1998 NASCAR Busch Series


The 1998 NASCAR Busch Series began on Saturday, February 14 and ended on Sunday, November 15. Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was crowned champion at season's end.

Teams and drivers

List of full-time teams at the start of 1998.
TeamCarDriverListed ownerCrew chief
Akins-Sutton MotorsportsFord Taurus38Elton SawyerBob SuttonEddie Pardue
BACE MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo33Tim FedewaBarbara BaumgardnerBryan Smith
BACE MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo74Randy LaJoieBill BaumgardnerBilly Manciewicz
Bobby Hillin RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo8Bobby Hillin Jr.Robert HayesNick Short
Brewco MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo37Mark GreenClarence BrewerKenneth Campbell
Buckshot RacingPontiac Grand Prix00Buckshot JonesBilly JonesRicky Pearson
CAA Performance GroupPontiac Grand Prix96Mike StefanikMike CurbJohn Birosh
DAJ RacingFord Thunderbird32Jason Jarrett 'Horace IsenhowerRick Bowman
Dale Earnhardt, Inc.Chevrolet Monte Carlo3Dale Earnhardt Jr.Dale EarnhardtTony Eury Sr.
Diamond Ridge MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo29Hermie SadlerGary BechtelBob Gulbranson
Diamond Ridge MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo66Elliott SadlerGary BechtelSandy Jones
Excel MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo56Jeff KroghMolly KroghJimmy Elledge
Excel MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo80Mark KroghRobert KroghDan Glauz
Hensley MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo63Tracy LeslieHubert HensleyJeff Hensley
Innovative MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo47Andy Santerre 'George DeBidartKevin Caldwell
J&J RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo99Glenn Allen Jr.Bill PapkeJohn Monsam
Joe Bessey MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo6Joe BesseyNancy BesseyHarold Holly
Joe Gibbs RacingPontiac Grand Prix44Bobby LabonteJoe GibbsBryant Frazier
Joe Gibbs RacingPontiac Grand Prix44Tony StewartJoe GibbsBryant Frazier
Keystone MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo20Blaise Alexander 'Alex CrestingerAlex Crestinger
Lone Star MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo88Kevin Schwantz 'Kevin SchwantzC. R. Miller
Mark III RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo78Hank Parker Jr. 'Dan BrowderNeil Browder
Martin MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo92Derrike Cope/David GreenMac MartinTim Weiss
Michael Waltrip RacingFord Taurus14Patty MoiseBuffy WaltripRonnie Silver
Michael Waltrip RacingFord Taurus21Michael WaltripBuffy WaltripUnknown
NorthStar MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo89Stanton BarrettMeredith RuarkMike Yoder
Parker RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo72Mike DillonRon ParkerDean Johnson
Phil Parsons RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo10Phil ParsonsMarcia ParsonsGene Nead
Phoenix RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo4Jeff PurvisJames FinchJohnny Allen
Progressive MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo57Jason KellerSteve DeSouzaJamie Jones
PRW RacingFord Taurus77Ed BerrierTony HallJimmy Means
Reiser EnterprisesChevrolet Monte Carlo17Matt KensethRobbie ReiserRobbie Reiser
Roush RacingFord Taurus9Jeff BurtonJack RoushTommy Morgan
Roush RacingFord Taurus60Mark MartinJack RoushBobby Leslie
Shoemaker RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo64Dick TrickleDennis ShoemakerBryan Schaffer
Specialty RacingChevrolet Monte Carlo40Kevin LepageDoug TaylorDoug Taylor
ST MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo59Robert PressleyTad GeschickterSteve Plattenberger
Stegall MotorsportsChevrolet Monte Carlo85Shane HallDon StegallJohn Finley
Team 34Chevrolet Monte Carlo30Mike Cope 'Jeffrey WelliverDonnie Richeson
Team 34Chevrolet Monte Carlo34Mike McLaughlinFrank CicciGary Cogswell
Team 34Pontiac Grand Prix36Matt Hutter Scott WelliverClyde McLeod
Team AmickChevrolet Monte Carlo35Lyndon AmickBill AmickBuddy Barnes
Washington-Erving MotorsportsFord Taurus50Jimmy FosterJoe WashingtonDarrell Bryant

