The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 33rd modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Saturday, February 7, and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch, who drove a Ford for Roush Racing, was the Nextel Cup champion. It would be the last time until 2012 that the championship would be won by someone other than Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson.
Jimmie Johnson came in second behind Busch by 8 points.
Jeff Gordon came in third behind Busch by 16 points.
Kasey Kahne, the 2004 NASCAR Rookie of the Year.
The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was the 64th season of NASCAR professional stock car racing in the United States and the 41st modern-era Cup season. The season started on February 18, 2012, at Daytona International Speedway, with the Budweiser Shootout, followed by the Daytona 500 on February 27. The season continued with the Chase for the Sprint Cup beginning on September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway and concluded with the Ford EcoBoost 400 on November 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Clint Bowyer finished second in the championship, 39 points back.
Jimmie Johnson finished third in the championship, 40 points back.
Stephen Leicht, won the 2012 NASCAR Rookie of the Year.