1998 NASCAR Busch Series

The 1998 NASCAR Busch Series began on Saturday, February 14 and ended on Sunday, November 15. Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was crowned champion at season's end.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 1998 Busch Series champion

Teams and drivers

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List of full-time teams at the start of 1998.

Team Car(s) No. Driver(s) Listed owner(s) Crew chief
Akins-Sutton Motorsports Ford Taurus 38 Elton Sawyer Bob Sutton Eddie Pardue
BACE Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 33 Tim Fedewa Barbara Baumgardner Bryan Smith
74 Randy LaJoie Bill Baumgardner Billy Manciewicz
Bobby Hillin Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 8 Bobby Hillin Jr. Robert Hayes Nick Short
Brewco Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 37 Mark Green Clarence Brewer Kenneth Campbell
Buckshot Racing Pontiac Grand Prix 00 Buckshot Jones Billy Jones Ricky Pearson
CAA Performance Group Pontiac Grand Prix 96 Mike Stefanik Mike Curb John Birosh
DAJ Racing Ford Thunderbird 32 Jason Jarrett (R) Horace Isenhower Rick Bowman
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet Monte Carlo 3 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Tony Eury Sr.
Diamond Ridge Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 29 Hermie Sadler Gary Bechtel Bob Gulbranson
66 Elliott Sadler Sandy Jones
Excel Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 56 Jeff Krogh Molly Krogh Jimmy Elledge
80 Mark Krogh Robert Krogh Dan Glauz
Hensley Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 63 Tracy Leslie Hubert Hensley Jeff Hensley
Innovative Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 47 Andy Santerre (R) George DeBidart Kevin Caldwell
J&J Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 99 Glenn Allen Jr. Bill Papke John Monsam
Joe Bessey Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6 Joe Bessey Nancy Bessey Harold Holly
Joe Gibbs Racing Pontiac Grand Prix 44 Bobby Labonte Joe Gibbs Bryant Frazier
Tony Stewart
Keystone Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 20 Blaise Alexander (R) Alex Crestinger Alex Crestinger
Lone Star Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 88 Kevin Schwantz (R) Kevin Schwantz C. R. Miller
Mark III Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 78 Hank Parker Jr. (R) Dan Browder Neil Browder
Martin Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 92 Derrike Cope/David Green Mac Martin Tim Weiss
Michael Waltrip Racing Ford Taurus 14 Patty Moise Buffy Waltrip Ronnie Silver
21 Michael Waltrip Unknown
NorthStar Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 89 Stanton Barrett Meredith Ruark Mike Yoder
Parker Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 72 Mike Dillon Ron Parker Dean Johnson
Phil Parsons Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 10 Phil Parsons Marcia Parsons Gene Nead
Phoenix Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 4 Jeff Purvis James Finch Johnny Allen
Progressive Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 57 Jason Keller Steve DeSouza Jamie Jones
PRW Racing Ford Taurus 77 Ed Berrier Tony Hall Jimmy Means
Reiser Enterprises Chevrolet Monte Carlo 17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser Robbie Reiser
Roush Racing Ford Taurus 9 Jeff Burton Jack Roush Tommy Morgan
60 Mark Martin Bobby Leslie
Shoemaker Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 64 Dick Trickle Dennis Shoemaker Bryan Schaffer
Specialty Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo 40 Kevin Lepage Doug Taylor Doug Taylor
ST Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 59 Robert Pressley Tad Geschickter Steve Plattenberger
Stegall Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo 85 Shane Hall Don Stegall John Finley
Team 34 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 30 Mike Cope (R) Jeffrey Welliver Donnie Richeson
34 Mike McLaughlin Frank Cicci Gary Cogswell
Pontiac Grand Prix 36 Matt Hutter (R) Scott Welliver Clyde McLeod
Team Amick Chevrolet Monte Carlo 35 Lyndon Amick Bill Amick Buddy Barnes
Washington-Erving Motorsports Ford Taurus 50 Jimmy Foster Joe Washington Darrell Bryant

Races

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NAPA Auto Parts 300

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The NAPA Auto Parts 300 was held February 14 at Daytona International Speedway. Mike McLaughlin won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.

Top ten results

  1. 87-Joe Nemechek
  2. 4-Jeff Purvis
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 00-Buckshot Jones
  5. 74-Randy LaJoie
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 21-Michael Waltrip
  8. 88-Kevin Schwantz
  9. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  10. 10-Phil Parsons

Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Lyndon Amick (#35), Patty Moise (#14), Larry Pearson (#55), Ron Barfield Jr. (#2), Jimmy Foster (#50), Derrike Cope (#92), Blaise Alexander (#20), Doug Reid III (#97), Dale Shaw (#48), Lance Hooper (#23), Chris Diamond (#68), Mark Day (#16)

  • Larry Pearson replaced Dale Jarrett and Bobby Labonte in the No. 32 in the race, after failing to qualify his No. 55. Dale Jarrett and the No. 32 team were about to be DNQ for this event so the team decided to put Bobby Labonte in the car so he could get the car into the race with a past champions provisional. In doing so, they inadvertly bumped Larry Pearson and his No. 55 from the field. Perhaps they felt bad about it and realized they could get the same provisional with Pearson, so the team made a deal for Pearson to drive the No. 32 in the race instead of Labonte.