Races

NAPA Auto Parts 300

The NAPA Auto Parts 300 was held February 14 at Daytona International Speedway. Mike McLaughlin won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top ten results
  1. 87-Joe Nemechek
  2. 4-Jeff Purvis
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 00-Buckshot Jones
  5. 74-Randy LaJoie
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 21-Michael Waltrip
  8. 88-Kevin Schwantz
  9. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  10. 10-Phil Parsons
Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr., Lyndon Amick, Patty Moise, Larry Pearson, Ron Barfield Jr., Jimmy Foster, Derrike Cope, Blaise Alexander, Doug Reid III, Dale Shaw, Lance Hooper, Chris Diamond, Mark Day
  • Larry Pearson replaced Dale Jarrett and Bobby Labonte in the No. 32 in the race, after failing to qualify his No. 55. Dale Jarrett and the No. 32 team were about to be DNQ for this event so the team decided to put Bobby Labonte in the car so he could get the car into the race with a past champions provisional. In doing so, they inadvertly bumped Larry Pearson and his No. 55 from the field. Perhaps they felt bad about it and realized they could get the same provisional with Pearson, so the team made a deal for Pearson to drive the No. 32 in the race instead of Labonte.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a blowover with Dick Trickle after Trickle turned him.

GM Goodwrench Service Plus 200

The GM Goodwrench Service Plus 200 was held February 21 at North Carolina Speedway. Tony Stewart won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 44-Tony Stewart
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 9-Jeff Burton
  5. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  6. 66-Elliott Sadler
  7. 74-Randy LaJoie
  8. 72-Mike Dillon
  9. 37-Mark Green
  10. 57-Jason Keller
Failed to qualify: Patty Moise, Jimmy Foster, Dale Shaw, Lance Hooper, Ed Berrier, J. D. Gibbs, Kevin Cywinski, Stanton Barrett, Bobby Hillin Jr., Rick Fuller, Michael Ritch
  • This was Kenseth's first career Busch Series victory.

Sam's Town Las Vegas 300

The Sam's Town Las Vegas 300 was held February 28 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 87-Joe Nemechek
  4. 9-Jeff Burton
  5. 32-Dale Jarrett
  6. 60-Mark Martin
  7. 72-Mike Dillon
  8. 00-Buckshot Jones
  9. 29-Hermie Sadler
  10. 77-Ed Berrier
Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr., Lyndon Amick, Ron Barfield Jr., Chris Diamond, Bobby Hillin Jr., Rick Fuller, Dale Fischlein, Brendan Gaughan
  • Randy LaJoie flipped on the final lap of the race.

BellSouth Mobility / Opryland 320

The BellSouth Mobility / Opryland 320 was held March 15 at Nashville Speedway USA. Casey Atwood won the pole, becoming the youngest pole winner in NASCAR Busch Series history. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  2. 28-Casey Atwood
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 74-Randy LaJoie
  5. 57-Jason Keller
  6. 87-Joe Nemechek
  7. 1-Sterling Marlin
  8. 33-Tim Fedewa
  9. 64-Dick Trickle
  10. 38-Elton Sawyer
Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr., Chris Diamond, Mark Day, Brad Loney, Mike Stefanik, Jeff Krogh, Mark Krogh, Derrick Gilcrest

Diamond Hill Plywood 200

The Diamond Hill Plywood 200 was held March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 44-Bobby Labonte
  2. 9-Jeff Burton
  3. 64-Dick Trickle
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 66-Elliott Sadler
  6. 72-Mike Dillon
  7. 29-Hermie Sadler
  8. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Failed to qualify: Ron Barfield Jr., Jeff Fuller, Patty Moise, Jimmy Foster, Dave Blaney, Mike Stefanik

