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2006 NASCAR Busch Series
2006 NASCAR Busch Series
2006 NASCAR Busch Series
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Kevin Harvick, pictured in 2010, the 2006 Busch Series champion
Carl Edwards, pictured in 2007, finished second in the standings.
Clint Bowyer, pictured in 2007, finished third in the standings.
Denny Hamlin, pictured in 2007, finished fourth in the standings.
J. J. Yeley, pictured in 2007, finished fifth in the standings.
Paul Menard, pictured in 2011, who finished sixth in points, was the highest-finishing series regular in the standings.
Danny O'Quinn Jr., 2009 car shown, won Rookie of the Year.
Chevy, 2007 car shown, won the manufacturer's championship.

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series opened on February 18, 2006, at Daytona International Speedway, and concluded on November 18, 2006, at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kevin Harvick, driving for his own team, Kevin Harvick, Inc., as well as for Richard Childress Racing, was declared champion.

This was the Final Season that Fox Sports/FX, TNT, and NBC covered the Busch Series. Starting in 2007, as part of a new TV contract with the television networks of The Walt Disney Company, ESPN2 televised the entire Busch season with select races on ABC.

Invasion of the "Busch Whackers"

[edit]
Main article: Buschwhacker

There has been some controversy of the use of NEXTEL Cup teams with their drivers in Busch Series races, most notably at NEXTEL Cup tracks where there are Busch Series support races. This has been dubbed by Fox Sports announcer Mike Joy as "Busch Whacking", and many underfunded (or one-car) teams have failed to qualify for these races because of this. Out of the 35 races that were run in the 2006 Busch Series season, 33 of those races were won by NEXTEL Cup Series drivers. The only 2 non-NEXTEL Cup Series drivers that won Busch Series races in 2006 were David Gilliland at Kentucky and Paul Menard at Milwaukee. The 2006 season has been notable for those "double duty" drivers even traveling to sites where there are stand-alone races at Nashville Superspeedway, Kentucky Speedway, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez and The Milwaukee Mile just to name a few, even on the rare weeks where there are no NEXTEL Cup races. Kentucky was the big upset where one of the underfunded one-car teams (Gilliland's No.84 entry) took advantage and pulled off the big upset.

In the end, Kevin Harvick, who at the time drove for Richard Childress Racing in the Cup series, won the 2006 championship on October 13, the second of his career having previously won in 2001 (when the death of Dale Earnhardt forced him into doing double-duty between the Busch and then-Winston Cup series; he won Cup Rookie of the Year to go with his Busch title in 2001). After Harvick won the title, talk began about limiting the number of "Busch Whackers" (Cup drivers) in each race or capping the double-dippers appearances for the entire season or even having a "Chase for the NEXTEL Cup" playoff system in place for the 2007 season since Harvick was so dominant during 2006 as NEXTEL Cup drivers won every race but two in the season. Ultimately, no changes were made until 2011, where NASCAR announced that Cup drivers could only run for points in one series. A limit over the number of races Cup drivers could run was not put into effect until over a decade later in 2017. The Busch/Nationwide/Xfinity Series did not have a playoffs ("Chase") until 2016, ten years later.

Schedule

[edit]
No. Race Title Track Date
1 Hershey's Kissables 300 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida February 18
2 Stater Bros. 300 California Speedway, Fontana, California February 25
3 Telcel-Motorola 200 Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico March 5
4 Sam's Town 300 Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada March 11
5 Nicorette 300 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia March 18
6 Sharpie Mini 300 Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee March 25
7 O'Reilly 300 Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas April 8
8 Pepsi 300 Nashville Superspeedway, Gladeville, Tennessee April 15
9 Bashas' Supermarkets 200 Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, Arizona April 21
10 Aaron's 312 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama April 29
11 Circuit City 250 presented by FUNAI Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Virginia May 5
12 Diamond Hill Plywood 200 Darlington Raceway, Darlington, South Carolina May 12
13 Carquest Auto Parts 300 Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina May 26
14 StonebridgeRacing.com 200 Dover International Speedway, Dover, Delaware June 3
15 Federated Auto Parts 300 Nashville Superspeedway, Gladeville, Tennessee June 10
16 Meijer 300 presented by Oreo Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, Kentucky June 17
17 AT&T 250 Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, Wisconsin June 24
18 Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida June 30
19 USG Durock 300 Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Illinois July 8
20 New England 200 New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon, New Hampshire July 15
21 Goody's 250 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway July 22
22 Busch Silver Celebration 250 presented by Shop 'n Save Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Illinois July 29
23 Kroger 200 benefiting Riley Hospital for Children O'Reilly Raceway Park, Brownsburg, Indiana August 5
24 Zippo 200 Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, New York August 12
25 Carfax 250 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan August 19
26 Food City 250 Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee August 25
27 Ameriquest 300 California Speedway, Fontana, California September 2
28 Emerson Radio 250 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Virginia September 8
29 Dover 200 Dover International Speedway, Dover, Delaware September 23
30 Yellow Transportation 300 Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas September 30
31 Dollar General 300 Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina October 13
32 Sam's Town 250 Memphis Motorsports Park, Millington, Tennessee October 28
33 O'Reilly Challenge Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas November 4
34 Arizona.Travel 200 Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, Arizona November 11
35 Ford 300 Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Florida November 18

Teams and drivers

[edit]

Complete schedule

[edit]
Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew chief
Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 11 Paul Menard Dan Stillman
Davis Motorsports 0 Kertus Davis 26 Adam Risher
Randy LaJoie 1
Morgan Shepherd 6
P. J. Jones 1
Chris Wimmer 1
Duesenberg & Leik Motorsports 01 Jay Sauter Fred Wanke
Haas CNC Racing 00 Johnny Sauter Harold Holly 31
Bootie Barker 4
Hendrick Motorsports 5 Kyle Busch 34 Chad Walter
Justin Labonte 1
Joe Gibbs Racing 18 J. J. Yeley Jason Ratcliff
20 Denny Hamlin Dave Rogers
JR Motorsports 88 Mark McFarland (R) 21 Richard Hubbs
Wes Ward
Martin Truex Jr. 3
Robby Gordon 2
Shane Huffman 9
Kevin Harvick, Inc. 33 Tony Stewart 10 Wally Rogers
Charlie Wilson
Kevin Harvick 4
Ron Fellows 2
Ron Hornaday Jr. 14
Aaron Fike 3
Sean Caisse 1
Cale Gale 1
77 Burney Lamar (R) 29 Gene Nead
Stacy Johnson
Dana Brugman
Jeff Burton 1
Bobby Labonte 5
McGill Motorsports 36 Tim Sauter 29 Ricky Pearson
Max Papis 2
Jeff Green 1
Stanton Barrett 1
Brent Sherman 2
Richard Childress Racing 2 Clint Bowyer Dan Deeringhoff
21 Jeff Burton 5 Pat Smith
Shane Wilson
Todd Berrier 4
Kevin Harvick 30
Dodge Biagi Brothers Racing 4 Mark Green 11 Jon Wolfe 24
Mike Harvick 11
Paul Tracy 1
Boris Said 1
Auggie Vidovich 21
Kevin Hamlin 1
Chip Ganassi Racing 41 Reed Sorenson 34 Brian Pattie
David Stremme 1
Evernham Motorsports 9 Kasey Kahne 17 Trip Bruce
Jeremy Mayfield 1
Boris Said 5
Scott Riggs 7
Erin Crocker 5
FitzBradshaw Racing 12 David Reutimann 1 Paul Wolfe
Joel Kauffman (R) 13
Tracy Hines (R) 4
Mike Skinner 10
Carlos Contreras 4
Kevin Hamlin 1
Scott Wimmer 1
Ted Musgrave 1
Rusty Wallace, Inc. 64 Steve Wallace 15 Bryant Frazier
Jamie McMurray 20
Ford Brewco Motorsports 27 David Green 27 Stewart Cooper
Casey Atwood 8
Wood Brothers/JTG Racing 47 Jon Wood Jay Guy 23
Jerry Pitts 7
David Hyder 5
59 Stacy Compton Ernie Cope 23
Jay Guy 11
ppc Racing 10 John Andretti (R) Rick Gay 24
Steve Plattenberger 11
22 Kenny Wallace Randy Cox 18
Todd Gordon 17
Robert Yates Racing 90 Elliott Sadler 7 Raymond Fox 22
Skip Eyler 3
Jerry Pitts 4
Cully Barraclough 7
Marc Goossens 1
Stephen Leicht 20
Matt McCall 5
David Gilliland 2
Roush Racing 06 Todd Kluever (R) Mike Kelley
50 Danny O'Quinn Jr. (R) 33 Drew Blickensderfer
David Ragan 2
60 Carl Edwards Pierre Kuettel
Team Rensi Motorsports 25 Ashton Lewis Charlie Lewis 12
Todd Brewer 23
35 Regan Smith Chris Wright
Dodge
Ford 		Brewco Motorsports 34
Michael Waltrip Racing 1 [N 1]
66 Ken Schrader 8 Newt Moore 34
Cully Barraclough 1
Scott Wimmer 16
Jorge Goeters (R) 1
David Reutimann 1
Greg Biffle 4
Bobby Labonte 2
Jason Keller 2
Brad Coleman 1
Michael Waltrip Racing 34
Brewco Motorsports 1 [N 1] 		99 Michael Waltrip 21 Cully Barraclough 9
Newt Moore 1
Jerry Baxter 25
David Reutimann 12
Darrell Waltrip 1
Joey Miller 1
Ford
Chevrolet 		Jay Robinson Racing [N 2] 49 Steve Grissom 2 Kenneth Campbell
Derrike Cope 10
Eduardo Goeters 1
Jorge Goeters (R) 6
Shane Hall 10
Randy LaJoie 1
Jamie Mosley 1
John Finger 1
Dexter Bean 1
Jennifer Jo Cobb 1
Morgan Shepherd 1
Dodge
Chevrolet 		Phoenix Racing 1 Jason Keller 8 Marc Reno
Mike Wallace 23
Cale Gale 3
Scott Pruett 1

