2005 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Apr. 28, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 20th, 2005, the 2005 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Tony Stewart defeating Greg Biffle by 35 points to win the 57th championship in Cup Series history. It was the second Cup Series championship for Stewart. Stewart also claimed the regular season championship.

The 2005 Daytona 500 was won by Jeff Gordon, while Tony Stewart led the most laps with 107. It was the third of three Daytona 500 victories for Gordon.

2005 Chase for the Cup playoff lineup

1. #20 Tony Stewart

2. #16 Greg Biffle

3. #2 Rusty Wallace

4. #48 Jimmie Johnson

5. #97 Kurt Busch

6. #6 Mark Martin

7. #19 Jeremy Mayfield

8. #99 Carl Edwards

9. #17 Matt Kenseth

10. #12 Ryan Newman

2005 playoff results

10. #97 Kurt Busch (-559 points)

9. #19 Jeremy Mayfield (-460)

8. #2 Rusty Wallace (-393)

7. #17 Matt Kenseth (-181)

6. #12 Ryan Newman (-174)

5. #48 Jimmie Johnson (-127)

Johnson picked up the fifth spot with four wins, 13 top-fives and 22 top-10s for an average finish of 12.7. Johnson also had the most laps led in two races.

4. #6 Mark Martin (-105)

Martin took fourth as he had one win, 12 top-fives and 19 top-10s for an average finish of 13.2, while leading the most laps in one start.

3. #99 Carl Edwards (-35)

Edwards got third with four victories, 13 top-fives and 18 top-10s, taking an average finish of 14.0. Edwards led the most laps in one race.

2. #16 Greg Biffle (-35)

Biffle finished runner-up as he had six wins, 15 top-fives and 21 top-10s for an average finish of 11.9, leading the most laps in four races.

1. #20 Tony Stewart

Stewart earned the championship with five wins, 17 top-fives and 25 top-10s, getting an average finish of 9.9. Stewart also led the most laps in 11 races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/2005/W