2004 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500

October 31st, 2004
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Credit to NBC

[@mofoprada]

"In loving memory, all the way." I have not been a fan of Jimmie Johnson for quite some time, but this is probably my favorite win from him. No one, especially a person as good as Rick Hendrick, deserves to lose that many family members. So, to see Jimmie come back a week later and get the win was incredibly special. Like Dale Jr.'s win in the '01 Pepsi 400 or Harvick's first career victory, I don't think anyone minded seeing Johnson win that day.

[@allabouthewaves4354]

It was in 2004......who really hated Jimmie Johnson in 2004? I could see if this was in 2009 or 2010 but this was before the championships.

[@tarheelenigma]

@@allabouthewaves4354 There's way more that factors into how much a driver is hated than just championships. Robby Gordon and Rick Crawford never won a cup title yet by reading up on the NASCAR community you'd swear they are Hitler.

[@ianpender5969]

How about the butterfly, flying around in the background during Brian Vickers interview at the end? 3:12:00

[@auburnltl7452]

Probably little Rickey saying thanks guys, you’re the greatest!

[@generalshepherd2209]

People tend to forget that HMS was not the only organization that lost people in the plane crash. Tony Stewart lost his helicopter pilot, Scott Lathram. This is the guy that ferried Tony back and forth, especially from Indianapolis to Charlotte when he ran the double. It had to be tough for his bunch too.

[@NascarNixon]

You are precisely why I hate Jr Nation. Jr said in his interview that he turned up into Carl. Thus, how the fuck is it Carl's fault? Jr cost himself the championship by cursing in victory lane at Dega then turning up the track when he wasn't clear at Atlanta.

[@jacobbayers2116]

NascarNixon Carl didn't even attempt to slow down dumbass

[@razburry8001]

How can you say that to one of the best Nascar KZbinr's in history? Also, clearly Jr. Didn't see where he was going before turning right

[@ryancurley2351]

That celebration with Jimmie, Jeff, vickers, and Terry is the best part. Those guys had to do possibly one of the hardest things you could ask and that’s the moment of relief they desperately needed. A whole week of memorial after funeral after funeral after wake and just showing up and one of your guys walks out with a win has to be one of the ultimate healing moments

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Front Row Joe and Rocketman Ryan Newman- that's a heck of a 1-2 starting duo.

[@hockeylake7219]

Modern broadcasts should utilize through the field more. It does a great job showing how everyone is doing and makes the race more interesting

[@dnasty312]

13:10 Hearing Benny say that knowing he's not with us anymore... 😢

[@Newmanfan4ever39]

I almost got choked up at the end that was an emotional win

[@ilovethebears1]

One of the few times I've actually cried after a sporting event.

[@NickSamon]

like the 2001 Daytona 500.

[@Mitchell2311]

@@NickSamon the 2001 Pepsi 400 as well

[@NickSamon]

@@Mitchell2311 oh yeah, Dale Jr and Michael Waltrip hugging.

[@sametozkan9175]

The Offical debut of the future cup champion in 1 car last time his unofficial start in New Hampshire 1.

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #213 - the most poignant n beautiful race in the history of Nascar ... so many tears ... such a classic

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

Grandstands in the back stretch and turn 3 and it was still packed.

[@Racinrasslinfan36]

Jordan 58 cars attempted to make the race the era was nascars peak

[@jamesgentry13]

I don't care what anyone says. This style of car is what NASCAR should have stuck with. MUCH BETTER racing here compared to the last few Atlanta races

[@petoskey_stone]

James Gentry 2011 Atlanta was pretty good IMO

[@allabouthewaves4354]

umm the racing at Atlanta is way better than Charlotte and Texas.

[@whoasked9500]

2014 Atlanta was cool.

[@mattakastarkill3r402]

Oh look, a NASCAR fan stuck in the past when it comes to safety.

[@AndrewHuy]

NASCAR Race on Halloween dedicated to the Hendrick Families

[@EdibertoMartinez]

Sad but great race, to compete after those circumstances,(airplane crash, team members loss in the crash) Johnson did an incredible job.

[@markraynor8142]

As at the conclusion of Jimmie Johnsons intro of the nascar 06 total team control game he stated "it's in the game" at 3:02:13

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #211 - one of this biggest mistake wrecks in the history of Nascar with 24 laps to go involving Dale jr.

[@TheLifeOfBK]

I think the Gen 6 has been quite an improvment over the COT.