Moore's Snacks 250

The Moore's Snacks 250 was held March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 66-Elliott Sadler
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 38-Elton Sawyer
  5. 57-Jason Keller
  6. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  7. 10-Phil Parsons
  8. 89-Stanton Barrett
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 14-Patty Moise
Failed to qualify: Robert Pressley, Hank Parker Jr., Derrike Cope, Lyndon Amick -Withdrew, Kevin Schwantz -Withdrew

Coca-Cola 300

The Coca-Cola 300 was held April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway. Elliott Sadler won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 66-Elliott Sadler
  3. 87-Joe Nemechek
  4. 10-Phil Parsons
  5. 56-Jeff Krogh
  6. 74-Randy LaJoie
  7. 37-Mark Green
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 2-Jeff Green
  10. 9-Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Robert Pressley, Hank Parker Jr., Dick Trickle, Kevin Schwantz, Mark Day, Bobby Hillin Jr., Tom Lorenz, Ted Smokstad

Galaxy Food Centers 300

The final Galaxy Food Centers 300 was held April 11 at Hickory Motor Speedway. Robert Pressley won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 77-Ed Berrier
  2. 29-Hermie Sadler
  3. 33-Tim Fedewa
  4. 72-Mike Dillon
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 59-Robert Pressley
  7. 30-Mike Cope
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 85-Shane Hall
  10. 57-Jason Keller
Failed to qualify: Hank Parker Jr., Kevin Lepage, Blaise Alexander, Patty Moise, Chris Diamond, Johnny Chapman, Johnny Rumley, Shane Jenkins, Randy Porter, Eddie Beahr
  • This would be the first and only NASCAR victory of Berrier's career.

Touchstone Energy 300

The Touchstone Energy 300 was held April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC.
Top ten results
  1. 87-Joe Nemechek
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 00-Buckshot Jones
  5. 64-Dick Trickle
  6. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  7. 78-Loy Allen Jr.
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 36-Matt Hutter
  10. 38-Elton Sawyer
Failed to qualify: Patty Moise, Doug Reid III, Robert Pressley, Mark Day, Rick Wilson
got spun around and flipped onto its side and slammed the wall with his roof. He walked away with no injuries.

Gumout Long Life Formula 200

The Gumout Long Life Formula 200 was held May 9 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Joe Bessey won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 00-Buckshot Jones
  2. 44-Tony Stewart
  3. 40-Kevin Lepage
  4. 4-Jeff Purvis
  5. 74-Randy LaJoie
  6. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  7. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  8. 52-Kevin Grubb
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Failed to qualify: Mike Olsen, Joey McCarthy, Tom Bolles, Brian Simo

First Union 200

The First Union 200 was held May 17 at Nazareth Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 33-Tim Fedewa
  2. 4-Jeff Purvis
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 6-Joe Bessey
  6. 77-Ed Berrier
  7. 57-Jason Keller
  8. 66-Elliott Sadler
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 13-Ted Christopher
Failed to qualify: none

Carquest Auto Parts 300

The Carquest Auto Parts 300 was held May 23 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top ten results
  1. 60-Mark Martin
  2. 87-Joe Nemechek
  3. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  4. 21-Michael Waltrip
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 44-Bobby Labonte
  7. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  10. 29-Hermie Sadler
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope, Loy Allen Jr., Lyndon Amick, Matt Hutter, Blaise Alexander, Mike Cope, Kenny Irwin Jr., Kelly Denton, Mark Krogh, Andy Santerre, Gary Laton

MBNA Platinum 200

The MBNA Platinum 200 was held May 30 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Lepage won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  3. 44-Tony Stewart
  4. 32-Dale Jarrett
  5. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  6. 59-Robert Pressley
  7. 10-Phil Parsons
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 57-Jason Keller
  10. 21-Michael Waltrip
Failed to qualify: Bryan Wall, Hal Browning