GM Goodwrench Service Plus 200

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The GM Goodwrench Service Plus 200 was held February 21 at North Carolina Speedway. Tony Stewart won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 44-Tony Stewart
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 9-Jeff Burton
  5. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  6. 66-Elliott Sadler
  7. 74-Randy LaJoie
  8. 72-Mike Dillon
  9. 37-Mark Green
  10. 57-Jason Keller

Failed to qualify: Patty Moise (#14), Jimmy Foster (#50), Dale Shaw (#48), Lance Hooper (#23), Ed Berrier (#77), J. D. Gibbs (#42), Kevin Cywinski (#11), Stanton Barrett (#89), Bobby Hillin Jr. (#8), Rick Fuller (#40), Michael Ritch (#58)

  • This was Kenseth's first career Busch Series victory.

Sam's Town Las Vegas 300

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The Sam's Town Las Vegas 300 was held February 28 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 87-Joe Nemechek
  4. 9-Jeff Burton
  5. 32-Dale Jarrett
  6. 60-Mark Martin
  7. 72-Mike Dillon
  8. 00-Buckshot Jones
  9. 29-Hermie Sadler
  10. 77-Ed Berrier

Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Lyndon Amick (#35), Ron Barfield Jr. (#2), Chris Diamond (#68), Bobby Hillin Jr. (#8), Rick Fuller (#04), Dale Fischlein (#70), Brendan Gaughan (#31)

  • Randy LaJoie flipped on the final lap of the race.

BellSouth Mobility / Opryland 320

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The BellSouth Mobility / Opryland 320 was held March 15 at Nashville Speedway USA. Casey Atwood won the pole, becoming the youngest pole winner in NASCAR Busch Series history. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  2. 28-Casey Atwood
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 74-Randy LaJoie
  5. 57-Jason Keller
  6. 87-Joe Nemechek
  7. 1-Sterling Marlin
  8. 33-Tim Fedewa
  9. 64-Dick Trickle
  10. 38-Elton Sawyer

Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Chris Diamond (#68), Mark Day (#16), Brad Loney (#45), Mike Stefanik (#96), Jeff Krogh (#56), Mark Krogh (#80), Derrick Gilcrest (#12)

Diamond Hill Plywood 200

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The Diamond Hill Plywood 200 was held March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 44-Bobby Labonte
  2. 9-Jeff Burton
  3. 64-Dick Trickle
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 66-Elliott Sadler
  6. 72-Mike Dillon
  7. 29-Hermie Sadler
  8. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: Ron Barfield Jr. (#2), Jeff Fuller (#7), Patty Moise (#14), Jimmy Foster (#50), Dave Blaney (#93), Mike Stefanik (#96)

Moore's Snacks 250

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The Moore's Snacks 250 was held March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 66-Elliott Sadler
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 38-Elton Sawyer
  5. 57-Jason Keller
  6. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  7. 10-Phil Parsons
  8. 89-Stanton Barrett
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 14-Patty Moise

Failed to qualify: Robert Pressley (#59), Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Derrike Cope (#92), Lyndon Amick (#35)-Withdrew, Kevin Schwantz (#88)-Withdrew

Coca-Cola 300

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The Coca-Cola 300 was held April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway. Elliott Sadler won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 66-Elliott Sadler
  3. 87-Joe Nemechek
  4. 10-Phil Parsons
  5. 56-Jeff Krogh
  6. 74-Randy LaJoie
  7. 37-Mark Green
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 2-Jeff Green
  10. 9-Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: Robert Pressley (#59), Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Dick Trickle (#64), Kevin Schwantz (#88), Mark Day (#16), Bobby Hillin Jr. (#8), Tom Lorenz (#62), Ted Smokstad (#48)

  • This was Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first career Busch Series win.

