Kyle Busch's First NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race - 2004 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 @wfrncsu012

Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

I wanted to look back at Kyle Busch's first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, the 2004 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In qualifying, he was quick, posting the 18th best time on his first lap. However, he got loose in his second lap and had to bail.

When the race started, he hit the wall off of turn 4 on lap 3. It caused damage to the right side of the car. He made a pit stop on lap 9. The pit crew changed 4 tires and pulled on the fenders and he went back out. However, a few laps later, Kyle pulled into the garage area and finished 41st. It was a very short Cup debut for Kyle. Obviously as we know, Kyle went on to change the course of NASCAR history following this auspicious debut.

Qualifying uploaded by Dillon Murway. Video is for awareness purposes only. All credit to NASCAR and FOX.

Kyle Buschs First NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race - 2004 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

Kyle Buschs First NASCAR Busch Series Race - 2003 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300

Matt Kenseth takes his 2nd win of 2002 in the 2002 Samsung/Radioshack 500 #nascar #shorts

Bobby Labonte spun out by Jimmy Spencer under green flag on pit road in the 2002 MBNA America 500

Jeff Gordon wins the 2002 Southern 500, his 4th Southern 500 and 2nd win in a row #nascar #shorts

Newman and Park crashes, collects leader Mark Martin after dominating the 2002 MBNA Platinum 400

Heartbreak for Jerry Nadeau, suffers broken rear end while leading with 2 to go in 02 Sonoma race

I just want to cry for poor Jerry Nadeau. Nadeaus post-race interview at 02 Dodge/Save Mart 350

Ken Alexanders first TWO incidents in the first 26 laps of the 2002 Channellock 250 #nacar #shorts

Crank It Up at 190+ MPH in the 2002 Aarons 499 #nascar #shorts

$NBCs Discussion on the Ever-Changing Rule Book - 2002 Tropicana 400 This was an interesting piece from the 2002 Tropicana 400 pre-race show. Apologies for the crappy quality - its from my personal copy of this race. NBC goes into detail regarding the ever-changing NASCAR rulebook at the time. From changing manufacturer rules on a weekly basis, the inconsistency when a yellow comes out at the end of the scheduled distance, and inconsistency on how to enforce post-race infractions, there was a lot of controversy that dominated headlines through the 90s and 2000s. This video pretty much captures the era in just a few minutes. Bill even did a live interview with then-NASCAR president Mike Helton on these issues. I can tell Mike wasnt pleased with the line of questioning, but he stood firm and professional as you would expect Mike to be. I can only hope Steve ODonnell would follow Mike Heltons leadership style and stay away from Steve Phelps and the previous presidents that came after Helton. I can also believe its wishful thinking that todays networks would challenge NASCAR like NBC did here. Video is for awareness purposes only. All credit to NASCAR and NBC.$

Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch, both already having bad days, crash together in the 2002 Pocono 500