Hardee's 250

The Hardee's 250 was held June 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Wayne Grubb won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN2.
Top ten results
  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 83-Wayne Grubb
  5. 60-Mark Martin
  6. 57-Jason Keller
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 64-Dick Trickle
  9. 52-Kevin Grubb
  10. 59-Robert Pressley
Failed to qualify: Dale Jarrett, Jeff Krogh, J. D. Gibbs, Blaise Alexander, Ted Christopher, Derrike Cope, Patty Moise, Joey McCarthy, Mike Laughlin Jr., Mike Olsen, Derrick Gilcrest

Lycos.com 250

The inaugural Lycos.com 250 was held June 14 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Matt Kenseth won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 74-Randy LaJoie
  4. 38-Elton Sawyer
  5. 4-Jeff Purvis
  6. 63-Curtis Markham
  7. 37-Mark Green
  8. 59-Ron Hornaday Jr.
  9. 30-Mike Cope
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Failed to qualify: none

Lysol 200

The Lysol 200 was held June 28 at Watkins Glen International. Boris Said won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 87-Ron Fellows
  2. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  3. 9-Ashton Lewis
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 72-Mike Dillon
  6. 40-Jack Sprague
  7. 33-Tim Fedewa
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 2-Ricky Craven
  10. 57-Jason Keller
Failed to qualify: Mark Krogh, John Preston, Rick Bell, Kat Teasdale, Patty Moise, Dale Quarterley
  • With his victory, Fellows became the first Non-American winner in the NASCAR Busch series.

DieHard 250

The DieHard 250 was held July 5 at The Milwaukee Mile. Jeff Purvis won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 38-Elton Sawyer
  3. 4-Jeff Purvis
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 17-Matt Kenseth
  6. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  7. 00-Buckshot Jones
  8. 33-Tim Fedewa
  9. 6-Joe Bessey
  10. 74-Randy LaJoie
Failed to qualify: none

Myrtle Beach 250

The Myrtle Beach 250 was held July 11 at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Tim Fedewa won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 74-Randy LaJoie
  2. 36-David Green
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 35-Lyndon Amick
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 33-Tim Fedewa
  7. 6-Joe Bessey
  8. 17-Matt Kenseth
  9. 37-Mark Green
  10. 66-Elliott Sadler
Failed to qualify: Bobby Hillin Jr., Kevin Prince, Johnny Chapman, Blaise Alexander, Patty Moise, Jimmy Foster, Mark Krogh, Eddie Beahr

Kenwood Home & Car Audio 300

The Kenwood Home & Car Audio 300 was held July 19 at California Speedway. Robert Pressley won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 40-Kevin Lepage
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 10-Phil Parsons
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 4-Jeff Purvis
  7. 66-Elliott Sadler
  8. 56-Mark Krogh
  9. 6-Joe Bessey
  10. 72-Mike Dillon
Failed to qualify: none

Lycos.com 300 Presented by Valleydale Foods

The Lycos.com 300 Presented by Valleydale Foods was held July 25 at South Boston Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 33-Tim Fedewa
  2. 74-Randy LaJoie
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 36-David Green
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 63-Curtis Markham
  7. 66-Elliott Sadler
  8. 85-Shane Hall
  9. 35-Lyndon Amick
  10. 59-Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: Kevin Prince, Ashton Lewis, Mark Krogh, Jeff Krogh, Jim Bown, Toby Robertson, Patty Moise, Kelly Denton, Johnny Chapman, Casey Atwood
  • Mark Green and Jeff Purvis had been racing hard, making contact several times. After Green spun Purvis out, Purvis rammed Green's car on pit road. That forced him out of the race. NASCAR would suspend Purvis for the next 4 races.

