2003 NASCAR Busch Series

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

Brian Vickers won the Busch Series championship at the age of 20.

2003 teams and drivers[]

Full schedule[]

Manufacturer Team No. Driver
Chevrolet Biagi Brothers Racing 4 Mike Wallace 32
Rick Carelli 1
Bill Davis Racing 23 Scott Wimmer
Bost Motorsports 22 Jeff Fuller 1
Regan Smith (R) 16
Tina Gordon 1
Wayne Edwards 1
Brian Tyler 1
Justin Ashburn 1
2
Phil Bonifield 1
Bill Hoff 1
1
Jeff Streeter 1
Jerry Reary 3
Kevin Conway 1
Davis Motorsports 0 Morgan Shepherd 9
Jason White (R) 15
3
1
Jay Sommers 1
Gus Wasson 4
16 Larry Gunselman
Evans Motorsports 7 Randy LaJoie 17
Greg Biffle 13
Todd Bodine 1
Joe Nemechek 1
Hank Parker Jr. 1
Mike Skinner 1
FitzBradshaw Racing 12 Kerry Earnhardt 19
Tim Fedewa 15
GIC-Mixon Motorsports 44 Mike Harmon
Hendrick Motorsports 5 Brian Vickers
Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Coy Gibbs (R)
20 Mike Bliss
Innovative Motorsports 48 Shane Hmiel 26
Jeff Green 2
Todd Bodine 3
Randy LaJoie 1
Kerry Earnhardt 1
Carlos Contreras 1
46 Ashton Lewis Jr.
Richard Childress Racing 2 Ron Hornaday Jr.
21 Kevin Harvick 18
Johnny Sauter 16
ST Motorsports 59 Stacy Compton
Dodge 26 Kevin Grubb 23
Lance Norick 4
Chad Blount 7
Phoenix Racing 1 Jamie McMurray 18
David Stremme (R) 16
Ford Akins Motorsports 38 Kasey Kahne
73 Jason Schuler 31
Ron Barfield 2
1
Jay Robinson Racing 39 Mike McLaughlin 1
Joe Buford 1
Clint Vahsholtz 2
Jason White (R) 4
Shane Hall 1
Chris Bingham 3
Brad Baker 1
Jamie Mosley 11
3
Dan Pardus 1
Derrike Cope 1
Jerry Reary 1
1
Mark Green 1
49 Derrike Cope 6
Chris Bingham (R) 8
Carlos Contreras 1
Jason White 2
Shane Hall 2
Tammy Jo Kirk 15
Means Racing 52 Brad Teague 12
Mike Potter 12
Wayne Jacks 1
Donnie Neuenberger 2
1
Bruce Bechtel 1
Moy Racing 77 Donnie Neuenberger 4
Brad Teague 16
Bruce Bechtel 3
5
Jimmy Kitchens 1
Jason Rudd 1
1
Derek Hayes 3
ppc Racing 10 Scott Riggs
57 Jason Keller
Team Rensi Motorsports 25 Bobby Hamilton Jr.
Pontiac Brewco Motorsports 27 Chase Montgomery (R) 14
Hank Parker Jr. 2
Joey Clanton 18
37 David Green
Chevrolet
Ford
Pontiac
Stanton Barrett Racing 91 Ron Barfield 6
1
Andy Belmont 1
Jeff Fuller 2
Jason Hedlesky 2
Kenny Hendrick 5
Stanton Barrett 8
Jimmy Kitchens 3
Dan Pardus 1
Martin Truex Jr. 1

Limited schedule[]