Galaxy Food Centers 300

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The final Galaxy Food Centers 300 was held April 11 at Hickory Motor Speedway. Robert Pressley won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 77-Ed Berrier
  2. 29-Hermie Sadler
  3. 33-Tim Fedewa
  4. 72-Mike Dillon
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 59-Robert Pressley
  7. 30-Mike Cope
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 85-Shane Hall
  10. 57-Jason Keller

Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr. (#78), Kevin Lepage (#40), Blaise Alexander (#20), Patty Moise (#14), Chris Diamond (#68), Johnny Chapman (#21), Johnny Rumley (#96), Shane Jenkins (#49), Randy Porter (#48), Eddie Beahr (#39)

  • This would be the first and only NASCAR victory of Berrier's career.

Touchstone Energy 300

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The Touchstone Energy 300 was held April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC.

Top ten results

  1. 87-Joe Nemechek
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 00-Buckshot Jones
  5. 64-Dick Trickle
  6. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  7. 78-Loy Allen Jr.
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 36-Matt Hutter
  10. 38-Elton Sawyer

Failed to qualify: Patty Moise (#14), Doug Reid III (#7), Robert Pressley (#59), Mark Day (#16), Rick Wilson (#50)

got spun around and flipped onto its side and slammed the wall with his roof. He walked away with no injuries.

Gumout Long Life Formula 200

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The Gumout Long Life Formula 200 was held May 9 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Joe Bessey won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 00-Buckshot Jones
  2. 44-Tony Stewart
  3. 40-Kevin Lepage
  4. 4-Jeff Purvis
  5. 74-Randy LaJoie
  6. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  7. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  8. 52-Kevin Grubb
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: Mike Olsen (#61), Joey McCarthy (#41), Tom Bolles (#76), Brian Simo (#03)

First Union 200

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The First Union 200 was held May 17 at Nazareth Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 33-Tim Fedewa
  2. 4-Jeff Purvis
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 6-Joe Bessey
  6. 77-Ed Berrier
  7. 57-Jason Keller
  8. 66-Elliott Sadler
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 13-Ted Christopher

Failed to qualify: none

Carquest Auto Parts 300

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The Carquest Auto Parts 300 was held May 23 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.

Top ten results

  1. 60-Mark Martin
  2. 87-Joe Nemechek
  3. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  4. 21-Michael Waltrip
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 44-Bobby Labonte
  7. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  10. 29-Hermie Sadler

Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#92), Loy Allen Jr. (#78), Lyndon Amick (#35), Matt Hutter (#36), Blaise Alexander (#20), Mike Cope (#30), Kenny Irwin Jr. (#48), Kelly Denton (#75), Mark Krogh (#80), Andy Santerre (#47), Gary Laton (#46)

MBNA Platinum 200

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The MBNA Platinum 200 was held May 30 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Lepage won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  3. 44-Tony Stewart
  4. 32-Dale Jarrett
  5. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  6. 59-Robert Pressley
  7. 10-Phil Parsons
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 57-Jason Keller
  10. 21-Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: Bryan Wall (#73), Hal Browning (#46)

Hardee's 250

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The Hardee's 250 was held June 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Wayne Grubb won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN2.

Top ten results

  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 83-Wayne Grubb
  5. 60-Mark Martin
  6. 57-Jason Keller
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 64-Dick Trickle
  9. 52-Kevin Grubb
  10. 59-Robert Pressley

Failed to qualify: Dale Jarrett (#32), Jeff Krogh (#56), J. D. Gibbs (#42), Blaise Alexander (#20), Ted Christopher (#13), Derrike Cope (#92), Patty Moise (#14), Joey McCarthy (#41), Mike Laughlin Jr. (#45), Mike Olsen (#61), Derrick Gilcrest (#12)

Lycos.com 250

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The inaugural Lycos.com 250 was held June 14 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Matt Kenseth won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 74-Randy LaJoie
  4. 38-Elton Sawyer
  5. 4-Jeff Purvis
  6. 63-Curtis Markham
  7. 37-Mark Green
  8. 59-Ron Hornaday Jr.
  9. 30-Mike Cope
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Failed to qualify: none

Lysol 200

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The Lysol 200 was held June 28 at Watkins Glen International. Boris Said won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 87-Ron Fellows
  2. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  3. 9-Ashton Lewis
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 72-Mike Dillon
  6. 40-Jack Sprague
  7. 33-Tim Fedewa
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 2-Ricky Craven
  10. 57-Jason Keller

Failed to qualify: Mark Krogh (#80), John Preston (#55), Rick Bell (#78), Kat Teasdale (#54), Patty Moise (#14), Dale Quarterley (#32N)

  • With his victory, Fellows became the first Non-American winner in the NASCAR Busch series.

