2004 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup

The 2004 Chase for the Nextel Cup served as the ten-race playoff series among the top ten drivers in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. After the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 on September 11, 2004, the ten drivers atop the standings were locked into the playoff, with the participants as follows:
# Jeff Gordon — Hendrick Motorsports #24 -5050
# Jimmie Johnson — Hendrick Motorsports #48 (Jeff Gordon 1)-5
# Dale Earnhardt, Jr. — Dale Earnhardt, Inc. #8 -10
# Tony Stewart — Joe Gibbs Racing #20 (Joe Gibbs) -15
# Matt Kenseth — Roush Racing #17 (Mark Martin 2) -20
# Elliott Sadler — Robert Yates Racing (Robert Yates) #38 -25
# Kurt Busch — Roush Racing #97 (Georgetta Roush 3) -30
# Mark Martin — Roush Racing #6 (Jack Roush) -35
# Jeremy Mayfield — Evernham Motorsports #19 (Ray Evernham) -40
# Ryan Newman — Penske Racing #12 (Roger Penske) -45

"Notes"

1 – Jeff Gordon is the official owner of the #48, though his work in signing Johnson to Hendrick Motorsports, licencing of merchandising through Hendrick Gordon Licensing LLC, and holds minority interest in the team.

2 – Mark Martin is the official owner of the #17 because of his work in signing Kenseth, and holds minority interest in that team.

3 – Georgetta Roush is Jack's mother, and the official owner of the #97.