Limited schedule

[edit]
Manufacturer Team No. Race driver Round(s)
Chevrolet Richard Childress Racing 29 Kevin Harvick 1
Jeff Burton 10
Timothy Peters 1
Hendrick Motorsports 48 Jimmie Johnson 3
57 Brian Vickers 8
Adrián Fernández 2
Robby Gordon Motorsports 7 Robby Gordon 2
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5
Martin Truex Jr. 3
Tony Stewart 1
Joe Gibbs Racing 19 Aric Almirola 9
Tony Stewart 1
Keith Coleman Racing 26 Joey McCarthy 1
Carl Long 1
Duesenberg & Leik Motorsports Dwayne Leik 1
SKI Motorsports 30 Mike Bliss 4
Marsh Racing 31 Steve Park 6
Peyton Sellers 2
Frank Cicci Racing 34 Paul Tracy 5
Todd Bodine 2
Carlos Pardo 1
Scott Lynch 1
Mike Bliss 4
Jason Keller 1
Kertus Davis 2
Jeff Fuller 2
Kim Crosby 1
Kevin Lepage 1
Brian Simo 1
Vision Racing 37 Josh Krug 2
Randy LaJoie 2
Mac Hill Motorsports 56 Kevin Lepage 7
Chris Cook 2
Kevin Grubb 5
Tim Schendel 1
Keith Coleman Racing 23 Chris Wimmer (R) 8
Marc Mitchell 1
Carl Long 5
Stan Boyd 1
Eduardo Troconis 1
Brad Keselowski 8
Brian Keselowski 1
Horn Auto Racing 58 Chris Horn 3
MacDonald Motorsports Donnie Neuenberger 2
Patrick Goeters 1
S.W.A.T. Racing 62 Larry Hollenbeck 1
Silva Motorsports 65 Stan Silva Jr. 2
ML Motorsports 70 Justin Diercks 11
RB1 Motorsports 71 Ron Young 3
Henderson Motorsports 75 Caleb Holman 4
Team Johnson Racing 76 Jerick Johnson 1
Furniture Row Racing 78 Jerry Robertson 12
Odle Motorsports 79 Chris Wimmer 1
Shelby Howard 1
Richardson Racing 80 Robert Richardson Jr. 3
JR Motorsports 83 Shane Huffman 1
Clay Andrews Racing 84 David Gilliland 9
Premier Motorsport 85 John Hayden 3
NEMCO Motorsports 87 Joe Nemechek 2
Stanton Barrett Racing 95 Stanton Barrett 2
Matt Kobyluck Racing 04 Matt Kobyluck 2
Morgan-McClure Motorsports Eric McClure 3
Ginn Racing Kraig Kinser 1
Day Enterprise Racing 05 Chad Chaffin 3
Brad Teague 3
Justin Ashburn 1
Morgan Shepherd 1
Brett Rowe 2
TC Motorsports 07 David Odell 4
Chuck Barnes Jr. 1
Boys Racing 08 Trevor Boys 1
Braun-Akins Racing 32 Jason Leffler 9
Dave Blaney 7
Chase Pistone 1
38 Ryan Moore 1
Jason Leffler 26
Dodge A. J. Foyt IV (R) 7
FitzBradshaw Racing 14 Tracy Hines (R) 7
Carlos Contreras 2
Steadman Marlin 1
A. J. Foyt IV 1
Ricky Craven 1
Ted Musgrave 4
Scott Wimmer 2
Willie Allen 2
44 David Reutimann 1
Carver Racing 40 Kevin Conway 3
58 3
Chip Ganassi Racing 42 Casey Mears 9
Juan Pablo Montoya 4
Curb Agajanian Performance Group 43 Aaron Fike 13
Kertus Davis 1
Chris Cook 4
P. J. Jones 4
Erin Crocker 1
Penske Racing 39 Kurt Busch 7
Sam Hornish Jr. 2
Ryan Newman 5
02 1
Rusty Wallace, Inc. 61 Steve Wallace 2
Tom Eriksen Racing 67 Rogelio López 1
TW Motorsports 68 Jimmy Morales 1
Bryan Racing Dawayne Bryan 1
Robert Torriere Racing 79 Butch Leitzinger 1
Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Steadman Marlin 6
Chad Chaffin 1
Ashton Gray Racing 08 Jason White 5
Ford Long Brothers Racing 89 Richard Landreth 2
Carl Long 1
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin 7
David Ragan 1
16 Greg Biffle 26
17 Matt Kenseth 21
ppc Racing 15 Michel Jourdain Jr. 3
Brewco Motorsports 37 Brad Coleman 1
Chris Diederich Racing 65 Spencer Clark 1
Donnie Neuenberger 52 Donnie Neuenberger 1
Chevrolet
Dodge 		MacDonald Motorsports 72 Jerry Robertson 1
Stanton Barrett 8
Donnie Neuenberger 1
Eric McClure 1
Randy MacDonald 2
D. J. Kennington 4
Brad Baker 1
Chevrolet
Ford 		Jay Robinson Racing 28 Shane Hall 6
Randy MacDonald 1
Jorge Goeters (R) 1
James Hylton 1
Josh Richeson 1
Todd Shafer 1
Hermie Sadler 1
Derrike Cope 1
Jeff Spraker Racing 63 Jeff Spraker 1
Dexter Bean 1
Jorge Goeters 2

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Michael Waltrip Racing fielded the No. 99 Dodge in all races and Brewco Motorsports fielded the No. 66 Ford in all races, except at Nashville (Race 8), where they swept their entries for one-race deal. So, at Nashville (Race 8), Michael Waltrip Racing fielded the No. 66 Dodge for David Reutimann while Brewco Motorsports fielded the No. 99 Ford for Michael Waltrip.
  2. ^ At Kentucky (Race 16), Jamie Mosley wrecked the team's primary car (a Ford) and they had to run their backup car (a Chevrolet)

Races

[edit]

Hershey's Kissables 300

[edit]

The Hershey's Kissables 300 race was held on February 18, 2006, at Daytona International Speedway. J. J. Yeley won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #33 Tony Stewart
  2. #77 Burney Lamar
  3. #2 Clint Bowyer
  4. #47 Jon Wood
  5. #29 Kevin Harvick
  6. #32 Jason Leffler
  7. #06 Todd Kluever
  8. #18 J. J. Yeley
  9. #41 Reed Sorenson
  10. #4 Mark Green

Failed to qualify: Kertus Davis (#0), Jay Sauter (#01), Kevin Lepage (#56), Chad Chaffin (#05), Larry Hollenbeck (#62), Chris Wimmer (#23).

Stater Brothers 300

[edit]

On February 25, 2006, the Busch Series took to California Speedway for this 300-mile race. Carl Edwards was the polesitter. Matt Kenseth suffered a 25-point penalty for an unapproved adjustment found in his car during opening day inspection.

Top ten results

  1. #16 Greg Biffle
  2. #39 Ryan Newman
  3. #60 Carl Edwards
  4. #21 Jeff Burton
  5. #64 Jamie McMurray
  6. #17 Matt Kenseth
  7. #18 J. J. Yeley
  8. #33 Kevin Harvick
  9. #57 Brian Vickers
  10. #20 Denny Hamlin

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#49), Chris Wimmer (#23), David Gilliland (#84).

Telcel-Motorola 200

[edit]

This road-course race took place on March 5, 2006 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. Boris Said won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #20 Denny Hamlin
  2. #9 Boris Said
  3. #21 Kevin Harvick
  4. #18 J. J. Yeley
  5. #11 Paul Menard
  6. #00 Johnny Sauter
  7. #5 Kyle Busch
  8. #60 Carl Edwards
  9. #90 Marc Goossens
  10. #64 Jamie McMurray
  • This was Hamlin's first career Busch Series victory.

Failed to qualify: Eduardo Goeters (#49), Stan Silva Jr. (#65), and Chris Wimmer (#23).

Sam's Town 300

[edit]

On March 11, 2006, the Busch Series raced at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Matt Kenseth started from the pole position.

Top ten results

  1. #9 Kasey Kahne
  2. #17 Matt Kenseth
  3. #21 Kevin Harvick
  4. #16 Greg Biffle
  5. #60 Carl Edwards
  6. #20 Denny Hamlin
  7. #64 Jamie McMurray
  8. #18 J. J. Yeley
  9. #2 Clint Bowyer
  10. #41 Reed Sorenson

Failed to qualify: Jorge Goeters (#49), Kertus Davis (#0), Chris Wimmer (#23).

This race was the only NASCAR Busch Series race for Spencer Clark. He would pass away two months later.

Nicorette 300

[edit]

The Nicorette 300 was held on March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kyle Busch was the polesitter.

Top ten results

  1. #21 Jeff Burton
  2. #9 Kasey Kahne
  3. #16 Greg Biffle
  4. #17 Matt Kenseth
  5. #18 J. J. Yeley
  6. #32 Jason Leffler
  7. #57 Brian Vickers
  8. #77 Burney Lamar
  9. #64 Jamie McMurray
  10. #11 Paul Menard

Failed to qualify: Jorge Goeters (#49), Steadman Marlin (#95), Chris Wimmer (#23)

Sharpie Mini 300

[edit]
Main article: 2006 Sharpie Mini 300

This race was held on March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Qualifying was snowed out and the field was set by current owner points. As a result, Kevin Harvick started from pole. The race was also halted by snow and drivers, crews, and fans amused themselves by throwing snowballs and building a snowman. The race was restarted after a 90-minute delay and run full-distance.

Top Ten results

  1. #5 Kyle Busch
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #17 Matt Kenseth
  4. #20 Denny Hamlin
  5. #60 Carl Edwards
  6. #9 Scott Riggs
  7. #33 Ron Hornaday Jr.
  8. #22 Kenny Wallace
  9. #10 John Andretti
  10. #00 Johnny Sauter

Failed to qualify: Caleb Holman (#75), Brad Teague (#05), Jerry Robertson (#72), Shane Hall (#28)

O'Reilly 300

[edit]

This race was held on April 8 at Texas Motor Speedway. Denny Hamlin won the pole, the first of his Busch series career. The race finished under a green-white-checker finish and was won by Kurt Busch in his first Busch Series start. Matt Kenseth suffered a 25-point penalty for an unapproved adjustment to his car found in post-race inspection.

Top ten results

  1. #39 Kurt Busch
  2. #16 Greg Biffle
  3. #32 Casey Mears
  4. #5 Kyle Busch
  5. #17 Matt Kenseth
  6. #21 Jeff Burton
  7. #11 Paul Menard
  8. #33 Kevin Harvick
  9. #66 Scott Wimmer
  10. #20 Denny Hamlin

Failed to qualify: Kertus Davis (#0), Jorge Goeters (#49), Chris Wimmer (#23)

Pepsi 300

[edit]

This race was on held April 15 at Nashville Superspeedway. Denny Hamlin won his second pole in a row.

Top ten results

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #2 Clint Bowyer
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #18 J. J. Yeley
  5. #60 Carl Edwards
  6. #47 Jon Wood
  7. #77 Burney Lamar
  8. #22 Kenny Wallace
  9. #11 Paul Menard
  10. #99 Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Jason White (#08)

Bashas' Supermarkets 200

[edit]

This race was held April 21 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jason Leffler won the pole. The race finished under a green-white-checker finish as Kevin Harvick won his second race in a row.

Top ten results:

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #41 Reed Sorenson
  3. #60 Carl Edwards
  4. #39 Kurt Busch
  5. #6 Mark Martin
  6. #17 Matt Kenseth
  7. #16 Greg Biffle
  8. #27 David Green
  9. #42 Casey Mears
  10. #64 Jamie McMurray

Failed to qualify: Jay Sauter (#01), Chris Cook (#56), Jorge Goeters (#49), and Marc Mitchell (#23).

Aaron's 312

[edit]

This race was held April 29 at Talladega Superspeedway. J. J. Yeley won the pole. Kevin Harvick, Burney Lamar, who finished 20th, and Tony Stewart, who finished 39th, all suffered 25 point penalties for unapproved adjustments to their cars.

Top ten results

  1. #8 Martin Truex Jr.
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #5 Kyle Busch
  4. #57 Brian Vickers
  5. #2 Clint Bowyer
  6. #16 Greg Biffle
  7. #88 Mark McFarland
  8. #00 Johnny Sauter
  9. #11 Paul Menard
  10. #60 Carl Edwards

As there were the maximum of forty-three cars to race, there were no drivers or teams that failed to qualify.

Circuit City 250

[edit]

This race was held May 5 and May 6 at Richmond International Raceway. Jason Leffler won the pole. The race start was delayed approximately 1 hour for rain, after 13 laps rain fell again and the race was stopped for approximately another 43 minutes. The race eventually finished after midnight local time, resulting in the race occurring over two days. Kevin Harvick won his third Busch race of the year.

Top ten results

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #29 Jeff Burton
  3. #17 Matt Kenseth
  4. #16 Greg Biffle
  5. #39 Ryan Newman
  6. #60 Carl Edwards
  7. #2 Clint Bowyer
  8. #11 Paul Menard
  9. #5 Kyle Busch
  10. #20 Denny Hamlin

Failed to qualify: Jason Keller (#34), Jorge Goeters (#28), Shane Hall (#49), Kevin Conway (#40), Joel Kauffman (#12), Kertus Davis (#0), A. J. Foyt IV (#14)

Diamond Hill Plywood 200

[edit]

This race was held May 12 at Darlington Raceway. Denny Hamlin won from the pole.