DieHard 250

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The DieHard 250 was held July 5 at The Milwaukee Mile. Jeff Purvis won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 38-Elton Sawyer
  3. 4-Jeff Purvis
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  7. 00-Buckshot Jones
  8. 33-Tim Fedewa
  9. 6-Joe Bessey
  10. 74-Randy LaJoie

Failed to qualify: none

Myrtle Beach 250

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The Myrtle Beach 250 was held July 11 at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Tim Fedewa won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 74-Randy LaJoie
  2. 36-David Green
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 35-Lyndon Amick
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 33-Tim Fedewa
  7. 6-Joe Bessey
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 37-Mark Green
  10. 66-Elliott Sadler

Failed to qualify: Bobby Hillin Jr. (#8), Kevin Prince (#90), Johnny Chapman (#73), Blaise Alexander (#20), Patty Moise (#14), Jimmy Foster (#50), Mark Krogh (#80), Eddie Beahr (#39)

Kenwood Home & Car Audio 300

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The Kenwood Home & Car Audio 300 was held July 19 at California Speedway. Robert Pressley won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 40-Kevin Lepage
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 10-Phil Parsons
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 4-Jeff Purvis
  7. 66-Elliott Sadler
  8. 56-Mark Krogh
  9. 6-Joe Bessey
  10. 72-Mike Dillon

Failed to qualify: none

  • Jack Sprague was scheduled to drive the No. 44 car, but he was injured after a crash in practice, so he was replaced by J.D. Gibbs in the race.

Lycos.com 300 Presented by Valleydale Foods

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The Lycos.com 300 Presented by Valleydale Foods was held July 25 at South Boston Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 33-Tim Fedewa
  2. 74-Randy LaJoie
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 63-Curtis Markham
  7. 66-Elliott Sadler
  8. 85-Shane Hall
  9. 35-Lyndon Amick
  10. 59-Kevin Lepage

Failed to qualify: Kevin Prince (#90), Ashton Lewis (#89), Mark Krogh (#80), Jeff Krogh (#56), Jim Bown (#78), Toby Robertson (#12), Patty Moise (#14), Kelly Denton (#75), Johnny Chapman (#73), Casey Atwood (#27)

Kroger 200

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The Kroger 200 was held July 31 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Buckshot Jones won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 66-Elliott Sadler
  3. 00-Buckshot Jones
  4. 74-Randy LaJoie
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 21-Mike Bliss
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 15-Mike Wallace
  10. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.

Failed to qualify: Brad Noffsinger (#43), Mark McFarland (#82), Mark Day (#16), Stevie Reeves (#54), Kenneth Nichols (#94)

Pepsi 200 presented by Devilbiss

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The Pepsi 200 presented by Devilbiss was held August 15 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 44-Bobby Labonte
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 40-Kevin Lepage
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 60-Mark Martin
  7. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 21-Michael Waltrip
  10. 12-Rick Mast

Failed to qualify: Dave Blaney (#93), Dale Fischlein (#70), J. D. Gibbs (#42), Kevin Schwantz (#88), Lyndon Amick (#35), Gary Laton (#46), Casey Atwood (#27)

  • This was also the last caution-free race in the Busch Series.

Food City 250

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The Food City 250 was held August 21 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Steve Grissom won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 40-Kevin Lepage
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 32-Dale Jarrett
  4. 30-Todd Bodine
  5. 33-Tim Fedewa
  6. 15-Ken Schrader
  7. 83-Wayne Grubb
  8. 00-Buckshot Jones
  9. 4-Nathan Buttke
  10. 36-David Green

Failed to qualify: Michael Waltrip (#21), Lyndon Amick (#35), Greg Marlowe (#78), Mark Day (#16)

  • This was Lepage's final career Busch Series victory.

Dura-Lube 200 Presented by BI-LO

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The Dura-Lube 200 presented by BI-LO was held September 5 at Darlington Raceway. Mike McLaughlin won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 64-Dick Trickle
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 40-Kevin Lepage
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 32-Dale Jarrett
  8. 60-Mark Martin
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 15-Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Jeff Green (#92), Kelly Denton (#75), Ron Barfield Jr. (#2)

  • With his victory, Trickle became the oldest winner in Busch Series history, at the age of 56 years, 10 months, and 9 days.
  • This was Trickle's final career Busch Series victory.

Autolite Platinum 250

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The Autolite Platinum 250 was held September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Andy Santerre won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 9-Jeff Burton
  3. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 4-Jeff Purvis
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 64-Dick Trickle
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 47-Andy Santerre

Failed to qualify: Bobby Hamilton Jr. (#95), Dave Rezendes (#78), Casey Atwood (#50), Kevin Schwantz (#88), Ward Burton (#14), Mark Krogh (#80), Mario Gosselin (#71), Ted Christopher (#13), Mark McFarland (#82), J. D. Gibbs (#42)

MBNA Gold 200

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The MBNA Gold 200 was held September 19 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Grubb won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 52-Kevin Grubb
  3. 38-Elton Sawyer
  4. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 4-Jeff Purvis
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 2-Ricky Craven
  10. 21-Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: none

All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300

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The All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 was held October 3 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.

