Rookie duo Johnson and Newman prepare for 2002 Cup season
The 2002 Winston Cup rookie class centers on Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman, both backed by strong teams. Johnson, 26, with Herzog Motorsports and Hendrick support, eyes top finishes after 2001 pole and a Chicago win, while Newman, 24, joins Penske with Rusty Wallace as mentor. Both expect learning curves, goals include leading laps, top 10s, and rookie of the year, aided by seasoned teammates and sponsors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ryan Newman
Jimmie Johnson
Newman
Rusty Wallace
Penske Racing
Johnson
Herzog Motorsports
Chicagoland Speedway
Joliet
Ill
Hendrick Motorsports
Jeff Gordon
Kevin Harvick
Ron Hornaday
Jason Leffler
Joe
NASCAR rookie of the year and bonus point system described
The article outlines rookie of the year points awarding ten to top rookie in each race down to one for the tenth rookie, with eleventh place earning one. Top-10 finishers receive bonus points from ten to one per race. The season is split into three segments with segment bonuses for the top ten finishers, and a discretionary vote by a NASCAR rookie of the year panel at season end led by Jim Utter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Raybestos
Nascar
Burton reflects on 2001 Cup season and 10th-place finish
In 2001 Jeff Burton and crew chief Frank Stoddard started poorly, dropping to 38th in points after four races but rallied to nine top-10s in the final 18 races and won at Phoenix Oct 28, finishing 10th in the No 99 Ford Taurus. He ended as the highest finisher among Roush Racing entries and emphasized lessons learned for 2002.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jeff Burton
Burton
Frank Stoddard
Phoenix International Raceway
Roush Racing
Fort Worth
Texas
Star-Telegram
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Rick Hendrick
Pho. Vourtesy
Lowe's Racing
Venan
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Jeff
Charlotte
RACIN
Jim Utter
Abi
Beegies Smok Ay Eee Ree
Kansas
Jones
Eease
Hamburger & Frie