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Hampton, Ga. (Oct. 27)— Kurt Busch's first-place finish in today's Winston Cup NAPA 500 enabled Ford Racing to clinch the 2002 manufacturer's championship. Ford now holds an insurmountable 26-point lead over second-place Chevrolet with three races remaining.
The championship marks the third time in Taurus' five-year history that Ford has won the manufacturer's top prize and 15th overall.
Ford's depth proved to be a key factor this season as 9-of-13 full-time drivers scored points, led by Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch. Those three have been Ford's highest finisher six times each.
MANUFACTURER CHAMPIONSHIP TIDBITS
Ford has won the manufacturer's championship three times in the last four years (1999, 2000, 2002).
Ford is the only manufacturer to have at least one car finish in the Top 5 of every race.
Ford has had only one fourth-place manufacturer finish and has been either first or second 27 times.
Ford has won a series-best six manufacturer's championships since 1992.
Ford has had nine different drivers score manufacturer points.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Ford leads the NASCAR Winston Cup Series with 12 wins.
Ford driver Matt Kenseth leads all drivers with four wins this season.
Ford has had six different drivers win races – most among manufacturers.
Ford drivers Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman registered their first series wins.
FORD’S PREVIOUS MANUFACTURER CHAMPIONSHIPS (MODERN ERA ONLY)
1992 – Clinched at North Wilkesboro by Geoffrey Bodine (Won Holly Farms 400)
1994 – Clinched at Martinsville by Rusty Wallace (Won Goody's 500)
1997 – Clinched at Martinsville by Jeff Burton (Won Hanes 500)
1999 – Clinched at Phoenix by Mark Martin (Finished 2nd in Checker Auto Parts/DuraLube 500K)
2000 – Clinched at Rockingham by Dale Jarrett (Won Pop Secret 400)
2002 – Clinched at Atlanta by Kurt Busch (Won NAPA 500)
FORD DRIVERS WHO SCORED MANUFACTURER’S POINTS THIS SEASON:
Matt Kenseth (six times); Ryan Newman (six times); Kurt Busch (six times); Rusty Wallace (four times); Mark Martin (three times); Dale Jarrett (three times); Ricky Rudd (two times); Elliott Sadler (two times); Jeff Burton (once). FORD’S MANUFACTURER CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS (15):
1956, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002. NOTE:
Points are awarded to the top finisher for each manufacturer on a 9-6-4-3 basis.
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