Top ten results

  1. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  2. 17-Matt Kenseth
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  5. 00-Buckshot Jones
  6. 9-Jeff Burton
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 92-Todd Bodine
  9. 4-Jeff Purvis
  10. 1-Sterling Marlin

Failed to qualify: Bobby Hillin Jr. (#8), Patty Moise (#14), Toby Porter (#91), Ashton Lewis (#89), Kelly Denton (#75), Jeff Green (#92), Lance Hooper (#23), Jim Bown (#51), Jason Jarrett (#11), Lyndon Amick (#35), Kevin Grubb (#43), Kerry Earnhardt (#04), Matt Hutter (#24), Wayne Grubb (#83), Andy Santerre (#47), Hank Parker Jr. (#53), Rich Bickle (#??)

Carquest Auto Parts 250

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The Carquest Auto Parts 250 was held October 17 at Gateway International Raceway. Shane Hall won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 17-Matt Kenseth
  3. 4-Jeff Purvis
  4. 47-Andy Santerre
  5. 44-Tony Stewart
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 74-Randy LaJoie
  8. 85-Shane Hall
  9. 30-Todd Bodine
  10. 40-Kevin Lepage

Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie (#2), Joey McCarthy (#41), Eric Bodine (#1), Mel Walen (#58), J. D. Gibbs (#42)

AC Delco 200

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The AC Delco 200 was held October 31 at North Carolina Speedway. Tony Stewart won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.

Top ten results

  1. 66-Elliott Sadler
  2. 40-Kevin Lepage
  3. 29-Hermie Sadler
  4. 52-Kevin Grubb
  5. 84-Philip Morris
  6. 53-Hank Parker Jr.
  7. 72-Mike Dillon
  8. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. 33-Tim Fedewa
  10. 63-Curtis Markham

Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie (#97), J. D. Gibbs (#42), Jeff Green (#92), Mike Wallace (#50), Bryan Wall (#73), Scott Hansen (#09), Lyndon Amick (#35), Matt Hutter (#55), Ted Christopher (#13), Chuck Bown (#51), Jeff Finley (#79), Mark Day (#16)

Stihl 300

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The Stihl 300 was originally scheduled for 7th March 1998 but was held November 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway after it and the Winston Cup Series Primestar 500 were both rained out. Dick Trickle won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 60-Mark Martin
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 44-Tony Stewart
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 00-Buckshot Jones
  6. 52-Kevin Grubb
  7. 87-Joe Nemechek
  8. 10-Phil Parsons
  9. 21-Michael Waltrip
  10. 15-Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie (#97), Lyndon Amick (#35), Hut Stricklin (#92), Gary Bradberry (#86), Curtis Markham (#89), Randy MacDonald (#7), Nathan Buttke (#78), Ken Bouchard (#50), Jeff Finley (#79), Morgan Shepherd (#07)

Jiffy Lube Miami 300

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The Jiffy Lube Miami 300 was held November 15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Casey Atwood won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top ten results

  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 26-Johnny Benson
  8. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  9. 74-Randy LaJoie
  10. 33-Tim Fedewa

Failed to qualify: Chuck Bown (#92), Ted Christopher (#13), Jeff Krogh (#56), Patty Moise (#14), John Preston (#89), Nathan Buttke (#78), Kevin Schwantz (#88), Morgan Shepherd (#07), Philip Morris (#84), Hank Parker Jr. (#53), Lyndon Amick (#35), Freddie Query (#7), Gus Wasson (#49), Mark Krogh (#80)