Kroger 200

The Kroger 200 was held July 31 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Buckshot Jones won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 66-Elliott Sadler
  3. 00-Buckshot Jones
  4. 74-Randy LaJoie
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 21-Mike Bliss
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 15-Mike Wallace
  10. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
Failed to qualify: Brad Noffsinger, Mark McFarland, Mark Day, Stevie Reeves, Kenneth Nichols

Pepsi 200 presented by Devilbiss

The Pepsi 200 presented by Devilbiss was held August 15 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 44-Bobby Labonte
  3. 17-Matt Kenseth
  4. 40-Kevin Lepage
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  6. 60-Mark Martin
  7. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. 38-Elton Sawyer
  9. 21-Michael Waltrip
  10. 12-Rick Mast
Failed to qualify: Dave Blaney, Dale Fischlein, J. D. Gibbs, Kevin Schwantz, Lyndon Amick, Gary Laton, Casey Atwood
  • This would be the last time that all drivers were still running at the end of the race until the Sparks 300 at Talladega Superspeedway in 2022.
  • This was also the last caution-free race in the Busch Series.

Food City 250

The Food City 250 was held August 21 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Steve Grissom won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 40-Kevin Lepage
  2. 10-Phil Parsons
  3. 32-Dale Jarrett
  4. 30-Todd Bodine
  5. 33-Tim Fedewa
  6. 15-Ken Schrader
  7. 83-Wayne Grubb
  8. 00-Buckshot Jones
  9. 4-Nathan Buttke
  10. 36-David Green
Failed to qualify: Michael Waltrip, Lyndon Amick, Greg Marlowe, Mark Day
  • This was Lepage's final career Busch Series victory.

Dura-Lube 200 Presented by BI-LO

The Dura-Lube 200 presented by BI-LO was held September 5 at Darlington Raceway. Mike McLaughlin won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 64-Dick Trickle
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  4. 40-Kevin Lepage
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 17-Matt Kenseth
  7. 32-Dale Jarrett
  8. 60-Mark Martin
  9. 59-Robert Pressley
  10. 15-Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Jeff Green, Kelly Denton, Ron Barfield Jr.
  • Jeff Burton qualified the No. 9 car for Chad Little.
  • With his victory, Trickle became the oldest winner in Busch Series history, at the age of 56 years, 10 months, and 9 days.
  • This was Trickle's final career Busch Series victory.

Autolite Platinum 250

The Autolite Platinum 250 was held September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Andy Santerre won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 9-Jeff Burton
  3. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 4-Jeff Purvis
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 64-Dick Trickle
  9. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  10. 47-Andy Santerre
Failed to qualify: Bobby Hamilton Jr., Dave Rezendes, Casey Atwood, Kevin Schwantz, Ward Burton, Mark Krogh, Mario Gosselin, Ted Christopher, Mark McFarland, J. D. Gibbs

MBNA Gold 200

The MBNA Gold 200 was held September 19 at Dover International Speedway. Kevin Grubb won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 17-Matt Kenseth
  2. 52-Kevin Grubb
  3. 38-Elton Sawyer
  4. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  5. 30-Todd Bodine
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 4-Jeff Purvis
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  9. 2-Ricky Craven
  10. 21-Michael Waltrip
Failed to qualify: none

All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300

The All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 was held October 3 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top ten results
  1. 34-Mike McLaughlin
  2. 17-Matt Kenseth
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  4. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  5. 00-Buckshot Jones
  6. 9-Jeff Burton
  7. 40-Kevin Lepage
  8. 92-Todd Bodine
  9. 4-Jeff Purvis
  10. 1-Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Bobby Hillin Jr., Patty Moise, Toby Porter, Ashton Lewis, Kelly Denton, Jeff Green, Lance Hooper, Jim Bown, Jason Jarrett, Lyndon Amick, Kevin Grubb, Kerry Earnhardt, Matt Hutter, Wayne Grubb, Andy Santerre, Hank Parker Jr., Rich Bickle

Carquest Auto Parts 250

The Carquest Auto Parts 250 was held October 17 at Gateway International Raceway. Shane Hall won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top ten results
  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2. 17-Matt Kenseth
  3. 4-Jeff Purvis
  4. 47-Andy Santerre
  5. 44-Tony Stewart
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 74-Randy LaJoie
  8. 85-Shane Hall
  9. 30-Todd Bodine
  10. 40-Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie, Joey McCarthy, Eric Bodine, Mel Walen, J. D. Gibbs