[@TheMW2informer]

Brendan Kelly this is the gen 4 which is much better than the gen 6

[@braydentaylor4639]

Well, you're wrong. Sorry.

[@dalejr183]

2:48:54 will haunt Dale Jr the rest of his life that cost him the championship 2004 was his year. A top 5 in this race which he was running third with 15 laps and he would have won the Championship.

[@JJA1987]

dalejr183 Carl Edwards ruined it

[@AlonsoRules]

He wasn't clear it was the spotter's fault

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

And Changed His Career Forever

[@JJA1987]

Carl Edward's Spotter's Fault as well

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

@@JJA1987 Carl Nearly Killed Brad Here (Atlanta) in 2010

[@KellySmith1215]

Do you have the 2004 Subway 500? It was great untl that sad moment.

[@nascarfanatic2425]

Jeff Gordon's one actual bad race in the chase. Who knows, that issue the #24 had probably made the difference between winning the championship and finishing 3rd in points. Atlanta costed Jeff in 2007, too. Now Atlanta's one of Jeff's best tracks today. Ironic.

[@User-nu6km]

Jeff couldve won the race had he pitted for 2 tires

[@allabouthewaves4354]

Atlanta always been one of Jeff’s best track. Take away the 04 Fall Race and 05 Spring Race, Jeff was great at Atlanta.

[@alexanderharper5756]

Yo! You Can Do It. skinny mix What's your opinion about that

[@nickdoneilo1551]

Nemechek lost a chance to win because of the damn lapped cars, unreal.

[@Weezy10580]

Jimmie got lucky per usual

[@loominator9568]

How can you not be romantic about NASCAR

[@chrisnapolion1905]

my thoughts and prayers are with mr hendrick to this day

[@Goldblasterblaze]

It’s a shame I did not see this race live (I didn’t even exist until a year later). Hendrick Motorsports is my all-time favorite team and Jimmie Johnson’s my all-time favorite driver. The sport showed a lot of respect to Rick H. That day

[@josephchappell8788]

I Remember this Race Mark Martin Dominated this race led 227 of the 325 Laps. I really wanted him to win he finished 2nd to Jimmie Johnson. If he had to finish 2nd glad it was to a Hendrick car they really needed that win more than anybody that week. Mark had a win already at Dover earlier in the year. 2004 was a comeback year for Mark Martin after a terrible year in 2003. Pat Tryson coming aboard bought new life to that team.

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #210 - been listening to the southern rock group Black oak Arkansas recently ... where mark martin is from ... my mom n her family was also from the Forrest City area until they moved to Central Florida when she was in the 7th grade

[@JarennSwaggy808]

3:17:06 Tony Stewart predicted the new Atlanta Motor Superspeedway

[@goldsmith1210]

Robby Gordon wearing a hat during the anthem. Classy.

[@mattakastarkill3r402]

Look at you, looking around to judge others during the anthem

[@luisayalajr8139]

Does that matter? You guys are picky af for the national anthem on who is wearing what

[@YouTubeAuditor1]

Any decent, respectable American knows you STAND and REMOVE your hat before the anthem is played.

[@JJA1987]

I'm so glad Carl Edwards didn't win a Cup Title after he cost Junior the title in 2004 wrecking him in this race along with NASCAR being butthurt over one little Cuss World

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

12 Years Later (2016) Carl knows How it feels To lose like That

[@TheIntimidator93]

When Dale Jr crashed in this race, it started my first and only sports cry.

[@evanabernathy9677]

This Race Was on Halloween that day

[@KingCuervo88]

i already uploaded it... just not as one video yet...

[@kevantas5]

So, I can see that Martin and team made a mistake by not pitting on the 2nd to last caution. It was frustrating, though.

[@Fultonfalcons86]

Sucks to be a ford driver lol

[@Weezy10580]

Carl should’ve let him by a lap earlier

[@daltin92]

This was a really sad week for everyone no doubt about that. For me personally I cried when I found out about the plane crash cause I had met John Hendrick, Randy dorton and Ricky Hendrick up at Pocono in August 2002 and all three of them were a class act too me and my mom. It was a moment that I will never forget that for as long as I live. Plus that was the first ever race that I attended even though I was a fan of the sport for so long.

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

3:15:39 why Mark drove The #5 Chevrolet in 2009-11

[@vidEvWill]

I wanted to as well, he should have been the points leader, if Carl Edwards never got in the way. He would have won it because he won the next week at Phoenix. 2004 was Junior's only legit shot at a title, you could also throw '03 in there as well. If they did not break up the band, Junior would have been pretty good in 2005 as well.