Full Drivers' Championship

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

Pos Driver DAY CAR LVS NSV DAR BRI TEX HCY TAL NHA NAZ CLT DOV RCH PPR GLN MIL MYB CAL SBO IRP MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV CLT GTY CAR ATL HOM Pts
1 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 37 16 2 3 10 2 1 8 32 10 28 30 1* 2* 10 8 1* 5 1* 13* 1* 5 15 2 1* 8 3* 1 14 2* 42 4469
2 Matt Kenseth 6 1 24 33 4 3 8 5 8 16 4 5 40 3 1* 17 5 8 3 12 6 3 34 6 4 1* 2 2 27 4 4 4421
3 Mike McLaughlin 18 5 27 1 8 6 11 21 3 7 3 7 5 34 20 2 6 3 24 3 18 15 17 3* 28 4 1 12 41 29 18 4045
4 Randy LaJoie 5 7 18 4 23 25 6 23 23 5 42 14 11 11 3 37 10 1* 16 2 4 16 31 19 30 37 29 7 30 41 9 3543
5 Elton Sawyer 28 14 30 10 11 4 27 27 10 27 36 8 8 18 4 11 2 11 12 25 8 8 18 12 33 3 13 38 32 13 26 3533
6 Phil Parsons 10 40 37 38 13 7 4 18 2 15 16 35 7 16 2 25 11 21 4 11 34 18 2 25 27 11 31 14 24 8 13 3525
7 Tim Fedewa 20 18 19 8 34 34 13 3 27 11 1* 18 17 15 35 7 8 6 17 1 38 32 5 26 21 15 30 18 9 27 10 3515
8 Elliott Sadler 36 6 14 11 5 1 2 14 41 31 8 41 21 26 19 26 19 10 7 7 2 29 32 13 13 22 23 13 1 37 36 3470
9 Buckshot Jones 4 15 8 13 14 28* 28 12 4 1 33 29 19 30 18 29 7 15 11 17 3 14 8 42 36 41 5 31 35 5 16 3453
10 Hermie Sadler 12 12 9 24 7 20 35 2 13 33 18 10 25 14 16 34 13 12 20 18 21 31 13 14 24 31 25 34 3 26 19 3340
11 Glenn Allen Jr. 30 29 17 15 22 9 22 15 6 6 9 28 18 27 23 19 22 30 18 14 27 27 26 21 9 18 22 10 16 43 8 3270
12 Mike Dillon 24 8 7 42 6 31 14 4 17 19 15 21 15 37 24 5 16 20 10 16 14 13 40 40 26 19 18 32 7 33 24 3250
13 Mark Green 14 9 16 34 17 17 7 22 35 20 11 15 16 21 7 33 32 9 19 21 28 38 20 28 19 23 39 21 40 12 22 3075
14 Kevin Lepage 13 29 21 14 40 DNQ 16 3 14 23 13 7 18 2 10 20 4 1 4 7 13 7 2 25 20 3052
15 Jeff Purvis 2 20 28 18 32 27 36 15 4 2 31 22 12 5 32 3 29 6 28 6 7 9 3* 19 35 12 3019
16 Jason Keller 16 10 33 5 33 5 26 10 11 12 7 38 9 6 33 10 36 33 27 33 16 28 38 41 20 20 33 37 22 22 35 2971
17 Ed Berrier 26 DNQ 10 36 30 43 16 1* 34 22 6 11 24 32 17 15 37 19 41 29 13 33 24 24 32 36 26 11 29 24 17 2772
18 Joe Bessey 40 30 12 12 36 37 43 25 21 35* 5 19 28 17 28 28 9 7 9 19 31 34 33 27 23 16 28 35 42 16 30 2763
19 Shane Hall 25 27 43 27 18 19 30 9 12 14 20 32 29 24 25 23 33 26 29 8 37 41 30 39 16 14 27 8 33 28 21 2763
20 Andy Santerre (R) 25 25 26 16 37 11 19 29 38 17 34 DNQ 37 43 22 12 23 13 34 15 29 36 16 20 10 38 DNQ 4 23 21 40 2598
21 Tony Stewart 31 2 34 17 26 15 13 28 2 3 14 12 35 12 21 16 29 32 5 18* 3 39 2455
22 Dick Trickle 23 11 22 9 3 13 DNQ 11 5* 13 12 20 12 8 41 39 11 39 1 8 42 34 38 43 2441
23 Tracy Leslie 33 13 23 19 38 12 18 28 19 32 37 16 31 31 26 16 20 17 31 22 30 43 11 22 15 32 DNQ DNQ DNQ 2338
24 Bobby Hillin Jr. 38 DNQ DNQ 26 19 23 DNQ 26 9 2 19 34 36 21 DNQ 15 32 10 7 14 29 34 17 DNQ 17 8 30 25 2304
25 Jeff Krogh 43 28 21 DNQ 35 36 5 17 20 23 22 42 23 DNQ 13 42 28 18 30 DNQ 11 40 35 31 22 30 24 26 34 32 DNQ 2225
26 David Green 43 39 42 4 4 2 5 4 5 23 10 11 11 40 21 19 21 19 5 2180
27 Mark Martin 3 3 6 24 21 29 1* 5 6 8 35 43 11 1 3 1976
28 Mark Krogh 41 36 11 DNQ 26 32 20 30 39 28 17 DNQ 26 36 38 DNQ 40 DNQ 8 DNQ 24 26 28 33 DNQ 21 42 22 25 17 DNQ 1917
