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The 2004 season of the NASCAR Cup Series was the first running of “The Chase,” forerunner of today’s playoff format. The 10-race brawl making up that first Chase was fought out be…
The 2004 season of the NASCAR Cup Series introduced “The Chase,” which is now the playoff format in use today. Kurt Busch emerged as the champion after a 10-race battle with Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Mark Martin. Busch clinched the title with a fifth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a moment he still cherishes two decades later. His journey towards the championship began with a spot in the Roush Racing ‘Gong Show’ in 1999, followed by success in the Truck Series where he was the runner-up in 2000. Winning the Gong Show led to his Cup Series debut and eventual success, with Busch reflecting on the opportunity that changed his career trajectory. After impressing at the Gong Show tryouts and early Truck Series races, Busch’s performance caught the eye of Jack Roush, who offered him a chance to move up to Cup racing in August.