  1. #20 Denny Hamlin
  2. #17 Matt Kenseth
  3. #64 Jamie McMurray
  4. #6 Mark Martin
  5. #16 Greg Biffle
  6. #5 Kyle Busch
  7. #21 Kevin Harvick
  8. #60 Carl Edwards
  9. #18 J. J. Yeley
  10. #38 Jason Leffler

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#49), Morgan Shepherd (#0), Shane Hall (#28), Caleb Holman (#75)

Carquest Auto Parts 300

[edit]

This race was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Matt Kenseth won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #60 Carl Edwards
  2. #39 Kurt Busch
  3. #18 J. J. Yeley
  4. #42 Casey Mears
  5. #8 Martin Truex Jr.
  6. #29 Jeff Burton
  7. #48 Jimmie Johnson
  8. #21 Kevin Harvick
  9. #06 Todd Kluever
  10. #35 Regan Smith

Failed to qualify: Aaron Fike (#43), David Gilliland (#84), Stanton Barrett (#72), Joel Kauffman (#12), Eric McClure (#04), Kevin Conway (#40), Kertus Davis (#34)

Stonebridgeracing.com 200

[edit]

This race was held June 3 at Dover International Speedway. Qualifying was rained out, and the field was set by the rulebook, with the top 30 teams taking the first fifteen rows. Because of that, Kevin Harvick was awarded the pole position.

Top ten results:

  1. #29 Jeff Burton
  2. #60 Carl Edwards
  3. #39 Kurt Busch
  4. #2 Clint Bowyer
  5. #33 Ron Hornaday Jr.
  6. #5 Kyle Busch
  7. #20 Denny Hamlin
  8. #16 Greg Biffle
  9. #18 J. J. Yeley
  10. #41 Reed Sorenson

As there were the maximum of forty-three cars needed to race, no drivers or teams failed to qualify.

Federated Auto Parts 300

[edit]

This race was held June 10 at Nashville Superspeedway. Todd Kluever won the pole.

top ten results

  1. #60 Carl Edwards
  2. #2 Clint Bowyer
  3. #21 Kevin Harvick
  4. #20 Denny Hamlin
  5. #11 Paul Menard
  6. #99 David Reutimann
  7. #66 Greg Biffle
  8. #47 Jon Wood
  9. #25 Ashton Lewis
  10. #50 Danny O'Quinn Jr.

Failed to qualify: Jerry Robertson (#78), John Hayden (#85)

Meijer 300

[edit]

This race was held June 17 at Kentucky Speedway. Denny Hamlin won the pole. In a stunning upset, David Gilliland became the first winner in the 2006 season that was not on a team with a Nextel Cup driver. Jeff Fuller was involved in a severe crash where, trying to avoid the spinning car of Jason Leffler, Fuller hit the inside wall at full speed, and the car practically imploded on impact. Fuller suffered a broken wrist and thumb.[1] Later in the race on lap 140, a fire alarm went off in the FX broadcasting booth, with lead broadcaster Phil Parsons jokingly stating there was "nothing to be alarmed about".[2]

Top ten results:

  1. #84 David Gilliland
  2. #18 J. J. Yeley
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #1 Mike Wallace
  5. #25 Ashton Lewis
  6. #21 Kevin Harvick
  7. #66 Greg Biffle
  8. #99 David Reutimann
  9. #11 Paul Menard
  10. #90 Stephen Leicht

Failed to qualify: John Hayden (#85), David Odell (#07), Stan Boyd (#23)

AT&T 250

[edit]

This race was held June 24 at The Milwaukee Mile. Aric Almirola won the pole in the car normally driven by Denny Hamlin who actually drove the race in the car and started from the back. As a result, Paul Menard started the race from the pole position. He then went on to capture his first Busch series victory. Menard's victory was the only one all season by a full-time Busch Series driver who wasn't also full-time in the Cup Series. Only 41 cars started the race, instead of the usual 43.

Top ten results

  1. #11 Paul Menard
  2. #20 Denny Hamlin
  3. #18 J. J. Yeley
  4. #38 Jason Leffler
  5. #1 Mike Wallace
  6. #59 Stacy Compton
  7. #50 Danny O'Quinn Jr.
  8. #22 Kenny Wallace
  9. #00 Johnny Sauter
  10. #99 David Reutimann

Failed to qualify: none

Winn-Dixie 250

[edit]

The Winn-Dixie 250 was held June 30 at Daytona International Speedway. J. J. Yeley won the pole. Kevin Harvick and Burney Lamar, who finished 22nd, suffered 50 point penalties for unapproved adjustments found on their cars during post-race inspection. This was the final race to be broadcast on FOX until the 2015 Alert Florida 300.

Top ten results:

  1. #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. #57 Brian Vickers
  3. #21 Kevin Harvick
  4. #18 J. J. Yeley
  5. #60 Carl Edwards
  6. #2 Clint Bowyer
  7. #1 Mike Wallace
  8. #88 Martin Truex Jr.
  9. #16 Greg Biffle
  10. #10 John Andretti

As there were the maximum of forty-three cars needed to race, no drivers or teams failed to qualify.

USG Durock 300

[edit]

This race was held on July 8 at Chicagoland Speedway. Carl Edwards won the pole. Casey Mears captured his first NASCAR victory using an alternate fuel strategy.[3]

Top ten results

  1. #42 Casey Mears
  2. #60 Carl Edwards
  3. #29 Jeff Burton
  4. #21 Kevin Harvick
  5. #17 Matt Kenseth
  6. #39 Kurt Busch
  7. #2 Clint Bowyer
  8. #41 Reed Sorenson
  9. #33 Tony Stewart
  10. #18 J. J. Yeley

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#49), Justin Diercks (#70), Carl Long (#23)

New England 200

[edit]

The New England 200 was held July 15 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Kyle Busch won the pole. Clint Bowyer dominated early in the race but Carl Edwards captured the victory. Aaron Fike was black-flagged on lap 60 for intentionally throwing his glove on the track to cause a caution.

Top ten results:

  1. #60 Carl Edwards
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #11 Paul Menard
  5. #2 Clint Bowyer
  6. #00 Johnny Sauter
  7. #9 Scott Riggs
  8. #18 J. J. Yeley
  9. #66 Scott Wimmer
  10. #16 Greg Biffle

As there were the maximum of forty-three cars needed to race, no drivers or teams failed to qualify.

Goody's 250

[edit]

The Goody's 250 was held July 22 at Martinsville Speedway. Clint Bowyer won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #2 Clint Bowyer
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #41 Reed Sorenson
  5. #00 Johnny Sauter
  6. #60 Carl Edwards
  7. #10 John Andretti
  8. #38 Jason Leffler
  9. #18 J. J. Yeley
  10. #01 Jay Sauter

Failed to qualify: Richard Landreth (#89)

Busch Silver Celebration 250

[edit]

The Busch Silver Celebration 250 was held July 29 at Gateway International Raceway. Denny Hamlin won the pole. Tim Sauter, who finished 22nd, suffered a 50-point penalty for illegal shocks found on his car during post-race inspection.

Top ten results

  1. #60 Carl Edwards
  2. #2 Clint Bowyer
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #41 Reed Sorenson
  5. #21 Kevin Harvick
  6. #66 Scott Wimmer
  7. #27 David Green
  8. #5 Kyle Busch
  9. #22 Kenny Wallace
  10. #56 Kevin Grubb

Failed to qualify: Brad Teague (#05), Shane Hall (#49), Kevin Hamlin (#12)

Kroger 200

[edit]

The Kroger 200 was held August 5 at O'Reilly Raceway Park. Denny Hamlin won his second pole in a row for the second time in 2006.

Top ten results

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #41 Reed Sorenson
  3. #18 J. J. Yeley
  4. #16 Greg Biffle
  5. #29 Jeff Burton
  6. #50 Danny O'Quinn Jr.
  7. #01 Jay Sauter
  8. #20 Denny Hamlin
  9. #11 Paul Menard
  10. #60 Carl Edwards

Failed to qualify: Todd Shafer (#28)

Zippo 200

[edit]

This race was held August 12 at Watkins Glen International. Kurt Busch won the race from the pole. Kurt Busch and Robby Gordon cut off track several times to duel on the final lap.[4][5]

Top ten results: 202.45 miles/83 laps due to green-white-checkered rule.

  1. #39 Kurt Busch
  2. #7 Robby Gordon
  3. #64 Jamie McMurray
  4. #66 Greg Biffle
  5. #10 John Andretti
  6. #88 Martin Truex Jr.
  7. #21 Kevin Harvick
  8. #9 Boris Said
  9. #33 Ron Fellows
  10. #1 Scott Pruett

Failed to qualify: Stan Silva Jr. (#65), Eduardo Troconis (#23), John Finger (#49)

Carfax 250

[edit]

This race was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results: 128 laps/256 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.

  1. #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. #42 Casey Mears
  3. #88 Robby Gordon
  4. #17 Matt Kenseth
  5. #6 Mark Martin
  6. #20 Denny Hamlin
  7. #41 Reed Sorenson
  8. #21 Kevin Harvick
  9. #18 J. J. Yeley
  10. #29 Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Jerry Robertson (#78), Dexter Bean (#49)

  • Final Busch Series win for DEI.

Food City 250

[edit]

This race was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole.

Top ten results:

  1. #17 Matt Kenseth
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #33 Ron Hornaday Jr.
  4. #9 Kasey Kahne
  5. #38 Jason Leffler
  6. #39 Ryan Newman
  7. #5 Kyle Busch
  8. #60 Carl Edwards
  9. #99 David Reutimann
  10. #11 Paul Menard

Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#89), Caleb Holman (#75), D. J. Kennington (#72), Brad Keselowski (#23)

Ameriquest 300

[edit]

This race was held September 2 at California Speedway. Clint Bowyer won the pole. Brad Keselowski made his NASCAR debut in this race.

Top ten results:

  1. #9 Kasey Kahne
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #6 Mark Martin
  4. #11 Paul Menard
  5. #25 Ashton Lewis
  6. #33 Tony Stewart
  7. #17 Matt Kenseth
  8. #47 Jon Wood
  9. #88 Robby Gordon
  10. #01 Jay Sauter

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#49)

Emerson Radio 250

[edit]

This race was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Burton won the pole.

Top ten results:

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #16 Greg Biffle
  3. #17 Matt Kenseth
  4. #11 Paul Menard
  5. #41 Reed Sorenson
  6. #20 Denny Hamlin
  7. #32 Dave Blaney
  8. #66 Scott Wimmer
  9. #60 Carl Edwards
  10. #9 Scott Riggs

Failed to qualify: Chris Cook (#43), Hermie Sadler (#28), Justin Diercks (#70), Josh Krug (#37), Shane Hall (#49)

Dover 200

[edit]

This race was held September 23 at Dover International Speedway. Scott Riggs won the pole. Clint Bowyer held off Matt Kenseth in a green-white-checker finish.[6]

Top ten results:

  1. #2 Clint Bowyer
  2. #17 Matt Kenseth
  3. #21 Kevin Harvick
  4. #64 Jamie McMurray
  5. #38 Jason Leffler
  6. #41 Reed Sorenson
  7. #5 Kyle Busch
  8. #16 Greg Biffle
  9. #18 J. J. Yeley
  10. #99 Michael Waltrip

As there were the maximum of forty-three cars needed to race, no drivers or teams failed to qualify.

Yellow Transportation 300

[edit]

The Yellow Transportation 300 was held September 30 at Kansas Speedway. Matt Kenseth won the pole.

Top ten results:

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #17 Matt Kenseth
  3. #5 Kyle Busch
  4. #33 Tony Stewart
  5. #2 Clint Bowyer
  6. #60 Carl Edwards
  7. #41 Reed Sorenson
  8. #16 Greg Biffle
  9. #77 Bobby Labonte
  10. #11 Paul Menard

Failed to qualify: Randy LaJoie (#37), Steadman Marlin (#95)

Dollar General 300

[edit]
Main article: 2006 Dollar General 300

This race was held October 13 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Carl Edwards started from the pole. Dave Blaney would earn his first career Busch Series win, and Kevin Harvick, despite failing to finish on the lead lap for the only time in the 2006 season, clinched the Busch Series Championship following a wreck involving second-place driver Carl Edwards and Casey Mears on lap 199 (at the start-finish line from lap 198 to lap 199) of a scheduled 200-lap race.