29 Dave Blaney (R) 35 42 14 DNQ 22 34 37 43 36 23 14 33 DNQ 29 18 12 6 11 6 20 14 6 1915
30 Jeff Burton 22 4* 4 2* 39 10 22 1 1* QL 2 6 13 1 1883
31 Robert Pressley 34 17 38 31* 9 DNQ DNQ 6 DNQ 9 26 6 10 14 19 19 9 37 15 31 37 1870
32 Blaise Alexander (R) DNQ 23 25 21 12 35 33 DNQ 14 26 38 DNQ 38 DNQ 27 43 27 DNQ 35 20 41 37 42 26 40 33 31 39 23 1730
33 Todd Bodine 33 5 15 12 4 5 5 5 8 9 12 15 38 1668
34 Michael Waltrip 7 20 41 29 17 4 10 20 23 9 DNQ 15 14 10 41 9 1667
35 Kevin Grubb (R) 22 15 24 26 8 43 20 9 30 32 27 25 32 38 2 DNQ 40 4 6 1660
36 Wayne Grubb (R) 36 23 41 18 21 4 15 25 13 24 19 21 7 39 DNQ 20 34 1546
37 Patty Moise DNQ DNQ 35 37 DNQ 10 39 DNQ DNQ 39 19 17 32 DNQ 12 DNQ 30 DNQ 32 DNQ 23 42 36 36 33 DNQ 25 39 23 DNQ 1421
38 Casey Atwood (R) 21 2 40 21 13 24 28 DNQ DNQ DNQ 24 16 30 17 11 14 1359
39 Joe Nemechek 1* 3* 6 3* 1 2 36 7 28 1315
40 Mike Cope (R) 42 34 40 40 40 15 24 7 18 38 30 DNQ 33 33 9 35 26 31 1292
41 Dale Jarrett QL 5 30 29 12 4 DNQ 37 17 3* 7 43 12 42 1284
42 Matt Hutter (R) 21 19 29 39 25 18 38 24 9 29 31 DNQ 30 41 37 36 DNQ DNQ 1169
43 Jimmy Spencer 9 1 31 24 3 3 4 2* 1164
44 Lance Hooper (R) DNQ DNQ 27 16 25 41 24 39 39 21 17 25 17 30 DNQ 34 1059
45 Lyndon Amick DNQ 26 DNQ 35 16 Wth 33 DNQ 22 4 9 22 DNQ DNQ 43 31 27 DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ 1045
46 Ken Schrader 38 24 6 10 43 12 38 28 10 11 977
47 Jason Jarrett (R) 31 20 20 16 43 36 34 24 22 23 17 DNQ 935
48 Jeff Fuller DNQ 25 35 40 11 18 29 40 32 38 15 15 899
49 Stanton Barrett 15 DNQ 15 30 31 8 23 40 34 31 29 865
50 Kevin Schwantz (R) 8 32 42 32 43 Wth DNQ 31 24 39 21 39 DNQ DNQ 35 40 DNQ 801
51 Curtis Markham 6 41 14 6 35 25 43 10 DNQ 785
52 Jeff Green 9 13 13 14 28 37 DNQ 18 DNQ DNQ 668
53 Ashton Lewis 3 DNQ 39 42 23 41 25 DNQ 28 36 609
54 Bobby Labonte QL 1 6 42 2 34 608
55 Nathan Buttke 22 9 17 39 23 26 DNQ DNQ 577
56 Mike Wallace 11 41 9 35 20 DNQ 569
57 Ricky Craven 9 25 22 9 37 43 547
58 Sterling Marlin 4 30 40 23 10 490
59 Dave Rezendes 14 30 26 35 12 DNQ 35 14 464
60 Brad Loney (R) 19 37 31 DNQ 36 34 35 402
61 Ron Hornaday Jr. 23 8 35 22 391
62 Dale Fischlein 17 DNQ 25 27 38 DNQ 331
63 Brad Noffsinger 36 27 29 38 DNQ 40 305
64 J. D. Gibbs DNQ 29 DNQ 31 36 20 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 304
65 Jim Bown 41 42 37 24 DNQ 34 DNQ 286
66 Hank Parker Jr. DNQ 38 DNQ DNQ 28 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 6 DNQ 283
67 Jimmie Johnson 25 15 33 275
68 Mark McFarland 37 29 29 34 DNQ DNQ 265
69 Jimmy Foster DNQ DNQ 41 25 DNQ 42 37 39 DNQ 263
70 Mike Bliss 26 7 231
71 Larry Pearson 32 33 22 228
72 Kerry Earnhardt 23 26 DNQ 39 225
73 Adam Petty 27 38 27 213
74 Randy Porter 22 38 DNQ 34 207
75 Bobby Dotter 25 15 206
76 Kevin Cywinski DNQ 19 25 194
77 Steve Grissom 27 QL 19 193
78 Ron Fellows 1* 185
79 Rich Bickle 33 28 DNQ 41 183
80 Loy Allen Jr. 7 DNQ 43 180
81 Scott Lagasse 30 25 166
82 Philip Morris 5 DNQ 160
83 Bobby Hamilton Jr. DNQ 37 20 160
84 Stevie Reeves 39 39 41 30 DNQ 159
85 Jack Sprague 6 QL 150
86 Johnny Benson 17 7 146
87 Derrike Cope DNQ 24 DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 146
88 Rick Mast 10 134