[@anthonydeloreto3881]

This was the race that certainly cost Jeff Gordon the championship. He would finish 3rd the next 3 races to end up 3rd in points.

[@alexcasares7401]

That race also cost Jr the championship

[@crossbowftw3833]

This killed Dale's championship hopes. Not the cursing.

[@JJA1987]

Carl Edwards killed it

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

@@JJA1987 and Paid The Price 12 Years Later (Though Logano did nothing Wrong)

[@platinum20]

It’s crazy how Kurt Busch busted the championship battle wide open and then Gordon and Dale Jr proceeded to bail him back out just like that

[@jaydenh922]

2004 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Location: Hampton, Georgia Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway Type of race track: Speedway Starting cars: 43 Finishing cars: 35 Laps: 325 Cautions: 6 Pole Winner: Ryan Newman (12) (Chase) Most laps led: Mark Martin (6) (Chase) (227 laps led) Race Winner: Jimmie Johnson (48) (Chase)

[@evanabernathy9677]

Almost Identical To Kobe Byrant

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #215 - wait a minute ... it does almost look like Vickers is wearing a Halloween costume at the end!

[@mattakastarkill3r402]

Fucking stop

[@nascarfanatic2425]

What sucks for Dale Jr. is that he probably would've been the points leader if he didn't wreck.

[@kennethkenney3965]

He truly threw away the title when he was penalized at talladega for swearing

[@nascarfanatic2425]

Douglas Kenney That was where the damage started, but he didn't exactly lose the title 'cause of the cursing itself. I think it was this crash, along with a few blown engines that truly costed his run at becoming the first winner of the Chase for the Cup.

[@DKrueger1994]

Douglas Kenney it was actually some bad run-ins at Martinsville and the wreck here at Atlanta

[@nascarfanatic2425]

Dustin Krueger Didn't he blow an engine in the Southern 500, too?

[@DKrueger1994]

I always forget about Darlington

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #212 - a rare double 3 car wide with 20 laps to go right behind Jimmy johnson

[@763pat]

This race cost Jr and Jeff the title smh it should’ve been them 2 for the title how amazing that would’ve been

[@JJA1987]

Thank Carl Edwards for being a smuck and NASCAR being so butthurted pc

[@TheJingles007]

I wonder if this was rigged.

[@evanabernathy9677]

That was the Year I was born

[@JGR4LIFE20]

Jeff Gordon’s struggles throughout the 2004 chase should have gave us a preview for 2005

[@karlsingleton6115]

This is Black Flags Matter's favorite Cup Race of all-time

[@whoasked9500]

I thought he was a Jr. fan.

[@alexcasares7401]

2:48:54 It was at this moment that he knew....he fucked up.

[@justinseymour5846]

The Busch Brothers Wreck Kurt Busch Kyle Busch

[@dionmartin9614]

(dmetl) #214 - wow ... and this was on Halloween ... where's the masks n costumes?

[@mattakastarkill3r402]

What the hell

[@tieyounward8766]

I stand up 2 racism. I dont support this sport for many obvious reasons. For many minorities this sport welcomes a not so pleasant environment, because it is racially bias.

[@TheRealDill93]

No one cares

[@prevost8686]

And you are full of shit. You have zero evidence to back your stupid claim.

[@FootballGuy1738]

Shut up

[@joeywirt7953]

just looking back at that makes me tear up rip to all ten of them

[@NickyD]

how come they don't race like this anymore this was the good old days

[@jasonjackson5493]

Nicky D cars didn't have a spitter slamming the ground and the cars also had a ride height rule instead of being sucked to the ground like today, that allows air under the car which creates drag which then creates a stronger draft for the car behind them which crates runs for the guy chasing

[@jasonjackson5493]

splitter*

[@JarennSwaggy808]

Im watching this again after Kyle Larson dominated Atlanta 2021 and didnt win the race and finish 2nd reminded me of Mark Martin

[@kevantas5]

I was so mad at the end of this race. Mark Martin dominated this race and then the caution was thrown for a car blowing up on pit road. What???!! Martin had a 13 second lead at one point! So disappointing!

[@rpleitez1717]

Mark martin fight

[@EricCox4848]

Probably one the most memorable races for Jimmie Johnson and the whole Hendrick Motorsports team. 10 angels riding on the 48 car. Nobody could have scripted it any better. Tragedy over triumph at Martinsville. Triumph over tragedy at this race. For these guys to rebound after a tragic event is proof of how unity is so important. For those familiar with the phrase "We shall overcome", well, they did overcome.