Top ten results: 203 laps/304.5 miles due to the green-white-checker rule

  1. #32 Dave Blaney
  2. #99 Michael Waltrip
  3. #59 Stacy Compton
  4. #17 Matt Kenseth
  5. #50 Danny O'Quinn Jr.
  6. #00 Johnny Sauter
  7. #2 Clint Bowyer
  8. #20 Denny Hamlin
  9. #33 Kevin Harvick
  10. #25 Ashton Lewis

Failed to qualify: Tim Sauter (#36), Kertus Davis (#0), Robert Richardson Jr. (#80), Eric McClure (#04), Derrike Cope (#49)

Sam's Town 250

[edit]

This race was held October 28 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Johnny Sauter won the pole. Juan Pablo Montoya made his NASCAR debut in this race.

Top ten results:

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #2 Clint Bowyer
  3. #60 Carl Edwards
  4. #00 Johnny Sauter
  5. #88 Shane Huffman
  6. #20 Denny Hamlin
  7. #41 Reed Sorenson
  8. #50 Danny O'Quinn Jr.
  9. #9 Kasey Kahne
  10. #18 J. J. Yeley

Failed to qualify: Ron Young (#71), Stanton Barrett (#95), Chris Wimmer (#0), Shane Hall (#49), Richard Landreth (#89), Chuck Barnes Jr. (#07), Brett Rowe (#05)

O'Reilly Challenge

[edit]

This race was held on November 4 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. This was the final race for former series champion Randy LaJoie.

Top ten results:

  1. #21 Kevin Harvick
  2. #19 Tony Stewart
  3. #29 Jeff Burton
  4. #6 Mark Martin
  5. #33 Ron Hornaday Jr.
  6. #18 J. J. Yeley
  7. #60 Carl Edwards
  8. #20 Denny Hamlin
  9. #77 Bobby Labonte
  10. #06 Todd Kluever

Failed to qualify: Justin Diercks (#70), Robert Richardson Jr. (#80), Jerry Robertson (#78), Derrike Cope (#49), Jorge Goeters (#63)

Arizona.Travel 200

[edit]

The Arizona.Travel 200 was held November 11 at Phoenix International Raceway. Sam Hornish Jr., the 2006 IRL champion, made his NASCAR debut here. Matt Kenseth won the race from the pole. It was also the last Busch Series race to air on NBC until 2015.

Top ten results: 203 miles/203 laps due to green-white-checkered rule.

  1. #17 Matt Kenseth
  2. #21 Kevin Harvick
  3. #20 Denny Hamlin
  4. #2 Clint Bowyer
  5. #60 Carl Edwards
  6. #18 J. J. Yeley
  7. #41 Reed Sorenson
  8. #88 Shane Huffman
  9. #33 Ron Hornaday Jr.
  10. #5 Kyle Busch

Failed to qualify: Mike Skinner (#12), D. J. Kennington (#72), Shane Hall (#49), Josh Krug (#37)

Ford 300

[edit]

The Ford 300 was held November 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole. This was the final Busch Series broadcast on TNT. ESPN/ABC took over exclusive rights for the series from 2007-2014.

Top ten results:

  1. #17 Matt Kenseth
  2. #60 Carl Edwards
  3. #11 Paul Menard
  4. #20 Denny Hamlin
  5. #18 J. J. Yeley
  6. #21 Kevin Harvick
  7. #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  8. #9 Kasey Kahne
  9. #06 Todd Kluever
  10. #00 Johnny Sauter

Failed to qualify: Robert Richardson Jr. (#80), Justin Diercks (#70), D. J. Kennington (#72), Kertus Davis (#0), Kraig Kinser (#04), Dawayne Bryan (#68), Morgan Shepherd (#49), Trevor Boys (#08), Brett Rowe (#05)

Final standings

[edit]
Further information: List of NASCAR points scoring systems

Full Drivers' Championship

[edit]

(key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led.

Pos Driver DAY CAL MXC LVS ATL BRI TEX NSH PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV NSH KEN MIL DAY CHI NHA MAR GTY IRP GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM TEX PHO HOM Pts
1 Kevin Harvick 5 8 3 3* 11 2* 8 1 1 2 1 7 8 13 3 6 19 3 4 2 1* 5 1* 7 8 2 2 1* 3 1 9 1 1* 2 6 5648
2 Carl Edwards 39 3 8 5 24 5 43 5 3 10 6 8 1 2* 1* 36 21 5 2 1 6 1 10 27 23 8 12 9 26 6 27* 3 7 5 2 4824
3 Clint Bowyer 3 16 16 9 14 12 18 2 21 5 7 17 36 4 2 12 18 6 7 5* 2 2 40 16 12 23 13 37 1 5 7 2 17 4 11 4683
4 Denny Hamlin 14 10 1* 6 38 4 10 3* 39 30 10 1 29 7 4 3 2 30 14 3 3 3* 6 12 6 22 15 6 40 33 8 6 8 3 4 4667
5 J. J. Yeley 8 7 4 8 5 29 42 4 11 34 31 9 3 9 16 2 3 4 10 8 9 37 3 11 9 12 40 13 9 11 32 10 6 6 5 4487
6 Paul Menard 38 17 5 20 10 16 7 9 17 9 8 13 24 35 5 9 1* 37 39 4 12 35 9 18 25 10 4 4 37 10 13 23 27 37 3 4075
7 Kyle Busch 25 23 7 19 40 1 4 30 12 3 9 6 23 6 31 13* 24 16 42 16 20 8 21 37 14 7 11 12 7 3 12 32 10 41 3921
8 Johnny Sauter 35 13 6 15 12 10 14 27 36 8 11 34 11 21 14 32 9 21 17 6 5 18 42 19 35 11 31 15 24 35 6 4* 35 11 10 3794
9 Greg Biffle 31 1* 4 3 28 2 6 6 4 5 12 8 7 7 9 24 10 17 4 4 43 37 23 2 8 8 41 23 12 38 3789
10 Reed Sorenson 9 11 36 10 42 27 13 19 2 17 36 23 21 10 23 39 40 8 17 4 4 2 28 7 42 19 5 6 7 38 7 36 7 42 3670
11 Kenny Wallace 13 34 19 32 19 8 27 8 28 13 23 16 13 16 11 20 8 14 29 27 13 9 20 31 18 29 36 24 14 22 19 14 16 31 26 3626
12 John Andretti (R) 34 19 23 42 20 9 19 28 34 16 19 15 17 19 18 15 12 10 25 18 7 26 27 5 30 14 29 16 19 23 25 35 15 25 16 3562
13 Jason Leffler 6 22 17 11 6 32 17 35 22* 18 24 10 18 34 43 40 4 18 19 14 8 33 19 35 13 5 24 20 5 31 28 34 43 14 19 3554
14 Jon Wood 4 18 27 14 13 17 26 6 23 19 38 33 37 40 8 22 14 34 21 20 21 15 14 29 36 28 8 25 38 15 23 29 12 38 18 3381
15 Ashton Lewis 12 29 13 13 17 30 38 11 20 33 26 20 28 42 9 5 16 17 35 24 27 16 22 33 39 18 5 31 25 14 11 37 25 24 20 3376
16 Stacy Compton 27 24 43 33 27 14 22 20 26 26 37 14 30 12 19 24 6 20 20 25 15 17 12 30 41 16 18 34 20 34 3 24 22 22 17 3339
17 Todd Kluever (R) 7 12 32 21 18 34 21 32 42 27 22 32 9 18 17 17 23 25 18 13 30 13 24 38 37 39 27 36 13 37 18 16 10 18 9 3304
18 Matt Kenseth 6 2 4 3 5 7 3 2* 38* 26 5 4 1 7 3 2 2* 4 26 1* 1* 3221
19 Danny O'Quinn Jr. (R) 18 31 26 25 25 11 32 14 14 38 20 38 22 24 10 23 7 41 31 29 22 24 6 25 20 26 14 18 5 9 30 32 35 3163
20 Regan Smith 26 28 25 22 21 38 34 13 27 37 21 19 10 39 35 16 22 15 28 35 14 23 11 23 31 19 28 26 17 19 37 21 20 29 31 3136
21 Jay Sauter DNQ 41 24 34 29 23 40 18 DNQ 15 17 40 39 20 13 29 11 36 27 19 10 11 7 26 26 43 10 17 31 29 40 26 39 17 30 2879
22 Burney Lamar (R) 2 21 18 26 8 20 39 7 19 20 27 21 26 32 12 19 35 22 23 23 12 16 20 38 24 14 33 39 38 2710
23 David Green 37 20 35 29 36 25 16 29 9 24 12 24 14 17 21 21 17 23 22 22 31 7 28 15 32 21 26 2573
24 Mike Wallace 18 12 13 41 34 14 4 5 7 12 11 29 13 15 34 19 22 28 29 18 13 19 25 2479
25 Jamie McMurray 16 5 10 7 9 15 10 36 3 43 11 40 32 3 30 17 11 4 31 15 2297
26 Michael Waltrip 15 26 40 24 22 26 25 10 13 14 25 20 31 38 11 23 13 17 10 2 39 2126
27 Tim Sauter 19 25 30 41 31 21 37 36 24 21 39 37 27 28 24 28 27 24 33 26 19 22 33 34 35 28 25 DNQ 31 2109
28 Jeff Burton 30 4 1* 6 2 6 1 3 21 5 10 33 40 40 35 3 2040
29 Scott Wimmer 14 9 16 26 25 15 29 33 9 6 42 17 25 8 11 21 11 42 15 2002
30 Mark McFarland (R) 22 30 15 27 15 31 23 33 16 7 34 18 33 30 22 26 33 11 16 25 17 1975
31 Kasey Kahne 33 1 2 11 40* 11 16 22 35 30 4 1 16 43 8 24 8 1954
32 Stephen Leicht (R) 18 20 31 25 10 13 26 33 38 36 33 35 33 23 12 14 19 19 27 27 1790
33 Auggie Vidovich 29 33 34 15 32 28 25 21 34 21 28 32 43 27 27 20 33 15 38 33 32 1628
34 David Reutimann 29 34 22 6 8 10 14 36 9 20 39 13 20 14 12 1598
35 Ron Hornaday Jr. 7 17 35 14 5 20 24 20 23 3 41 5 9 36 1536
36 Steve Wallace 33 12 28 38 15 11 25 35 31 30 24 21 24 20 31 16 22 1528
37 Tony Stewart 1 12 39 29 42 12 9 11 6 4 16 2 1461
38 Casey Mears 40 16 3 8 4 1 2 16 26 1200
39 Kurt Busch 1* 4 2 3 6* 1* 21* 1160
40 Kertus Davis DNQ 42 DNQ 35 40 DNQ 43 41 32 DNQ 42 DNQ 27 36 31 34 31 42 39 40 38 35 42 41 36 DNQ QL 37 40 DNQ 1119
41 Jason Keller 11 15 22 16 23 15 28 16 DNQ 15 12 1116
42 Brian Vickers 32 9 7 4 12 2 16 13 1062
43 Aaron Fike 43 36 28 40 26 18 31 15 31 23 35 43 DNQ 42 31 30 1004
44 Mark Martin 24 5 4 32 5 3* 4 973
45 Mark Green 10 43 31 28 22 33 38 15 28 15 27 QL QL 934
46 Mike Skinner 25 26 18 29 13 32 10 21 DNQ 24 874
47 Dave Blaney 15 13 15 40 7 16 1 854
48 Scott Riggs 6 37 11 7 19 10 12 850
49 Shane Huffman 27 31 22 36 21 39 5 42 8 37 841
50 Martin Truex Jr. 1* 5 8 16 6 30* 835
51 Aric Almirola 32 11 QL QL 38 27 20 18 30 15 13 833
52 Casey Atwood QL 23 29 17 17 17 18 23 21 814
53 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 17* 1* 15 1 7 761
54 Bobby Labonte 12 15 9 22 9 34 29 755
55 Tracy Hines (R) 20 33 38 41 13 30 43 25 29 41 34 752
56 David Gilliland (R) DNQ 39 29 33 30 DNQ 1 26 36 29 30 733
57 Joel Kauffman (R) 27 34 43 32 42 35 23 30 DNQ 35 DNQ 27 31 716
58 Boris Said 2 31 39 14 18 8 663
59 Ken Schrader 36 17 37 37 25 22 25 15 662
60 Ryan Newman 2 39 5 30 40 6* 659
61 Stanton Barrett 21 42 DNQ 22 41 42 32 28 32 DNQ 26 606
62 Mike Bliss 36 12 26 38 31 Wth 36 30 27 596
63 Elliott Sadler 28 32 30 32 18 19 38 550
64 Robby Gordon 40 2 3 9 526
65 Kevin Lepage DNQ 23 19 39 36 19 43 27 523
66 Jerry Robertson DNQ 40 29 DNQ 36 32 DNQ 39 29 42 42 DNQ 41 477
67 Erin Crocker 37 28 19 26 30 28 474
68 Juan Pablo Montoya 11 28 20 14 438
69 Carlos Contreras 11 29 32 38 39 33 437
70 Shane Hall DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 37 38 43 40 43 DNQ 37 36 DNQ 35 DNQ DNQ 422
71 Ted Musgrave 25 21 30 24 34 418
72 Brad Keselowski DNQ 37 38 26 34 41 29 39 414
73 Kevin Grubb 25 25 33 10 43 413
74 A. J. Foyt IV 42 38 21 37 33 35 41 DNQ 400
75 P. J. Jones 13 39 43 22 21 376
76 Paul Tracy 24 37 36 35 28 42 372
77 Steve Park 30 41 39 37 30 32 351
78 Chris Cook 20 DNQ 28 30 34 DNQ 316
79 Matt McCall 24 42 41 34 26 314
80 Justin Diercks 43 32 33 DNQ 28 31 DNQ 32 30 DNQ DNQ 311
81 Cale Gale 20 37 34 25 309
82 Jorge Goeters (R) 14 DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 24 DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 295
83 Derrike Cope DNQ 40 DNQ 33 34 DNQ 36 DNQ 33 DNQ DNQ 287
84 Jimmie Johnson 7 21 42 283
85 Steadman Marlin 41 DNQ 31 29 38 39 DNQ 281
86 Kevin Conway (R) 28 34 43 DNQ 28 DNQ 253
87 Adrián Fernández 12 17 239
88 Jason White DNQ 36 30 34 41 229
89 Carl Long 41 DNQ 38 41 34 43 DNQ 224
90 Chad Chaffin DNQ 36 22 33 216
91 Michel Jourdain Jr. 38 18 39 214
92 David Ragan 41 18 36 204
93 David Odell 25 30 DNQ 40 204
94 Ron Fellows 33 9 202
95 Morgan Shepherd DNQ 41 43 40 42 42 41 DNQ 194
96 Donnie Neuenberger 23 39 41 Wth 34 180
97 Max Papis 14 40 164
98 Steve Grissom 21 40 148
99 Marc Goossens 9 143
100 Brent Sherman 28 34 140
101 Randy LaJoie 41 35 DNQ QL 41 138
102 Joe Nemechek 40 23 137
103 Willie Allen 28 35 137
104 Scott Pruett 10 134
105 Timothy Peters 13 124
106 Chris Wimmer (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 39 DNQ 40 43 DNQ 123
107 Jeff Fuller 27 41 122
108 Brad Coleman 27 41 116
109 Peyton Sellers 37 33 116
110 Ron Young Wth 40 32 DNQ 110
111 Todd Bodine 37 36 107
112 Chris Horn 37 39 Wth 38 101
113 Brian Simo 22 97
114 Jeff Green 22 97
115 Justin Labonte 22 97
116 Butch Leitzinger 24 91
117 Sam Hornish Jr. 36 43 89
118 David Stremme 26 85
119 Matt Kobyluck 39 42 83
120 Kevin Hamlin 27 QL DNQ QL 82
121 D. J. Kennington DNQ 27 DNQ DNQ 82
122 Darrell Waltrip 28 79
123 Rogelio López 29 76
124 Ryan Moore 29 76
125 Eric McClure DNQ 43 Wth 41 DNQ 74
126 Brad Baker 30 73
127 Patrick Goeters 31 70
128 Dwayne Leik 32 67
129 Dexter Bean DNQ 32 67
130 Caleb Holman DNQ 33 DNQ Wth DNQ 64
131 Jeremy Mayfield 35 63
132 Spencer Clark 35 58
133 Jamie Mosley 35 58
134 Joey Miller 36 55
135 Chase Pistone 37 52
136 Randy MacDonald 43 38 35 49
137 Brad Teague DNQ 38 DNQ 49
138 Jimmy Morales 39 46
139 Ricky Craven 39 46
140 Kim Crosby 38 43
141 Shelby Howard 40 43
142 James Hylton 41 40
143 Carlos Pardo 42 37
144 Justin Ashburn 42 37
145 Jeff Spraker 42 37
146 Sean Caisse 42 37
147 Scott Lynch 43 34
148 Josh Richeson 43 34
149 Jennifer Jo Cobb 43 34
150 Tim Schendel 43 34
151 Brian Keselowski 43 34
152 John Hayden DNQ DNQ 32
153 Jerick Johnson 37
154 Joey McCarthy 43
155 Larry Hollenbeck DNQ
156 Eduardo Goeters DNQ
157 Stan Silva Jr. DNQ DNQ
158 Marc Mitchell DNQ
159 Stan Boyd DNQ
160 Richard Landreth DNQ DNQ
161 Todd Shafer DNQ
162 Eduardo Troconis DNQ
163 John Finger DNQ
164 Josh Krug DNQ DNQ
165 Hermie Sadler DNQ QL
166 Robert Richardson Jr. DNQ DNQ DNQ
167 Chuck Barnes Jr. DNQ
168 Brett Rowe DNQ DNQ
169 Kraig Kinser DNQ
170 Dawayne Bryan DNQ
171 Trevor Boys DNQ
172 Hank Parker Jr. QL
173 Dennis Setzer QL QL
174 Brandon Miller QL
175 Peter Shepherd III QL
Pos Driver DAY CAL MXC LVS ATL BRI TEX NSH PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV NSH KEN MIL DAY CHI NHA MAR GTY IRP GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM TEX PHO HOM Pts

