Future champion Jimmie Johnson made his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut for Hendrick Motorsports at the fall race in Charlotte. He would make two more starts during the 2001 season before driving full-time in 2002. 2001 was the first season without three-time NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip since the 1971 season. 2001 was the last year for teams Eel River Racing and Melling Racing. 2001 was the first year for teams Evernham Motorsports and BAM Racing. 2001 was the last season without Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray until 2017 and 2020 (They would run several races in 2002 before joining as full-time in 2003 until their retirements in 2016 and 2019). Until the 2014 Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway, the 2001 New Hampshire 300 was the last race to have 42 starters. Last career Top 5 points finishes for Ricky Rudd and Dale Jarrett. Last career Top 10 points finish for Sterling Marlin. First career Top 10 points finish for Kevin Harvick. Kevin Harvick was originally to run a third Childress car #30 America Online Chevy with up to 7 races including his debut at Atlanta in March and full-time in 2002. See also 2001 NASCAR Busch Series 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 2001 NASCAR Cup Series seasons