Manufacturer Team No. Driver Rounds
Chevrolet 79 5
Troy Cline 1
BACE Motorsports 33 Tony Raines 12
Damon Lusk (R) 1
84 Joe Buford 1
7
Gus Wasson 1
Greg Pursley 1
Chance 2 Motorsports 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 3
Steve Park 1
Hank Parker Jr. 3
Tony Stewart 1
Martin Truex Jr. 3
81 4
86 4
FitzBradshaw Racing 14 Casey Atwood 12
82 3
Jimmy Spencer 1
Randy LaJoie 1
Frank Cicci Racing 34 Mike McLaughlin 6
Haas CNC Racing 00 Troy Cline 3
Jason Leffler 6
Henderson Motorsports 75 Jay Sauter 11
Hendrick Motorsports 87 Kyle Busch 7
NEMCO Motorsports Jeff Green 1
Joe Nemechek 12
David Reutimann 5
Jeff Fuller 3
88 3
David Reutimann 2
Joe Nemechek 2
99 1
Michael Waltrip Racing Michael Waltrip 20
Kenny Wallace 1
Herzog-Jackson Motorsports 92 Todd Bodine 18
Jeff Green 2
70 Robby Benton 3
MacDonald Motorsports 72 Randy MacDonald 7
Michael Dokken 1
Stan Boyd 2
Jason Hedlesky 1
56 Tim Sauter 12
Jeff Spraker 1
Regan Smith 1
Norm Benning Racing 84 Norm Benning 6
85 17
Robby Benton 1
RB1 Motorsports 71 Ron Young 14
Jeremy Clements 1
1
Smith Brothers Motorsports 67 C. W. Smith 1
54 Hermie Sadler 10
28 1
Dodge Braun Racing 19 Chad Blount 11
Casey Mears 14
30 Jimmy Vasser 2
Steadman Marlin 8
Lance Norick 2
Billy Boat 1
David Stremme (R) 2
90 Lance Norick 2
Kevin Grubb 1
Tommy Baldwin Racing 6 Damon Lusk (R) 10
Jimmy Spencer 1
Ted Musgrave 1
Paul Wolfe 2
Ford 04 3
84 6
Reiser Enterprises 17 Matt Kenseth 14
Wally Dallenbach Jr. 1
Jeff Burton 1
Roush Racing 9 3
Greg Biffle 1
60 Stanton Barrett 15
Schuler Racing 67 Josh Richeson 9
1
Jason Schuler 1
Pontiac 61 1
Steve Grissom 3
Chevrolet
Dodge
Curb Agajanian Motorsports 43 Johnny Sauter 17
Kevin Grubb 1
Shelby Howard 1
Justin Hobgood 1
28 Brad Baker 10
Chevrolet
Ford
SCORE Motorsports 02 Hermie Sadler 4
Chevrolet
Pontiac
61 Justin Ashburn 24
96 Brad Baker 1
Gus Wasson 5
Kenny Hendrick 1
Tim Edwards 1
Josh Richeson 1
2
Mark Green 2
2
62 Larry Hollenbeck 3
53 Joe Buford 2
Brad Teague 2
1
2

Races[]

Koolerz 300[]

The Koolerz 300 was held on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.

Top ten results

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

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

Rockingham 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Sam's Town 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

darlingtonraceway.com 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

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

Channellock 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

O'Reilly 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

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

Aaron's 312 (Talladega)[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Pepsi 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#85), Jeff Streeter (#83), Joe Buford (#8), (#04), Norm Benning (#84), Gus Wasson (#96)

1–800–Pitshop.com 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Hardee's 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Charter Pipeline 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#70)

Carquest Auto Parts 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: Casey Atwood (#82), Morgan Shepherd (#0), Lance Norick (#90), Brad Baker(#39), Jason Schuler (#73), Kenny Hendrick (#91)

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

MBNA Armed Forces Family 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Trace Adkins Chrome 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#84)

  • This was Scott Riggs’ final Busch Series win.

Meijer 300 presented by Oreo Happy[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

GNC Live Well 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

Winn-Dixie 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

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

Tropicana Twister 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

New England 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: none

TrimSpa Dream Body 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: Drew White (#28)

Kroger 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

Cabela's 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#68), Justin Ashburn (#61), Larry Hollenbeck (#62), Mike Potter (#52)

Food City 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: Caleb Holman (#78), Justin Ashburn (#60), (#85), Jason White (#70), (#84), (#53), (#07), Norm Benning (#8), (#94)

Winn-Dixie 200 presented by PepsiCo[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#94)Kenny Hendrick (#97)Jimmy Kitchens(#91)Dan Pardus