Declaring for points in one series: Rules change for 2011

[edit]

This was the fifth-to-last season where Cup Series drivers could run for points in another series. NASCAR implemented this change after Cup drivers were winning the Busch/Nationwide championships over the series regulars for 5 years straight (2006-2010). If the change had been implemented for the 2006 season, Menard would have been the champion. The rest of the top 10 in the standings would have been Johnny Sauter in 2nd, Kenny Wallace (who finished 11th in points), John Andretti (12th), Jason Leffler (13th), Jon Wood (14th), Ashton Lewis (15th), Stacy Compton (16th), Todd Kluever (17th), and Danny O'Quinn Jr. (19th).

Rookies

[edit]

Also, John Andretti was officially considered a Busch Series rookie of the year contender for 2006, even though he is a Winston/Nextel Cup veteran.

ROTY favorite Lamar was released early from his ride at KHI while leading the standings. Eventually, the ROTY came down to a fight between NEXTEL Cup veteran John Andretti and former USAR Pro Cup driver Danny O'Quinn Jr. Eventually, O'Quinn Jr., despite being pulled from his ride for two races in favor of David Ragan to prepare him for his full time Cup season in 2007, still managed to hold off Andretti to win the award by only a single point. Another preseason favorite and 2005 NCTS Rookie of the Year, Tood Kluever, struggled in his transition to the Busch Series. Another USAR driver, Mark McFarland, had an up and down year and was replaced by Shane Huffman. Joel Kauffman and Chris Wimmer made bids for ROTY, but were released from their rides. A. J. Foyt IV, in his transition to stock cars, was released due to a Dodge development deal.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2006 NASCAR Busch Series

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series was the 25th season of NASCAR's premier second-tier series, featuring 35 races that began on February 18 at and concluded on November 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, with clinching the driver's championship for after a dominant performance that included nine victories and a record 824-point margin over runner-up . Harvick's campaign, marked by 23 top-five finishes, 32 top-10 results, and an average finish of 4.6, underscored his unparalleled consistency and speed in the No. 21 Chevrolet, supported by crew chief Shane Wilson, while Chevrolet secured the manufacturers' title amid competition from Ford and . The season highlighted the ongoing phenomenon of Buschwhacking, where prominent drivers such as , , , , , , and frequently entered Busch events for additional track time. This practice intensified in 2006, when Cup drivers claimed victory in 33 of the season's 35 races, leaving just two triumphs for full-time Busch Series drivers: David Gilliland's stunning upset win—one of the biggest in recent NASCAR history—at Kentucky Speedway for the unsponsored, part-time Clay Andrews Racing team that built their own motors and had never finished above 29th in their first five starts, and Paul Menard at the Milwaukee Mile. The Buschwhackers collectively accounted for a significant portion of the race wins and drew criticism from full-time Busch competitors for overshadowing the series' developmental focus. Notable highlights included the series' first international race, the Telcel-Motorola 200 at in on March 5, won by , as well as a one-off event at and underdog victories like David Gilliland's upset win at for underfunded Clay Andrews Racing. Rookie of the year Danny O'Quinn Jr. and most popular driver added to the season's narrative, while Harvick's championship payout of $2,850,864 ranked as the second-highest in series history at the time.

Season Overview

Summary and Key Statistics

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series season spanned from February 18 to November 18, consisting of 35 races held across 25 different tracks, including the series' international event at in . The season featured a mix of , road course, and short track configurations, with races varying in length but averaging approximately 250 miles. The points system awarded 170 points to the race winner, with points decreasing by 5 for each subsequent finishing position down the field; bonus points were given for lap leadership, including 5 points for leading the most laps and 1 point per lap led, capped at 5. Key statistics highlighted the dominance of select performers and manufacturers, as claimed 9 victories—the most in the season—while Chevrolet secured 22 manufacturer wins, underscoring its superiority. This year also exemplified the "Busch Whackers" phenomenon, where full-time Series drivers frequently outperformed series regulars. Attendance trends peaked at the season-opening Hershey's Kissables 300 at , drawing approximately 62,000 fans, though figures varied by venue with many events attracting 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Television coverage was provided by a rotation of networks—, , TNT, and —marking the final year under this arrangement before ESPN assumed rights starting in 2007.

Awards and Champions

Kevin Harvick clinched the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series drivers' championship, earning 5,648 points in the #21 Chevrolet for . This marked Harvick's first Busch Series title, achieved through nine victories and consistent top finishes over the full season. He secured the championship with four races remaining, following a second-place finish in the 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 13, 2006. Richard Childress Racing claimed the owners' championship with the #21 team's performance, marking their third such title in the series. was voted the Most Popular Driver for 2006, earning the fan-based award for the third time in his Busch Series career. Danny O'Quinn Jr. won the award, competing in 33 races and finishing 19th in the final points standings with 3,163 points.

Busch Whackers Phenomenon

The Controversy

The term "Busch Whackers" emerged in circles to describe Series drivers who regularly "moonlighted" in Busch Series events, often piloting superior equipment from their top-tier teams that gave them a competitive edge over full-time Busch competitors. This practice intensified in , when drivers claimed victory in 33 of the season's 35 races, leaving just two triumphs for full-time Busch Series drivers: David Gilliland's upset win at and Paul Menard's at the . Prominent examples underscored the dominance, as full-time Cup regulars (9 wins), (4 wins), and (3 wins) combined for 16 victories, while part-timers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2 wins) and (2 wins) further bolstered the tally. The allure of substantial —exemplified by Harvick's haul—drew sharp from Busch team owners and drivers, who argued it undermined the series' role as a developmental platform by siphoning opportunities and earnings from emerging talent. In response, NASCAR officials acknowledged the issue and explored potential curbs on Cup involvement, but major reforms were deferred; significant changes arrived only in 2011, when drivers had to commit to one primary series for points eligibility, and in 2017, with a complete prohibition on Cup drivers earning playoff points in the renamed Xfinity Series.