[@holycow3890]

I thought after Kurt busch finished 42nd his luck had run out but nope as he become the luckiest 1 year wonder.

[@KellySmith1215]

Cool, thanks!

[@JasonDelarosa2000]

RIP, Ricky Hendrick 😢

[@markraynor8142]

Nascar 06 total team control challenge All for 1 and 1 for all 2:57:53 Jimmie Johnson 48 Lowe's Chevrolet In the race he was driving the 48 Lowe's Always In Our Hearts Chevrolet in tribute to the 10 people that were killed in the plane crash en route to the Martinsville Speedway the week prior he won that race including the next week in Hotlanta he had a good top five car also passed dominant Mark Martin at the end of the event to win for the third straight week. In the challenge he was in the 2005 Lowe's Chevrolet version as it was a difficult challenge for the player to defeat,the player needed to win the race for Johnson also the player needed to use the interactive crew chief feature to get into the rest of his Hendrick teams cars(Kyle Busch who was in the 84 Carquest Auto Parts Chevy in the race but fell out earlier because of a timing belt issue to finish dead last,challenge he had Terry Labontes old ride in the 5 Kelloggs Chevy with the blue and yellow colors also Labonte in that race same tribute but the Kelloggs orange and blue colors he finished 31st in the race but the challenge he had the 44 Kelloggs red,white and yellow colors,championship contender 4 time cup champion and now 5 time Hotlanta winner Jeff Gordon same tribute in the event with the Dupont car as in the race he broke a rear gear but put him back out on the track 26 laps off the pace in 34th but in the challenge he was in the 2005 version of the Dupont chevy,Brian Vickers same tribute but the 25 GMAC,DITECH Chevy he had a decent car but not dominant but finished 7th with the rookie strips,in the challenge he was in the GMAC verison of that car). Anyway Johnson needs the player to win the race,but the player needs to get into his teammates HMS cars with the interactive crew chief feature to get the four Hendrick teams of Kyle Busch,Jeff Gordon,Brian Vickers and Terry Labonte in the top 10 to complete the challenge.

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

Dale Jr was in 3rd almost the whole race.

[@austinmora1309]

The Countdown to Green pre race show was a great production by NBC

[@auburnltl7452]

That is the definition of storybook stuff. The only times I think I have ever cried after a sporting event.

[@karlsingleton6115]

Little known fact: This is actually the KZbinr Black Flags Matter's all-time favorite Cup race

[@mattakastarkill3r402]

Yeah we heard you the first time. We just don't care

[@unusually_large_testicles5816]

3:17:07 And they just did the exact opposite of what Tony said. Really did screw up a great track with the repave and reconfiguration.

[@airplanetrev]

Love all the tributes and stories. Just wish they could have picked someone better than Bill Weber. Has the charisma and personality of a toothpick

[@coca-colatrackhousewarrior9925]

His tenture with NASCAR ended in 2009 at a hotel in New Hampshire over a towel

[@rebelracing88]

God I miss the old car. The COT and this new "Gen 6" car haven't shown me anything but snoozers.

[@JJA1987]

rebelracing88 God you're a negative nancy

[@noviranger88]

34:55 Stage winner MTJ

[@frankwhitedbrz]

Race start 37:07 KB1 almost lost that 04 strap right there 56:36

[@phantomrailproductions]

Vickers drove the 5 in 2004 correct?

[@Nick-rq1oq]

ThePhantomGamer 25.

[@phantomrailproductions]

Oh, so then Vickers drove the 5 in the Busch Series and drove the 25 in the cup series.

[@EricCox4848]

He drove the 5 car in the busch series, yes. But from 2004-2006, he drove Papa Joe's 25 car. Terry Labonte was still in the 5 car.

[@dnasty312]

3:10:33 Band of brothers 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@Moses_90]

An emmotional win for Jimmie Johnson

[@mariorivera4552]

37:06 Green Flag👍

[@Tri-StarTN]

2:54:54 for THE restart

[@tannerbuckley8126]

Beautiful

[@Tri-StarTN]

2:54:51 for THAT restart

[@bobdole4432]

One of 80,000 wins Jimmie Johnson lucked into and Mark Martin got fucked out of

[@ethanmanagad0634]

2:48:44

[@OldFuddyDuddy69]

A fake caution saves Hendrick. Gee, there's a shocker.

[@JJA1987]

Brian Neill Moron

[@FootballGuy1738]

Stop being a disrespectful prick