at the end of the year. Third-place finisher Joey Clanton shared the #27 Brewco Motorsports ride with fellow rookie Chase Montgomery, while Chad Blount finished fourth running part-time with Braun and Carroll Racing. Regan Smith, Damon Lusk, and Chris Bingham were released from their rides during the season.

See also

References