AC Delco 200

The AC Delco 200 was held October 31 at North Carolina Speedway. Tony Stewart won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top ten results
  1. 66-Elliott Sadler
  2. 40-Kevin Lepage
  3. 29-Hermie Sadler
  4. 52-Kevin Grubb
  5. 84-Philip Morris
  6. 53-Hank Parker Jr.
  7. 72-Mike Dillon
  8. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. 33-Tim Fedewa
  10. 63-Curtis Markham
Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie, J. D. Gibbs, Jeff Green, Mike Wallace, Bryan Wall, Scott Hansen, Lyndon Amick, Matt Hutter, Ted Christopher, Chuck Bown, Jeff Finley, Mark Day

Stihl 300

The Stihl 300 was originally scheduled for 7th March 1998 but was held November 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway after it and the Winston Cup Series Primestar 500 were both rained out. Dick Trickle won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 60-Mark Martin
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  3. 44-Tony Stewart
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 00-Buckshot Jones
  6. 52-Kevin Grubb
  7. 87-Joe Nemechek
  8. 10-Phil Parsons
  9. 21-Michael Waltrip
  10. 15-Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Tracy Leslie, Lyndon Amick, Hut Stricklin, Gary Bradberry, Curtis Markham, Randy MacDonald, Nathan Buttke, Ken Bouchard, Jeff Finley, Morgan Shepherd

Jiffy Lube Miami 300

The Jiffy Lube Miami 300 was held November 15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Casey Atwood won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top ten results
  1. 9-Jeff Burton
  2. 12-Jimmy Spencer
  3. 60-Mark Martin
  4. 17-Matt Kenseth
  5. 36-David Green
  6. 93-Dave Blaney
  7. 26-Johnny Benson
  8. 99-Glenn Allen Jr.
  9. 74-Randy LaJoie
  10. 33-Tim Fedewa
Failed to qualify: Chuck Bown, Ted Christopher, Jeff Krogh, Patty Moise, John Preston, Nathan Buttke, Kevin Schwantz, Morgan Shepherd, Philip Morris, Hank Parker Jr., Lyndon Amick, Freddie Query, Gus Wasson, Mark Krogh

Full Drivers' Championship

BoldPole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led.