Funai 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#84), Jimmy Kitchens (#91), Paul Menard (#55), Kenny Hendrick (#94), (#13), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Hermie Sadler (#02), (#63)

Stacker 200 presented by YJ Stinger[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: Kenny Hendrick (#94), Jeff Streeter (#83), Martin Truex Jr. (#81), Jason Rudd (#01), Morgan Shepherd (#89), (#63), Jimmy Kitchens (#41)

Mr. Goodcents 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

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

Little Trees 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: Jeff Streeter (#22), Shane Hall (#15), Wayne Anderson (#35), Justin Ashburn (#61), Mike Harmon (#44), Jamie Mosley (#39), Brad Teague (#52), Gus Wasson (#70)

Sam's Town 250[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#85), Justin Ashburn (#61), Brent Moore (#96), Jason Hedlesky (#72), (#53), (#39), (#70)

Aaron's 312 (Atlanta)[]

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

Top ten results

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

Failed to qualify: (#85), (#63), Justin Ashburn (#61), Dwayne Leik (#81), Wayne Anderson (#35), Jeff Fuller (#91)

Bashas' Supermarkets 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

  • This would be Hamilton’s 5th and final Busch Series win as well as his fourth of the season.
  • Hamilton's victory, along with point leader David Green's 17th place finish, tightened up the championship fight. With 2 races to go, 6 drivers were still in contention for the Busch Series crown, while 7th place Scott Wimmer was 502 out of the lead, and therefore mathematically ineligible.
Busch Series points standings (after 32 of 34 races)
Pos. Driver Points Difference
1 Scott Riggs 4373 Leader
2 Ron Hornaday Jr. 4356 -17
3 Brian Vickers 4352 -21
4 David Green 4351 -22
5 Jason Keller 4313 -60
6 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 4248 -125

Target House 200[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

  • The championship battle took on a new complexion going into Miami. After polesitter Brian Vickers led the opening 6 laps, none of the title contenders were a serious threat for the win, though all but Keller and Hornaday ran in the Top 10 in the first half of the race. Point leader Scott Riggs dropped from the Top 10 due to a loose condition, exacerbated by a long green flag run. Though he gained several spots in the pit cycle by coming in early, he slid into the wall on Lap 166 and ended his day in the garage in 38th. Hamilton rebounded with another Top 5, with Vickers and Green in the Top 10, Keller on the lead lap in 13th, and Hornaday, who never cracked the Top 10 all day, a lap down in 17th. All this left 20 year old Brian Vickers with a 22 point lead over 1996 champion) David Green, with Riggs dropping from the lead to 5th, and 6th place Hamilton still in reasonable contention at 89 points out of the lead. Disregarding what any of his title challengers might do, Vickers would secure the championship if he could finish 3rd or better at Homestead.
Busch Series points standings (after 33 of 34 races)
Pos. Driver Points Difference
1 Brian Vickers 4507 Leader
2 David Green 4485 -22
3 Ron Hornaday Jr. 4468 -39
4 Jason Keller 4437 -70
5 Scott Riggs 4422 -85
6 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 4418 -89

Ford 300[]

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

Top ten results

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

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

  • Scott Riggs' championship hopes ended on the first lap, when he crashed in Turn 3 with teammate Jon Wood and the FitzBradshaw Racing duo of Casey Atwood and Tim Fedewa. Riggs' crew would repair the car, but he would only complete 28 laps before ending his day in 41st. Despite the disappointing end to 2003, he would look ahead to 2004 and the start of his Nextel Cup Series career with MBV Motorsports.
  • Two-time series runner-up Jason Keller was never a factor, and he finished a lap down in 24th. Ron Hornaday Jr finished 15th, leader Brian Vickers 11th, David Green 9th, and Bobby Hamilton Jr 3rd after leading 41 laps.
  • With Green only gaining 8 points on leader Vickers, the 20 year old from Thomasville, North Carolina won the Busch Series championship by 14 points. He was also the youngest series champion in history, breaking the record set by the late Rob Moroso, who was 21 when he overcame Tommy Houston for the 1989 NASCAR Busch Series title. Vickers, like Riggs, would be a candidate for 2004 Nextel Cup rookie of the year, graduating with Hendrick Motorsports. 18 year old Kyle Busch would take his place in the #5 Busch car for 2004.