Impact and Legacy

The dominance of Nextel Cup Series drivers in the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series created a significant competitive imbalance, with Cup regulars securing victories in 33 of the 35 races, leaving just two wins for non-Cup drivers: at and at the . Full-time Busch Series competitors, such as —who finished fifth in the final points standings without a win—and , who captured his lone victory amid heavy Cup competition, often struggled to achieve top finishes, exacerbating low morale among Busch-only teams. Marginal full-time Busch operations were frequently displaced from competitive grid positions, as Cup drivers occupied 8 to 10 starting spots per event, limiting opportunities for series regulars and raising concerns among sponsors reliant on consistent exposure for their drivers. Fan and media reactions to the Busch Whackers phenomenon were polarized, with NASCAR CEO acknowledging the presence of star power from drivers boosted ticket sales and television viewership but undermined the series' identity as a developmental platform for emerging talent. Coverage of upsets like Gilliland's victory, described as one of the biggest in Busch , highlighted the in post-race interviews, where the win was celebrated as a rare breakthrough against dominance. Overall, the influx of experienced racers led to criticisms that the series was becoming a mere extension of the top tier rather than a proving ground, though no immediate policy adjustments were implemented at the time. The 2006 season's events spurred ongoing policy evolution within , including discussions in 2007 about balancing Busch Whackers against young guns to preserve series integrity. By 2011, introduced restrictions requiring drivers to declare one national series (, Nationwide, or Trucks) for championship points eligibility, allowing Cup participants in Busch events but barring them from points contention if they ranked in the top 30 of standings. Further refinements came in 2017, when experienced drivers (those with over five full-time seasons) were banned from competing in playoff races to protect the postseason for developmental talent. In terms of legacy, the heavy Cup involvement elevated Busch Series television ratings to the second-highest among U.S. motorsports behind only the Series, driven by the star power that drew larger audiences to companion events. However, this came at the cost of diluting the series' unique identity, prompting a shift toward nurturing Busch-focused prospects in subsequent years, such as , who debuted full-time in 2008 and won the championship in 2010 as a primary series regular. Statistically, Cup drivers claimed the vast majority of poles—only a handful went to non-Cup entrants—and led the vast majority of total laps across the season, underscoring the lopsided nature of the competition.

Schedule and Tracks

2006 Race Calendar

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series schedule consisted of 35 races, an increase from the 34 events of 2005, with the addition of a new race at Memphis Motorsports Park on 28. The season ran from February 18 to November 18, aligning most events with Nextel Cup Series weekends for shared attendance and promotion, except for the standalone international race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in on March 5—the series' first outside the since NASCAR's brief forays in the . won that 200-mile road course event. The following table provides an overview of the full race calendar, including race numbers, titles, dates, tracks, scheduled distances, polesitters, and . Distances are based on advertised race lengths, typically 300 miles for intermediate and superspeedway ovals unless otherwise noted for short tracks or courses. Notable margins of are included where they highlight close finishes or upsets; otherwise, the column is left blank.
Race #TitleDateTrackDistancePolesitterWinnerMargin of Victory
1Hershey's Kissables 300Feb 18Daytona International Speedway300 milesJ.J. YeleyTony Stewart
2Stater Bros. 300Feb 25California Speedway300 milesCarl EdwardsGreg Biffle
3Telcel-Motorola 200Mar 5Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez200 milesBoris SaidDenny Hamlin
4Sam's Town 300Mar 11Las Vegas Motor Speedway300 milesMatt KensethKasey Kahne
5Nicorette 300Mar 18Atlanta Motor Speedway300 milesKyle BuschJeff Burton
6Sharpie MINI 300Mar 25Bristol Motor Speedway159.75 milesKevin Harvick (qualifying cancelled due to snow)Kyle Busch
7O'Reilly 300Apr 8Texas Motor Speedway300 milesDenny HamlinKurt Busch
8Pepsi 300Apr 15Nashville Superspeedway300 milesDenny HamlinKevin Harvick
9Bashas' Supermarkets 200Apr 21Phoenix International Raceway200 milesJason LefflerKevin Harvick
10Aaron's 312Apr 29Talladega Superspeedway312 milesJ.J. YeleyMartin Truex Jr.
11Circuit City 250May 5Richmond International Raceway187.5 milesJason LefflerKevin Harvick
12Diamond Hill Plywood 200May 12Darlington Raceway200 milesDenny HamlinDenny Hamlin
13CARQUEST Auto Parts 300May 27Lowe's Motor Speedway300 milesMatt KensethCarl Edwards
14NAPA Auto Parts 200Jun 3Dover International Speedway200 milesKevin Harvick (qualifying rained out)Jeff Burton
15Poconos 200Jun 10Pocono Raceway200 milesTodd KlueverCarl Edwards
16Meijer 300Jun 17Kentucky Speedway300 milesDenny HamlinDavid Gilliland0.306 seconds
17AT&T 250Jun 24The Milwaukee Mile250 milesAric AlmirolaPaul Menard
18Winn-Dixie 250Jun 30Daytona International Speedway250 milesJ.J. YeleyDale Earnhardt Jr.
19USG Durock 300Jul 8Chicagoland Speedway300 milesCarl EdwardsCasey Mears
20New England 200Jul 15New Hampshire International Speedway200 milesKyle BuschCarl Edwards
21Goody's 250Jul 22Martinsville Speedway131.5 milesClint BowyerKevin Harvick
22Busch Silver Celebration 250Jul 29Gateway International Raceway200 milesDenny HamlinCarl Edwards
23Kroger 200Aug 5O'Reilly Raceway Park200 milesDenny HamlinKevin Harvick
24Zippo Manufacturing 200Aug 12Watkins Glen International200 milesKurt BuschKurt Busch
25CARFAX 250Aug 19Michigan International Speedway250 milesMark MartinDale Earnhardt Jr.
26Food City 250Aug 25Bristol Motor Speedway159.75 milesRyan NewmanMatt Kenseth
27Ameriquest 300Sep 2California Speedway300 milesClint BowyerKasey Kahne
28Emerson Radio 250Sep 8Richmond International Raceway187.5 milesJeff BurtonKevin Harvick
29Dover 200Sep 23Dover International Speedway200 milesScott RiggsClint Bowyer
30Mr. Goodcents 300Sep 30Kansas Speedway300 milesMatt KensethKevin Harvick
31Dollar General 300Oct 13Lowe's Motor Speedway300 milesCarl EdwardsDave Blaney
32Sam's Town 250Oct 28Memphis Motorsports Park187.5 milesJohnny SauterKevin Harvick
33O'Reilly ChallengeNov 4Texas Motor Speedway300 milesMark MartinKevin Harvick
34Arizona Travel 200Nov 11Phoenix International Raceway200 milesMatt KensethMatt Kenseth
35Ford 300Nov 18Homestead-Miami Speedway300 milesKevin HarvickMatt Kenseth
Kevin Harvick recorded the most victories with 9, followed by Carl Edwards with 5; Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Matt Kenseth each secured 3 wins. David Gilliland's victory in race 16 at Kentucky stood out as one of the few early-season upsets by a non-Cup regular.

Track Configurations and Broadcast Details

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series featured a diverse array of tracks, including 29 oval configurations across short tracks, intermediate ovals, and superspeedways, alongside two road courses. Short tracks such as Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile concrete oval) and Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile short oval) emphasized tight racing with high banking and minimal passing zones, while intermediate ovals like Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.5-mile quad-oval) and Kansas Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval) allowed for broader strategies involving drafting and aerodynamics. Superspeedways, including Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile tri-oval with restrictor-plate rules to limit speeds) and similar venues like Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.54-mile tri-oval), promoted pack racing due to their high speeds and wide layouts. The season marked the debut of an international venue with the Telcel-Motorola 200 at in , configured as an approximately 2.52-mile road course incorporating the circuit's infield and back straight for a challenging layout with elevation changes and tight corners. The other road course was the Zippo Manufacturing 200 at , a 2.45-mile natural terrain circuit known for its high-speed esses and challenging uphill stadium section. No significant track modifications occurred from the 2005 season beyond the addition of the Mexico City event, maintaining consistency in oval setups like restrictor plates at Daytona to control horsepower and enhance safety. All 35 races were televised nationally, with coverage distributed across Fox (seven events, primarily early-season ovals), FX (six races, including intermediate and short tracks), TNT (14 broadcasts, covering mid-season including the road courses), and NBC (four late-season events). This marked the final season under the existing broadcast agreement, as ESPN and ABC assumed full rights starting in 2007. Lead announcers included Allen Bestwick for TNT's coverage, providing play-by-play alongside analysts like Wally Dallenbach Jr. and Matt Yocum on pit road. Viewership varied by network and event, with the season-opening 300 at Daytona drawing a 3.2 household rating on , reflecting strong interest in the superspeedway opener. The Mexico City race garnered a 3.0 overnight rating on but lower overall U.S. viewership compared to domestic ovals, though it attracted significant international media coverage and a large on-site crowd of over 50,000 spectators. Weather disruptions affected several events, notably the Sharpie Mini 300 at on March 25, where snow, sleet, and caused multiple red flags totaling over two hours of delays, including a heavy snowfall after just 32 laps. Similarly, the 250 at Richmond International Raceway on May 5 experienced a one-hour start delay due to , followed by a 43-minute stoppage after 13 laps, though the race concluded the same day without postponement.

Participants

Teams and Owners

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series featured a diverse field of teams, with over 50 different organizations fielding cars across the 35-race schedule, though the majority of competitive entries came from established multi-car operations affiliated with 's top-tier Nextel Cup Series. Major teams dominated the season, leveraging shared resources, technical support, and Cup-level talent to secure the bulk of victories and points. , owned by and based in , fielded Chevrolet entries including the #21 for primary driver , which clinched the owners' championship with 5,648 points after 35 starts. The team also ran the #2 for and occasional #33 and #77 cars, emphasizing full-season commitments with robust engineering from their Cup program. , owned by former Washington Redskins coach and headquartered in , operated Chevrolet teams such as the #20 for and #18 for , achieving multiple top-five finishes through integrated Cup-Busch operations. , owned by in , deployed Ford machinery including the #60 for , contributing to the team's strong mid-season momentum with consistent podium results. Mid-tier organizations provided competitive but more limited involvement. Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), owned by in , focused on Chevrolet entries like the #11 for in a full schedule and the #8 for part-time appearances by Dale Earnhardt Jr., yielding two victories at and . Hendrick Motorsports, under Rick Hendrick's ownership in , made selective Chevrolet outings, notably the #5 for in several events, prioritizing development over full commitment. Independent and smaller teams filled out the grid but struggled for wins, with the top 10 organizations accounting for approximately 80% of the season's 35 victories. ppc Racing, an independent Ford team owned by Greg Pollex in , ran full-time with the #22 for and #10 for , relying on aftermarket sponsorships without major manufacturer affiliation. Key Racing, a smaller independent operation, fielded limited Ford entries such as the #16 in select races, highlighting the challenges faced by non-aligned teams in securing consistent funding and equipment. No major mergers or acquisitions occurred among Busch Series teams in 2006, though the season saw preparatory shifts toward manufacturer expansion, including Toyota's announcement of full-time entry starting in 2007 via partnerships like . Overall performance favored Chevrolet with 22 wins, followed by Ford with 8 and with 5, reflecting the domestic manufacturers' established infrastructure. Full-season team budgets typically ranged from $5 million to $10 million, supported by a mix of sponsorships and shared Cup resources, enabling top outfits to outpace independents in technology and reliability.