89 Joey McCarthy DNQ 35 DNQ 29 DNQ 134
90 Johnny Chapman DNQ 43 DNQ 42 DNQ 24 128
91 Kyle Petty 12 127
92 Mike Stefanik (R) 35 32 DNQ DNQ 39 125
93 John Andretti 13 124
94 Perry Tripp 39 29 122
95 Dale Shaw DNQ DNQ 39 31 116
96 Mario Gosselin 16 DNQ 115
97 Scott Hansen 16 DNQ 115
98 John Preston 40 32 DNQ DNQ 110
99 Gus Wasson 18 DNQ 109
100 Dennis Setzer 31 42 41 107
101 Jack Baldwin 20 103
102 Andy Houston 20 103
103 Kelly Denton 33 DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ 98
104 Ted Christopher 43 10 DNQ 13 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 86
105 Rick Fuller 27 DNQ DNQ 82
106 Brian Smith 27 82
107 Ron Barfield Jr. DNQ DNQ DNQ 21 28 DNQ 79
108 Chad Little 30 73
109 Kat Teasdale DNQ 31 70
110 Barry Bodine 31 70
111 Morgan Shepherd 32 DNQ DNQ 67
112 Jimmy Kitchens 32 67
113 Mike Garvey 32 67
114 Mark Day DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ DNQ 55
115 Eric Jones 36 55
116 Alan Russell 40 43
117 Boris Said 40 43
118 Doug Reid III DNQ 42 DNQ 37
119 Eddie Beahr DNQ 42 DNQ 37
120 Joe Buford 42 37
121 Gary Laton 43 DNQ DNQ 34
122 Scot Walters 43 34
123 Chad Chaffin 28
124 Kevin Prince DNQ DNQ 39
125 Doug Taylor 41
126 Rick Carelli 42
127 Bryan Wall 24 DNQ 22 DNQ
128 Mike Olsen DNQ 25 DNQ
129 Glenn Sullivan 26
130 Eric Bodine 27 DNQ
131 Barney McRae 27
132 Joe Pezza 38
133 Martin Truex Sr. 40
134 Ed Spencer III 41
135 Chris Diamond DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
136 Michael Ritch DNQ
137 Brendan Gaughan DNQ
138 Derrick Gilchrist DNQ DNQ
139 Tom Lorenz DNQ
140 Ted Smokstad DNQ
141 Shane Jenkins DNQ
142 Johnny Rumley DNQ
143 Rick Wilson DNQ
144 Brian Simo DNQ
145 Tom Belles DNQ
146 Kenny Irwin Jr. DNQ
147 Hal Browning DNQ QL
148 Mike Laughlin Jr. DNQ
149 Dale Quarterley DNQ
150 Rick Bell DNQ
151 Toby Robertson DNQ
152 Kenneth Nichols DNQ
153 Greg Marlowe DNQ
154 Ward Burton DNQ
155 Toby Porter DNQ
156 Mel Walen DNQ
157 Jeff Finley DNQ DNQ
158 Chuck Bown DNQ DNQ
159 Hut Stricklin DNQ
160 Gary Bradberry DNQ
161 Randy MacDonald DNQ
162 Ken Bouchard DNQ
162 Freddie Query DNQ
Pos Driver DAY CAR LVS NSV DAR BRI TEX HCY TAL NHA NAZ CLT DOV RCH PPR GLN MIL MYB CAL SBO IRP MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV CLT GTY CAR ATL HOM Pts

Rookie of the Year

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Andy Santerre, being the only full-time candidate for Rookie of the Year, walked away with the title after finishing 20th in points. 2nd-place-finisher Dave Blaney made his Busch Series debut in 1998, posting three sixth-place finishes over a 20-race stretch. He would be followed by Blaise Alexander, then Wayne and Kevin Grubb, both of whom grabbed their first career pole positions during the season. 18-year-old Casey Atwood ran a part-time schedule in an undeclared season but finished 38th in points. The next two competitors were Mike Cope and Matt Hutter, teammates at Cicci-Welliver Racing but released after a lack of performance. Part-time drivers Lance Hooper, Jason Jarrett, and MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz rounded out the rookie class of 1998.

See also

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