Final points standings[]

  1. Brian Vickers – 4637
  2. David Green – 4623
  3. Ron Hornaday Jr. – 4591
  4. Bobby Hamilton Jr. – 4588
  5. Jason Keller – 4528
  6. Scott Riggs – 4462
  7. Kasey Kahne – 4104
  8. Johnny Sauter – 4098
  9. Scott Wimmer – 4059
  10. Mike Bliss – 3932
  11. Stacy Compton – 3893
  12. Ashton Lewis – 3801
  13. Mike Wallace – 3489
  14. Coy Gibbs – 3213
  15. Shane Hmiel – 3160
  16. Kevin Harvick – 3077
  17. Todd Bodine – 2763
  18. Michael Waltrip – 2637
  19. Kevin Grubb – 2498
  20. Jamie McMurray – 2478
  21. Larry Gunselman – 2371
  22. David Stremme – 2354
  23. Mike Harmon – 2207
  24. Matt Kenseth – 1925
  25. Stanton Barrett – 1877
  26. Randy LaJoie – 1863
  27. Kerry Earnhardt – 1767
  28. Jason Schuler – 1765
  29. Jason White – 1754
  30. Joey Clanton – 1716
  31. Joe Nemechek – 1704
  32. Brad Teague – 1647
  33. Chad Blount – 1581
  34. Casey Mears – 1525
  35. Greg Biffle – 1502
  36. Tim Fedewa – 1491
  37. Casey Atwood – 1422
  38. Regan Smith – 1313
  39. Tony Raines – 1230
  40. Martin Truex Jr. – 1228
  41. Chase Montgomery – 1219
  42. Ron Young – 1201
  43. Dave Blaney – 1133
  44. Hermie Sadler – 1066
  45. Tammy Jo Kirk – 1062
  46. Tim Sauter – 1028
  47. Damon Lusk – 950
  48. Kyle Busch – 827
  49. Jay Sauter – 818
  50. David Reutimann – 805

Full Drivers' Championship[]