DriverDAYCARLVSNSVDARBRITEXHCYTALNHANAZCLTDOVRCHPPRGLNMILMYBCALSBOIRPMCHBRIDARRCHDOVCLTGTYCARATLHOM
137162310218321028301*2*1081*51*13*1*51521*83*1142*424469
2Matt Kenseth6124334385816454031*17583126334641*2227444421
3Mike McLaughlin1852718611213737534202632431815173*2841124129184045
4Randy LaJoie57184232562323542141111337101*16241631193037297304193543
5Elton Sawyer2814301011427271027368818411211122588181233313383213263533
6Phil Parsons1040373813741821516357162251121411341822527113114248133525
7Tim Fedewa2018198343413327111*18171535786171383252621153018927103515
8Elliott Sadler366141151214413184121261926191077229321313222313137363470
9Buckshot Jones4158131428*28124133291930182971511173148423641531355163453
10Hermie Sadler12129247203521333181025141634131220182131131424312534326193340
11Glenn Allen Jr.302917152292215669281827231922301814272726219182210164383270
12Mike Dillon248742631144171915211537245162010161413404026191832733243250
13Mark Green14916341717722352011151621733329192128382028192339214012223075
14Kevin Lepage1329211440DNQ163142313718210204147137225203052
15Jeff Purvis220281832273615423122125323296286793*1935123019
16Jason Keller1610335335261011127389633103633273316283841202033372222352971
17Ed Berrier26DNQ10363043161*3422611243217153719412913332424323626112924172772
18Joe Bessey40301212363743252135*519281728289791931343327231628354216302763
19Shane Hall252743271819309121420322924252333262983741303916142783328212763
20Andy Santerre '2525261637111929381734DNQ3743221223133415293616201038DNQ42321402598
21Tony Stewart312341726151328231412351221162932518*3392455
22Dick Trickle2311229313DNQ115*1312201284139113918423438432441
23Tracy Leslie3313231938121828193237163131261620173122304311221532DNQDNQDNQ2338
24Bobby Hillin Jr.38DNQDNQ261923DNQ269219343621DNQ153210714293417DNQ17830252304
25Jeff Krogh432821DNQ35365172023224223DNQ1342281830DNQ11403531223024263432DNQ2225
26David Green43394244254523101111402119211952180
27Mark Martin3362421291*568354311131976
28Mark Krogh413611DNQ26322030392817DNQ263638DNQ40DNQ8DNQ24262833DNQ2142222517DNQ1917
29Dave Blaney '354214DNQ2234374336231433DNQ2918126116201461915
30Jeff Burton224*42*39102211*QL261311883
31Robert Pressley34173831*9DNQDNQ6DNQ9266101419199371531371870
32DNQ232521123533DNQ142638DNQ38DNQ274327DNQ35204137422640333139231730
33Todd Bodine33515124555891215381668
34Michael Waltrip72041291741020239DNQ1514104191667
35Kevin Grubb '221524268432093032272532382DNQ40461660
36Wayne Grubb '36234118214152513241921739DNQ20341546
37Patty MoiseDNQDNQ3537DNQ1039DNQDNQ39191732DNQ12DNQ30DNQ32DNQ2342363633DNQ253923DNQ1421
38Casey Atwood '2124021132428DNQDNQDNQ2416301711141359
39Joe Nemechek1*3*63*12367281315
40Mike Cope '423440404015247183830DNQ333393526311292
41Dale JarrettQL53029124DNQ37173*74312421284
42Matt Hutter '211929392518382492931DNQ30413736DNQDNQ1169
43Jimmy Spencer9131243342*1164
44Lance Hooper 'DNQDNQ271625412439392117251730DNQ341059
45Lyndon AmickDNQ26DNQ3516Wth33DNQ224922DNQDNQ433127DNQ41DNQDNQDNQ1045
46Ken Schrader3824610431238281011977
47Jason Jarrett '3120201643363424222317DNQ935
48Jeff FullerDNQ2535401118294032381515899
49Stanton Barrett15DNQ15303182340343129865
50832423243WthDNQ3124392139DNQDNQ3540DNQ801
51Curtis Markham64114635254310DNQ785
52Jeff Green91313142837DNQ18DNQDNQ668
53Ashton Lewis3DNQ3942234125DNQ2836609
54Bobby LabonteQL1642234608
55Nathan Buttke22917392326DNQDNQ577
56Mike Wallace114193520DNQ569
57Ricky Craven9252293743547