Full-Time and Regular Drivers

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series featured approximately 20 drivers who competed in 25 or more of the 35 races, qualifying for at least 80% of the schedule and establishing themselves as full-time or regular participants dedicated primarily to the series. These drivers often balanced the demands of a grueling calendar while facing stiff competition from Cup Series crossovers, yet they formed the core of committed Busch talent, contributing to consistent on-track presence and series stability. Among the top full-time drivers, J.J. Yeley stood out in the No. 18 Chevrolet for Joe Gibbs Racing, entering all 35 races and finishing fifth in the final points standings with an average finish of 13.1. Yeley demonstrated remarkable durability, leading the full-time contingent in laps completed throughout the season, which underscored his ability to avoid mechanical failures and crashes in a year marked by high attrition. Paul Menard, driving the No. 11 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. with Menards sponsorship, also ran the full 35-race slate, placing sixth in points with an average finish of 16.9; his season highlight included the only victory by a full-time Busch driver at the Milwaukee Mile, where he held off late challenges in a green-white-checkered finish to secure his first career Busch win. Jason Leffler competed in 35 events primarily in the No. 42 Chevrolet for ppc Racing, ending 13th in points with an average finish of 21.2, noted for his strong qualifying efforts including two poles. Other notable regulars included in the No. 00 Chevrolet for , who ran all 35 races and finished eighth in points, providing steady mid-pack results amid team transitions. Kenny Wallace drove the No. 22 Ford for ppc Racing across the full schedule, placing 11th in points and earning consistent top-20 finishes that highlighted his veteran reliability. appeared as a regular in limited capacity with eight starts across teams like the No. 0 Chevrolet for Davis Motorsports, focusing on select ovals despite not reaching full-time status. Ron Fellows served as a road course specialist for in the No. 14 Chevrolet, competing in four events including strong showings at Watkins Glen and Sonoma. Clay Rogers ran a part-full schedule in the No. 42 Chevrolet for ppc Racing and other entries, logging around 10 starts with emphasis on short tracks. The season presented significant challenges for these full-time and regular drivers, particularly budget constraints that forced mid-season adjustments for several teams. Sponsorship shortfalls led to scaled-back operations, such as FitzBradshaw Racing's No. 14 program, which planned a full slate but reduced to partial entries after May due to funding issues, resulting in multiple driver swaps including and others. Similar woes affected teams like Braun-Akins Racing's No. 32/38, where was released post-Texas and the schedule shortened, exemplifying the financial pressures that threatened program viability without adequate backing.

Part-Time Entries and Guest Stars

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series featured numerous part-time entries from prominent Nextel Cup Series drivers, who competed on limited schedules while prioritizing their primary series commitments. These guest appearances often highlighted the crossover appeal between the two tiers of NASCAR competition, with Cup stars leveraging superior equipment and experience to achieve strong results. Among the most notable was Dale Earnhardt Jr., who ran a select schedule for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and secured two victories: the Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona International Speedway on June 30 and the Carfax 250 at Michigan International Speedway on August 19. Kasey Kahne, driving for , also made selective starts and claimed two wins, including the Sam's Town 300 at on March 11 and the Ameriquest 300 at California Speedway on September 2. , representing Roush Racing, competed part-time and delivered three triumphs: the Food City 250 at on August 25, the Bashas' 200 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 11, and the at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18. These performances underscored the competitive edge Cup drivers brought to the series. Other guest stars included , the former champion, who made his debut in the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park on October 28, qualifying ninth and finishing 11th despite an early incident. appeared occasionally for , posting a seventh-place finish in the O'Reilly 300 at on May 27 among his limited outings. While did not compete in the series that year, the presence of these high-profile entrants amplified visibility and attracted additional sponsorship dollars to Busch teams. The impact of these part-time Cup drivers was profound, as they accounted for 33 of the 35 race victories, demonstrating a clear dominance that boosted attendance and media coverage but also drew criticism for overshadowing full-time Busch competitors due to better-funded equipment. Notable debuts among emerging talents included Brad Keselowski's first NASCAR start in the #23 LoveFiFi.com Chevrolet at the Ameriquest 300, where he finished 37th after completing 147 laps, and , the reigning champion, who piloted the #39 to a 36th-place result in the Arizona Travel 200 at Phoenix. Such crossovers, while commercially beneficial, fueled ongoing debates about competitive balance in the series.

Rookie Class

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series rookie class consisted of 12 eligible drivers vying for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award, a competition governed by a points system identical to the main drivers' championship. Leading the field was Danny O'Quinn Jr., who piloted the No. 50 Roush Racing Ford in 33 starts, securing 19th place in the overall points standings with 3,163 points, one top-5 finish, and five top-10s. His consistent performances, including no wins but reliable finishes, allowed him to edge out veteran-turned-rookie John Andretti by just one point (235-234) in the rookie standings, earning O'Quinn the Rookie of the Year honor and a $50,000 bonus. Among other standout performers, competed in 20 races across multiple teams, including the No. 84 Clay Andrews Racing Chevrolet, where he notched the rookie class's sole victory at the 300 in —marking the first non-Cup Series regular win of the season—and finished 56th in the overall points with 733 points. , in a limited schedule, made his Busch Series debut in the No. 23 Keith Coleman Racing Chevrolet at the Ameriquest 300 in Speedway, completing 147 laps to finish 37th. Additional contenders included Todd Kluever in the No. 06 Roush Racing Ford, who recorded four top-10s across a near-full schedule, and in the No. 77 Inc. Chevrolet, ending 22nd overall after 35 attempts. The rookie competition highlighted significant challenges, including high attrition from mechanical failures and crashes in a series dominated by "Buschwhackers"—Cup Series drivers running part-time. Only four rookies attempted 20 or more races, underscoring the financial and logistical hurdles for newcomers. Independent outfits faced acute funding shortages; for instance, Jay Sauter's No. 01 Leik Motorsports Chevrolet effort was hampered by sponsorship instability, limiting its competitiveness despite 33 starts and a 21st-place points finish. Collectively, the rookies amassed one victory and five top-10 finishes, reflecting their struggle to break through against more experienced competition.

Race Results

Early Season Races (1-12)

The early season of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series consisted of the first 12 races, running from February 18 to May 12 across a variety of tracks, including superspeedways, road courses, and short ovals, setting the tone for Cup Series driver dominance throughout the schedule. The season opener, the 300 at on February 18, saw capture the pole at 183.094 mph before led the final 32 laps to secure the victory in a race marred by 11 cautions for 35 laps, including multi-car incidents on the frontstretch and in the turns. At California Speedway on February 25, Carl Edwards took the pole at 182.588 mph, but Greg Biffle dominated with 128 laps led to win the Stater Bros. 300; the race also featured a 25-point penalty to Matt Kenseth for an unapproved adjustment to his #17 Ford's rear spoiler. The series ventured internationally for the Telcel-Motorola 200 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on March 5, where Boris Said earned the pole at 102.665 mph and Denny Hamlin claimed his first career Busch Series win by staying out of trouble after an early pit stop, finishing ahead of road course specialist Ron Fellows. Kasey Kahne powered to victory in the Sam's Town 300 at on March 11, starting from fourth after Matt Kenseth's pole at 169.827 mph; local driver Spencer Clark made his only Busch Series start in the #65 Ford, completing 201 of 206 laps. High speeds at led to three cautions in the Nicorette 300 on March 18, where pole-sitter at 189.707 mph led early but swept past on a late restart to win, marking his first victory of the season. The Sharpie Mini 300 at on March 25 was delayed two hours by snow before qualifying was canceled, awarding the pole to points leader ; then won the race, leading 103 laps on the concrete half-mile. earned his first Busch Series win in the O'Reilly 300 at on April 8, holding off on a green-white-checker finish that extended the race by five laps after Denny Hamlin's pole at 187.905 mph. Kevin Harvick notched his first win of the season in the Pepsi 300 at on April 15, after set the pole at 165.282 mph; the surface contributed to significant wear, prompting multiple adjustments during the event. Harvick doubled up at Phoenix International Raceway on April 21, winning the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 from 14th on the grid after Jason Leffler's pole at 130.170 mph, leading the final 100 laps to a green-white-checker victory. Martin Truex Jr. survived multi-car wrecks to win the Aaron's 312 at on April 29, with on pole at 184.751 mph; the race saw no driver fail to qualify despite the field's size. Rain postponed the Circuit City 250 at Richmond International Raceway from May 5 to the next day, allowing Harvick to win from third after Jason Leffler's pole at 126.334 mph. Denny Hamlin completed a strong early run by winning the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at on May 12 from the pole at 167.670 mph, amid eight lead changes on the "Too Tough to Tame" egg-shaped oval. Throughout these races, Nextel Cup regulars claimed all victories, with Harvick and Hamlin emerging as early points leaders through consistent top finishes and multiple wins.

Mid-Season Races (13-24)

The mid-season portion of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series schedule, spanning races 13 through 24 from late May to mid-August, featured a mix of , course, and short-track action that highlighted the series' diverse challenges and the ongoing dominance of Nextel Cup Series drivers. This period saw 10 victories by full-time or part-time Cup competitors, underscoring their preparation edge, though two breakthroughs by Busch-only regulars injected excitement and briefly disrupted the pattern. The points battle intensified, with maintaining his lead but facing pressure from and as summer heat and strategic gambles tested teams. Race 13, the Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte on May 27, carried an Race weekend atmosphere with high fan attendance and concurrent activity. dominated for his first win of the season in the No. 60 Roush Ford, leading 185 laps amid 17 caution periods that fragmented the field. secured the pole at 184.011 mph in the No. 10 Roush Ford, but Aaron Fike failed to qualify in the No. 62 Mach 1 Chevrolet due to lineup constraints. Edwards' victory extended his momentum from the early season, where drivers had swept the first 12 events. In Race 14, the StonebridgeRacing.com 200 at Dover International Speedway on June 3, rain canceled qualifying, placing Kevin Harvick on pole by points in the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Jeff Burton staged a remarkable charge from 36th to win in the No. 36 Richard Childress Chevrolet, navigating the "Monster Mile's" concrete surface through 13 caution flags for 46 laps that eliminated several contenders and led to five lead changes. The high caution count, averaging over one every 15 laps, emphasized Dover's reputation for attrition. Carl Edwards claimed his second victory of the year in Race 15, the Federated Auto Parts 300 at on June 10, marking a repeat win on the concrete oval in the No. 60 Roush Ford after leading 159 laps. Todd Kluever earned the pole at 161.930 mph in the No. 06 Roush Ford, while Jerry Robertson did not qualify in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet due to speed limitations. With 12 cautions slowing the 300-lap event, Edwards' strategy focused on track position during restarts, solidifying his position just 100 points behind Harvick. A pivotal upset defined Race 16, the 300 at on June 17, where rookie scored his first career Busch Series win in the underfunded No. 84 Clay Andrews Racing Chevrolet, finishing 0.306 seconds ahead of after a late charge from 19th following a sluggish . took the pole at 177.72 mph in the No. 20 Chevrolet, but the race's intensity peaked with Jeff Fuller's severe Lap 29 crash in the No. 34 Past Time Motorsports Chevrolet, igniting a fire and triggering a red flag for safety checks. Gilliland's victory, the first by a non-Cup regular that season, came despite nine cautions and highlighted resourcefulness on the 1.5-mile . Paul Menard delivered an emotional home-track triumph in Race 17, the AT&T 250 at The on June 24, his first Busch Series win in the No. 11 Chevrolet as the sole full-time Busch driver to victory that year. claimed the pole at 122.320 mph in the No. 06 Roush Chevrolet, but Menard capitalized on Jason Leffler's late error and survived two restarts amid 14 cautions to hold off the field in the 258-lap short-track battle. The win, before 41,510 fans, boosted Menard's rookie campaign and provided a rare non-Cup highlight on the flat one-mile oval. Race 18, the 250 Presented by at on June 30, saw Dale Earnhardt Jr. secure his second win of the season in the No. 9 Chevrolet, leading the final 50 laps with minimal cautions—only two for 15 laps—allowing drafting packs to dominate the 258-lap restrictor-plate event. J.J. Yeley started from pole at 183.509 mph in the No. 5 Chevrolet. Post-race, Kevin Harvick's No. 21 team faced a 50-point deduction for Harvick and owner , plus a six-race suspension and $15,000 fine for crew chief Shane Wilson, after a loose violation discovered in post-qualifying inspection. The penalty narrowed Harvick's lead slightly but did not derail his championship pursuit. Casey Mears notched his maiden Busch Series victory in Race 19, the USG Durock 300 at on July 8, in the No. 42 with Dodge, employing a fuel-mileage strategy with a four-tire stop under caution to stretch to the finish while leaders pitted late. set the pole at 176.528 mph in the No. 60 Roush Ford, leading early, but nine cautions shuffled the field on the 1.5-mile . Mears' gamble paid off in a green-flag finish, marking a strategic breakthrough for the part-time driver. Edwards rebounded for his third win in Race 20, the New England 200 at International Speedway on July 15, in the No. 60 Roush Ford, leading 113 laps on the flat one-mile with just two cautions aiding clean racing. Kyle earned pole at 128.204 mph in the No. 5 Hendrick Chevrolet. A bizarre incident saw Aaron Fike black-flagged on Lap 60 in the No. 62 Mach 1 Chevrolet for intentionally tossing a glove onto the track to induce a caution, resulting in his disqualification. The 212-lap event tightened the points gap, with Edwards closing to within 88 points of Harvick. Kevin Harvick dominated Race 21, the Goody's 250 at Martinsville Speedway on July 22, winning in the No. 21 Richard Childress Chevrolet after a short-track duel with teammate Clint Bowyer, edging him by 0.271 seconds in the 132-lap caution-filled affair with seven yellows. Bowyer started from pole at 95.951 mph in the No. 2 Richard Childress Chevrolet. Richard Landreth Jr. did not qualify in the No. 0 Romeo Guest Construction Dodge due to practice issues. Harvick's fourth victory of the mid-season extended his lead to 150 points over Edwards. Race 22, the Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway International Raceway on July 29, went to Edwards for his fourth win in the No. 60 Roush Ford, capitalizing on eight cautions over 250 laps on the 1.25-mile oval. took pole at 134.852 mph in the No. 20 Chevrolet. Post-race inspection revealed illegal shocks on Tim Sauter's No. 36 Peak Antifreeze Chevrolet, earning him a 50-point penalty and a $25,000 fine for crew chief Gil Martin. The infraction dropped Sauter in the standings but had minimal impact on the top title contenders. Harvick secured his fifth mid-season triumph in Race 23, the 200 at Raceway () on August 5, leading 97 laps in the No. 21 Richard Childress Chevrolet on the 2.5-mile oval with only one caution promoting steady racing over 137 laps due to rain-shortening. again claimed pole at 110.442 mph in the No. 20 Chevrolet. The low-drama event allowed Harvick to pad his championship margin to 200 points over Edwards. The mid-season concluded with Race 24, the 200 at on August 12, a road-course thriller won by in the No. 31 Penske Racing Dodge from the pole he set at 121.526 mph. Busch held off in a heated last-lap duel, with both drivers cutting off-track multiple times amid their ongoing rivalry, exacerbated by prior on-track incidents; eight cautions punctuated the 203-lap event on the 2.45-mile layout. Gordon's aggressive moves nearly forced Busch off but resulted in a 0.547-second victory margin. Overall, these races showcased only two non-Cup wins—Gilliland at and Menard at —breaking the early-season sweep and providing momentum for Busch regulars amid dominance. The period tightened the title fight, with Harvick's consistency (five wins) offset by Edwards' surge (four victories) and Bowyer's steady top-fives, setting up late-season drama on diverse tracks.