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

Pos Driver DAY CAR LVS DAR BRI TEX TAL NSH CAL RCH GTY NAZ LOW DOV NSH KEN MIL DAY CHI NHA PPR IRP MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV KAN LOW MEM ATL PHO CAR HOM Pts
1 Brian Vickers 42 8 13 7 14 25* 23 9 19 16 4 2 14 5 10 6 2 7 3 4 29 1 19 7 1 4 1* 32 4 5* 31 3 6 11 4637
2 David Green 14 2 6 31 4 29 16 1 9 9 2 4 37 3 2 8 6 20 11 1 12 6 4 17 14 5 31 1 6 19 8 16 10 9 4623
3 Ron Hornaday Jr. 16 12 9 9 12 17 4 16 10 15 28 1* 21 10 16 3 4 4 12 8 7* 8 28 2 11 7 6 14 12 4 13 5 17 15 4591
4 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 7 13 34 12 6 40 35 10* 18 10 5 9 13 6 5 1* 10 22 1* 6 25 35 3 34 4 3 2 19 7 1 3 1* 3 3 4588
5 Jason Keller 27 5 5 10 3 18 28 27 7 21 3 11 17 11 14 2 1 14 6 7 2 2 23 11 7 21 8 4 10 2 15 17 13 24 4528
6 Scott Riggs 31 17 20 3 23 2 24 11 20 2* 1 15 3 2 1* 30 7* 6 7 14 3 5 5 9 17 29 3 13 13 12 6 6 38 41 4462
7 Kasey Kahne 8 26 11 8 13 9 37 29 4 18 31 12 6 8 25 11 16 38 28 9 10 14 2 14 6 12 4 30 8 15 7 27 18 1 4104
8 Johnny Sauter 9 9 31 5 10 37 26 2 23 6 7 10 25 21 11 17 13 5 27 25 4 11 22 19 16 1 29 34 21 3 16 9 9 12 4098
9 Scott Wimmer 12 11 10 28 25 8 38 36 14 5 8 13 19 15 8 5 14 16 15 5 1 12 26 32 18 16 14 7 20 6 14 7 8 39 4059
10 Mike Bliss 33 6 3 32 5 22 5 4 17 28 12* 3 5 9 33 31 21 39 10 33 16 10 16 30 12 27 5 31 3 8 21 20 15 7 3932
11 Stacy Compton 38 22 15 4 15 16 32 31 21 7 6 8 18 29 28 4 9 19 19 10 6 3 17 29 8 15 12 8 23 11 23 35 16 21 3893
12 Ashton Lewis 25 16 27 25 18 27 20 3 12 30 33 35 8 22 6 7 12 12 42 11 9 34 36 10 20 19 7 6 16 10 11 12 12 5 3801
13 Mike Wallace 4 36 18 16 11 30 8 28 16 12 16 17 20 17 24 13 22 13 17 19 27 16 15 17 10 15 19 17 17 18 29 23 3489
14 Coy Gibbs (R) 39 14 16 14 27 10 9 30 13 24 36 21 24 25 31 15 24 17 20 19 17 25 37 22 23 20 18 21 26 25 25 28 33 31 3212
15 Shane Hmiel 17 35 12 13 7 3 3 14 8 8 13 19 38 13 34 19 18 10 16 15 14 4* 9 4 28 10 3160
16 Kevin Harvick 3 10 2* 1* 3* 1 9 2* 1 5* 5* 2* 9 2 9 9 2 14 6 3077
17 Todd Bodine 6 3 19 1* 9 4 27 13 5 29 11 5 4 7 26 29 8 8 31 29 18 19 2763
18 Michael Waltrip 34 18 7 36 33 11 7 2 4* 10* 2 5 8 1 3 24* 2 4 41 10 2637
19 Kevin Grubb 30 7 17 11 26 13 25 12 22 33 32 31 34 35 35 15 18 29 8 15 13 13 19 15 20 2498
20 Jamie McMurray 5 1* 33 2 17 14 6 6 23 3 9 23 14 12 41 10 5 1* 20* 2478
21 Larry Gunselman 35 33 28 37 28 39 18 34 30 26 22 23 42 32 32 23 34 32 38 20 30 32 38 39 26 23 32 23 33 22 39 32 42 40 2371
22 David Stremme (R) 7 14 14 6 31 3 10 3 11 17 13 21 14 9 12 13 5 14 2354
23 Mike Harmon 23 30 43 35 40 23 34 22 39 43 30 28 41 33 38 35 33 25 22 28 22 20 31 23 27 32 33 28 DNQ 36 30 39 37 DNQ 2207
24 Matt Kenseth 2 42 7 1 1 4* 2 3 18 25 6 QL 2* 19 38 1925
25 Stanton Barrett 41 19 8 15 16 19 40 6 34 41 9 20 22 12 7 34 42 QL 38 DNQ 30 42 41 40 1877
26 Randy LaJoie 15 4 32 17 8 34 29 32 32 27 35 7 28 26 4 38 11 30 14 Wth 1863
27 Kerry Earnhardt 14 15 14 33 34 31 17 26 40 19 17 14 35 14 30 34 15 33 41 25 23 1767
