1999 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Apr. 19, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 21st, 1999, the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Dale Jarrett defeating Bobby Labonte by 201 points to win the 51st championship in Cup Series history. It was the first (and only) Cup Series championship for Jarrett. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1999 Daytona 500 was won by Jeff Gordon, while Rusty Wallace led the most laps with 104. It was the second of three Daytona 500 wins for Gordon.

5. #99 Jeff Burton (-529 points)

Burton claimed fifth with six victories, 18 top-fives and 23 top-10s for an average finish of 11.3, while also leading the most laps in six races.

4. #20 Tony Stewart (-488)

Stewart earned fourth place in his rookie season, scoring three wins, 12 top-fives and 21 top-10s for an average finish of 10.3. Stewart also led the most laps in five races during the season.

3. #6 Mark Martin (-319)

Martin grabbed the third spot with a pair of wins, 19 top-fives and 26 top-10s, claiming an average finish of 9.4 while leading the most laps in one start.

2. #18 Bobby Labonte (-201)

Labonte earned the runner-up spot as he had five wins, 23 top-fives and 26 top-10s for an average finish of 9.0, leading the most laps in three races as well.

1. #88 Dale Jarrett

Jarrett took the championship on the strength of four victories, 24 top-fives and 29 top-10s, getting an average finish of 6.8 while leading the most laps in four races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1999/W