Late Season Races (25-35)

The late season of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series, spanning races 25 through 35 from to , featured intense competition as pursued the championship while several notable debuts and breakthroughs occurred amid challenging track conditions and high-profile entries. Harvick's dominance became evident with four victories in this stretch, securing his second series title early and underscoring the influence of Cup Series drivers, though breakthroughs by full-time Busch competitors like and highlighted emerging talent. Race 25, the Carfax 200 at Michigan International Speedway on August 19, saw Dale Earnhardt Jr. claim victory after starting third, with Mark Martin securing the pole at 183.664 mph. Earnhardt Jr. led 109 laps en route to the win, marking the final Busch Series triumph for Dale Earnhardt Inc. before its decline. In Race 26, the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 25 under the lights, Matt Kenseth won from the 13th starting position after Ryan Newman took the pole at 124.436 mph, navigating a chaotic night on the short track that included 14 cautions over 250 laps. Carl Long failed to qualify for the event amid a field of 43 entrants. Race 27, the Ameriquest 300 at California Speedway on September 2, was captured by , who led 119 laps after earned the pole at 179.399 mph; this event marked Brad Keselowski's Busch Series debut, where he started 27th and finished 28th in the No. 23 Chevrolet for Keith Coleman Racing. dominated Race 28, the Emerson Radio 250 at Richmond International Raceway on September 8, winning from the 21st starting spot after Jeff Burton's pole at 126.357 mph, leading 147 laps in a night race marred by 12 cautions. Mike Cook did not qualify among the 43-car field. This victory was Harvick's sixth of the season and moved him closer to the title. Clint Bowyer's first career Busch Series win came in Race 29, the Dover 200 at Dover International Speedway on September 23, where he started second after Scott Riggs's pole at 154.799 mph, leading 128 laps in a race with eight cautions and a green-white-checkered finish. Harvick secured his seventh win of the year in Race 30, the Yellow Transportation 300 at the new 1.5-mile on September 30, starting 10th after Matt Kenseth's pole at 173.723 mph and leading 163 laps amid 10 cautions on the inaugural Busch event there. failed to qualify. Race 31, the 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway (Charlotte) on October 13, produced an upset victory for , his lone Busch Series win, starting 10th after Carl Edwards's pole at 186.245 mph; the race featured bizarre red-flag stoppages for scoring issues and track debris, with 12 cautions over 200 laps. Harvick, finishing fourth after overcoming an early tire issue, clinched the championship with four races remaining—the earliest such feat in series history. Harvick continued his streak with an eighth win in Race 32, the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park on October 28, leading 152 laps from the 12th starting position after Johnny Sauter's pole at 118.614 mph. made his Busch Series debut in the No. 42 for , qualifying ninth and finishing 11th despite handling challenges on the flat 0.75-mile oval. In Race 33, the O'Reilly Challenge at on November 4, Harvick earned his ninth victory, sweeping the weekend after a Cup win, starting fourth after Mark Martin's pole at 192.589 mph and leading 130 laps. This marked Corey LaJoie's final Busch Series start. Matt Kenseth swept Race 34, the Arizona Travel 200 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 11, taking the pole at 132.144 mph and leading 107 laps for the win. Sam Hornish Jr., the reigning champion, debuted in the No. 39 Dodge for Penske Racing, starting 14th and finishing 20th. The season finale, Race 35, the at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, went to , who started third after Harvick's pole at 174.272 mph, leading 92 laps in the last Busch Series broadcast on TNT before /ABC assumed coverage. Harvick finished second, capping a championship run that included sweeps across series weekends. Harvick's late-season surge with four wins solidified his title, while debuts by Keselowski, Montoya, and Hornish signaled crossovers from other motorsports, and victories by Bowyer and Blaney demonstrated Busch regulars' resilience against Cup invaders.

Final Standings

Drivers' Championship

Kevin Harvick dominated the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Drivers' Championship, securing the title with nine victories and a record-breaking points margin of 824 over runner-up Carl Edwards. Harvick, driving the No. 21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, competed in all 35 races and amassed 5,648 points through consistent top finishes, including 23 top fives and 32 top tens. His championship-clinching performance came after the 31st race at Memphis Motorsports Park, where he locked up the title with four events remaining, a testament to his early-season dominance. The final top ten drivers' standings reflected Harvick's supremacy, with full-time competitors filling most positions despite intense competition from part-time Series entrants. Edwards, , and Hamlin engaged in a tight battle for second through fourth, separated by just 157 points at the season's end. Standings were determined by the series' points system awarding 175 points for a win, decreasing incrementally for lower finishes, with bonus points for leading laps.
RankDriverPointsWinsTop 5sTop 10sLaps Led
15648923321197
2482441525662
3468311217579
4466721223595
54487092286
640751716180
739211412200
8379402985
937891918170
103670051431
Harvick established a lead exceeding 500 points by mid-season after the 18th race at , never relinquishing his advantage as he won multiple races in the stretch. The contest for second place featured Edwards pulling ahead with four victories, while and Hamlin relied on steady top-10 finishes—Bowyer with 17 and Hamlin with 23—to stay competitive despite fewer wins. Full-season drivers and cracked the top six through reliability, with Yeley achieving 22 top-10 results without a win and Menard adding a victory at Nashville Speedway. In the event of ties, the championship rules prioritized the driver with the most wins, followed by the highest-placed finish in the most recent race where they scored equal points; laps led served as a key metric in overall performance evaluation, where Harvick's 1,197 led the field. A total of 154 drivers scored points across the season, with Kenny Wallace finishing 11th at 3,626 points despite no victories.

Owners' Championship

The Owners' Championship in the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series was determined by aggregating points from the highest-finishing car for each owner across the 35-race season. The points allocation mirrored the drivers' system, with 175 points for first place, decreasing incrementally to 1 point for 43rd, plus 5 bonus points for leading the most laps and 1 point for each lap led. secured the title with their #21 entry driven by , earning 5648 points through consistent top finishes and nine victories. Roush Racing finished second via the #60 car of at 4824 points, highlighted by four wins. 's multi-car effort placed their #2 Chevrolet, driven by , third with 4683 points and one victory. occupied fourth with the #20 , shared by Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin, accumulating 4667 points and two wins, while their #18 entry under rounded out the top five at 4487 points with zero wins. These leading teams collectively claimed 75% of the season's victories, underscoring the competitive edge of established multi-car operations. Mid-pack performers included in sixth with Paul Menard's #16 car at 4013 points, and Roush Racing's secondary #6 entry driven by in seventh at 3782 points. Independent outfits like Key Racing lagged further back, often hampered by limited resources and part-time schedules. 's #8 car, competing on a limited basis, ended 15th in the standings. With more than 60 owners participating overall, comprehensive data focused primarily on the top 30 entries. Multi-car teams like dominated by sweeping the top three positions with their entries, reflecting superior preparation and driver talent. Joe Gibbs Racing's program marked a robust debut, powering their cars to fourth and fifth in owners' points and establishing the manufacturer as a contender from its inaugural Busch Series campaign. This team success aligned closely with the drivers' championship outcomes, where affiliated pilots led individual rankings.

Rookie and Manufacturer Standings

The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series featured a competitive class, with Danny O'Quinn Jr. earning Rookie of the Year honors after finishing 19th in the overall driver standings with 3,163 points across 32 starts. O'Quinn Jr., driving the No. 50 Chevrolet for Jay Robinson Racing, achieved three top-10 finishes but struggled with consistency due to funding challenges typical for independent teams. , a part-time , secured one upset victory at in the No. 84 Chevrolet for Clay Andrews Racing and ended 56th overall with 733 points. Other notable rookies included Todd Kluever in third for rookie points, driving the No. 06 Ford for Roush Racing with limited top finishes; fourth in the No. 77 Chevrolet for Cunningham Motorsports, who ran a full season but managed only one top-10; and Mark McFarland fifth. competed in seven races for Keith Coleman Racing in the No. 97 Chevrolet and finished 72nd overall with 414 points amid mechanical issues. Jay Sauter rounded out the class with low points accumulation due to persistent funding shortages, highlighting the barriers for independent in a series dominated by manufacturer-backed teams. Chevrolet dominated the manufacturer standings, capturing the championship with 21 victories, led by Kevin Harvick's nine wins and contributions from drivers like , , and . Ford secured second place with nine wins, primarily from (four) and (three), performing strongly on road courses and intermediate tracks. Dodge earned five wins through , , and , while , in its debut season, recorded zero victories despite fielding competitive entries from Racing and others. Additional season statistics underscored Chevrolet's edge, with leading all drivers in laps led at 1,197. topped the poles with six, followed by with three, reflecting strong qualifying efforts from teams. The No. 47 team recorded the highest DNF rate at 15, often due to mechanical failures, while the Fontana race set the average speed benchmark at over 160 mph amid minimal cautions. Overall, races averaged eight cautions, with Fords excelling on road courses and Chevrolets dominating superspeedways.

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