28 Jason Schuler 43 39 25 22 42 38 19 35 42 20 41 DNQ 40 13 36 26 DNQ 39 38 28 39 34 33 34 34 22 39 23 38 DNQ DNQ 1765
29 Jason White (R) 40 32 31 21 42 23 26 34 17 25 27 26 23 22 20 30 32 DNQ 30 30 23 35 35 41 1754
30 Joey Clanton (R) 22 15 18 26 27 27 16 20 11 14 27 5 41 24 31 22 37 27 1716
31 Joe Nemechek QL 1 34 1 2 43 36 QL 1 18 43 31 13 40 9 36 4 19 1704
32 Brad Teague DNQ 29 23 30 33 23 DNQ 23 37 25 39 36 37 33 Wth 42 35 39 34 40 33 20 24 41 30 41 DNQ 37 27 34 DNQ 1647
33 Chad Blount (R) 11 32 29 18 31 5 41 8 33 17 29 40 15 35 36 27 21 37 37 1581
34 Casey Mears 15 28 4 7 41 9 31 28 12 15 20 21 21 8 1525
35 Greg Biffle 12 23 QL 21 38 29 28 11 3 1* 39 1 10 11 13 1502
36 Tim Fedewa QL 12 13 13 25 24 19 18 17 18 25 20 24 24 24 42 1491
37 Casey Atwood DNQ 9 19 27 21 32 18 10 11 25 32 7 28 8 43 1422
38 Regan Smith (R) 31 41 19 38 15 33 36 25 19 22 31 16 29 32 37 34 40 28 1313
39 Tony Raines 38 2 36 31 3 36 8 8 8 22 38 23 1230
40 Martin Truex Jr. 15 31 18 21 21 6 13 2 2 1228
41 Chase Montgomery (R) 10 36 22 12 13 39 25 37 27 34 26 34 30 31 33 1219
42 Ron Young 21 30 20 20 20 18 33 22 20 21 DNQ 14 32 35 1201
43 Dave Blaney 37 11 30 13 13 10 9 18 10 16 1133
44 Hermie Sadler 32 20 21 29 29 21 22 19 37 11 DNQ 42 39 29 1066
45 Tammy Jo Kirk 34 21 29 39 37 25 22 24 33 37 28 35 33 32 32 1062
46 Tim Sauter 27 30 20 27 39 23 17 21 33 18 26 30 1028
47 Damon Lusk (R) 21 22 43 24 29 31 21 18 12 42 18 950
48 Kyle Busch 2 33 2 15 16 43 7 827
49 Jay Sauter DNQ 36 24 40 9 40 17 40 26 13 28 818
50 David Reutimann 24 5 11 QL 37 5 32 6 QL 805
51 Hank Parker Jr. 38 6 7 15 5 5 783
52 Jason Leffler 16 11 22 11 22 4 739
53 Morgan Shepherd 40 DNQ 27 39 33 11 41 35 DNQ 38 42 Wth 37 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 41 40 DNQ DNQ 727
54 Jeff Fuller 24 43 18 43 43 43 38 15 41 43 43 40 DNQ DNQ 43 688
55 Chris Bingham (R) 34 37 26 37 26 42 38 34 34 30 33 680
56 Gus Wasson 19 DNQ DNQ DNQ 19 22 37 40 DNQ 29 31 34 34 672
57 21 DNQ 24 18 DNQ 36 18 42 DNQ 36 43 35 DNQ 31 DNQ DNQ DNQ 663
58 Justin Ashburn DNQ 42 37 DNQ 26 37 20 DNQ 43 43 35 43 41 38 42 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ 646
59 Brad Baker 40 24 30 41 DNQ DNQ 19 15 36 42 29 DNQ 639
60 Paul Menard 12 14 37 23 9 DNQ 22 629
61 Mike McLaughlin 29 DNQ 39 QL 13 QL 30 9 30 26 615
62 Derrike Cope 13 14 20 30 35 33 35 601
63 Steadman Marlin DNQ 28 25 15 39 24 32 24 580
64 Lance Norick 35 17 35 DNQ 23 18 31 29 577
65 Jamie Mosley 21 DNQ 26 26 40 36 33 39 26 DNQ DNQ 563
66 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1* 1* 1** 555
67 Steve Grissom 40 29 26 14 28 30 482
68 Mike Potter 42 41 41 43 40 38 43 41 DNQ 36 32 DNQ 43 473
69 Ron Barfield Jr. Wth 21 32 39 41 30 35 25 472
70 Mark Green 16 27 20 27 26 467
71 36 21 24 28 35 40 41 DNQ 466
72 Jeff Green 36 40 39 11 24 27 447
73 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 12 17 36 37 25 434