58Sterling Marlin430402310490
59Dave Rezendes1430263512DNQ3514464
60Brad Loney '193731DNQ363435402
61Ron Hornaday Jr.2383522391
62Dale Fischlein17DNQ252738DNQ331
63Brad Noffsinger36272938DNQ40305
64J. D. GibbsDNQ29DNQ313620DNQDNQDNQDNQ304
65Jim Bown41423724DNQ34DNQ286
66Hank Parker Jr.DNQ38DNQDNQ28DNQDNQDNQDNQ6DNQ283
67Jimmie Johnson251533275
68Mark McFarland37292934DNQDNQ265
69Jimmy FosterDNQDNQ4125DNQ423739DNQ263
70Mike Bliss267231
71Larry Pearson323322228
72Kerry Earnhardt2326DNQ39225
73Adam Petty273827213
74Randy Porter2238DNQ34207
75Bobby Dotter2515206
76Kevin CywinskiDNQ1925194
77Steve Grissom27QL19193
78Ron Fellows1*185
79Rich Bickle3328DNQ41183
80Loy Allen Jr.7DNQ43180
81Scott Lagasse3025166
82Philip Morris5DNQ160
83Bobby Hamilton Jr.DNQ3720160
84Stevie Reeves39394130DNQ159
85Jack Sprague6QL150
86Johnny Benson177146
87Derrike CopeDNQ24DNQDNQDNQ36146
88Rick Mast10134
89Joey McCarthyDNQ35DNQ29DNQ134
90Johnny ChapmanDNQ43DNQ42DNQ24128
91Kyle Petty12127
92Mike Stefanik 3532DNQDNQ39125
93John Andretti13124
94Perry Tripp3929122
95Dale ShawDNQDNQ3931116
96Mario Gosselin16DNQ115
97Scott Hansen16DNQ115
98John Preston4032DNQDNQ110
99Gus Wasson18DNQ109
100Dennis Setzer314241107
101Jack Baldwin20103
102Andy Houston20103
103Kelly Denton33DNQDNQ43DNQDNQ98
104Ted Christopher4310DNQ1337DNQDNQDNQ86
105Rick Fuller27DNQDNQ82
106Brian Smith2782
107Ron Barfield Jr.DNQDNQDNQ2128DNQ79
108Chad Little3073
109Kat TeasdaleDNQ3170
110Barry Bodine3170
111Morgan Shepherd32DNQDNQ67
112Jimmy Kitchens3267
113Mike Garvey3267
114Mark DayDNQDNQDNQDNQ36DNQDNQDNQ55
115Eric Jones3655
116Alan Russell4043
117Boris Said4043
118Doug Reid IIIDNQ42DNQ37
119Eddie BeahrDNQ42DNQ37
120Joe Buford4237
121Gary Laton43DNQDNQ34
122Scot Walters4334
123Chad Chaffin28
124Kevin PrinceDNQDNQ39
125Doug Taylor41
126Rick Carelli42
127Bryan Wall24DNQ22DNQ
128Mike OlsenDNQ25DNQ
129Glenn Sullivan26
130Eric Bodine27DNQ
131Barney McRae27
132Joe Pezza38
133Martin Truex Sr.40
134Ed Spencer III41
135Chris DiamondDNQDNQDNQDNQ
136Michael RitchDNQ
137Brendan GaughanDNQ
138Derrick GilchristDNQDNQ
139Tom LorenzDNQ
140Ted SmokstadDNQ
141Shane JenkinsDNQ
142Johnny RumleyDNQ
143Rick WilsonDNQ
144Brian SimoDNQ
145Tom BellesDNQ
146Kenny Irwin Jr.DNQ
147Hal BrowningDNQQL
148Mike Laughlin Jr.DNQ
149Dale QuarterleyDNQ
150Rick BellDNQ
151Toby RobertsonDNQ
152Kenneth NicholsDNQ
153Greg MarloweDNQ
154Ward BurtonDNQ
155Toby PorterDNQ
156Mel WalenDNQ
157Jeff FinleyDNQDNQ
158Chuck BownDNQDNQ
159Hut StricklinDNQ
160Gary BradberryDNQ
161Randy MacDonaldDNQ
162Ken BouchardDNQ
162Freddie QueryDNQ
DriverDAYCARLVSNSVDARBRITEXHCYTALNHANAZCLTDOVRCHPPRGLNMILMYBCALSBOIRPMCHBRIDARRCHDOVCLTGTYCARATLHOM

Rookie of the Year

Andy Santerre, being the only full-time candidate for Rookie of the Year, walked away with the title after finishing 20th in points. 2nd-place-finisher Dave Blaney made his Busch Series debut in 1998, posting three sixth-place finishes over a 20-race stretch. He would be followed by Blaise Alexander, then Wayne and Kevin Grubb, both of whom grabbed their first career pole positions during the season. 18-year-old Casey Atwood ran a part-time schedule in an undeclared season but finished 38th in points. The next two competitors were Mike Cope and Matt Hutter, teammates at Cicci-Welliver Racing but released after a lack of performance. Part-time drivers Lance Hooper, Jason Jarrett, and MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz rounded out the rookie class of 1998.