74 Donnie Neuenberger 20 41 21 42 30 36 408
75 12 39 DNQ 42 27 DNQ 31 362
76 Jeff Burton 35 16 20 38 330
77 19 DNQ 16 22 318
78 Jimmy Kitchens 40 43 DNQ 24 33 37 43 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ 318
79 Josh Richeson 41 40 40 37 42 39 35 42 DNQ DNQ 316
80 24 DNQ DNQ 24 26 DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ 304
81 Randy MacDonald 22 39 42 DNQ 39 34 DNQ 287
82 25 23 20 DNQ DNQ 285
83 Kenny Hendrick DNQ 21 42 DNQ 41 35 27 Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 280
84 Bruce Bechtel 24 32 28 42 274
85 Shane Hall 38 43 39 28 DNQ 31 254
86 Jimmy Spencer 24 6 241
87 Jeff Streeter DNQ 29 38 29 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ 241
88 Dwayne Leik 26 25 35 DNQ 231
89 Paul Wolfe 16 19 221
90 Derek Hayes 24 36 35 204
91 Bill Hoff 34 24 DNQ 38 201
92 Carlos Conteras 26 17 197
93 Robby Benton 37 37 26 DNQ 189
94 27 36 37 189
95 Jerry Reary 31 38 36 DNQ 174
96 Lowell Bennett 28 24 170
97 Jimmy Vasser 28 25 167
98 Ted Musgrave 3 165
99 Jeremy Mayfield 4 165
100 32 37 40 DNQ 162
101 Larry Hollenbeck Wth 17 40 DNQ 161
102 Steve Park 4 160
103 32 25 155
104 Joe Buford DNQ 41 35 DNQ Wth 35 153
105 Clint Vahsholtz 40 18 DNQ DNQ 152
106 Mike Skinner 7 146
107 Jason Rudd DNQ DNQ 24 37 143
108 Caleb Holman 32 29 DNQ Wth DNQ 143
109 Tony Stewart 11* 140
110 Tina Gordon 10 134
111 39 26 131
112 Troy Cline DNQ DNQ 27 38 131
113 Brian Tyler 23 43 128
114 Carl Long 28 39 125
115 Jeff Spraker 28 41 119
116 43 38 43 25 27 DNQ DNQ 117
117 16 115
118 David Keith 41 32 107
119 Rick Carelli 19 106
120 Shelby Howard 20 103
121 Norm Benning DNQ 40 36 DNQ DNQ DNQ 98
122 22 97
123 Jon Wood 22 97
124 Jody Lavender 23 94
125 Stan Boyd 23 DNQ QL DNQ DNQ 94
126 Bobby Gerhart DNQ 24 91
127 Anthony Lazzaro 25 88
128 26 85
129 Mike Garvey 26 85
130 Eric McClure 26 85
131 27 DNQ 82
132 Justin Hobgood 27 DNQ 82
133 Jay Sommers 28 79
134 Justin Labonte 29 76
135 Billy Boat 29 76
136 30 73
137 Jeremy Clements 31 DNQ 70
138 DNQ DNQ 33 DNQ 64
139 Kevin Conway 33 64
140 34 61
141 Lyndon Amick 36 55
142 36 55
143 36 55
144 Elliott Sadler 36 55
145 38 DNQ DNQ 49
146 Jamie Aube 38 49
147 Rich Bickle 38 DNQ 49
148 39 46
149 39 46
150 Phil Bonifield 40 43
151 Andy Belmont 42 37
152 42 37
153 42 37
154 Wayne Edwards 43 34
155 Kenny Wallace 10
156 Jerry Robertson 41
157 Mark Day DNQ
158 C. W. Smith DNQ
159 Michael Dokken DNQ
160 Wayne Jacks DNQ
161 DNQ
162 Kevin Ray DNQ
163 Greg Pursley DNQ
164 Jason Hedlesky DNQ DNQ DNQ
165 DNQ
166 Dan Pardus QL DNQ DNQ
167 DNQ
168 DNQ
169 DNQ
170 Wayne Anderson DNQ
171 DNQ
172 Wth
Pos Driver DAY CAR LVS DAR BRI TEX TAL NSH CAL RCH GTY NAZ LOW DOV NSH KEN MIL DAY CHI NHA PPR IRP MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV KAN LOW MEM ATL PHO CAR HOM Pts

Rookie of the Year[]

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

See also[]

External links[]

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