Definition
The 2001 Kmart 400 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series stock car race held on June 17 2001 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, United States. It was the 13th race of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season.
Overview
The event was contested over 200 laps on the 2‑mile (3.2 km) D‑shaped oval, covering a total distance of 400 miles (643.737 km). The race was televised nationally in the United States and attracted a live audience of approximately 85,000 spectators. Dale Jarrett, driving the No. 88 Ford for Robert Yates Racing, won the race, marking his first victory of the 2001 season. Jeff Gordon finished second, while Jeremy Mayfield rounded out the podium in third place. The race featured 10 lead changes among 7 drivers and was caution‑free for the final 84 laps.
Etymology/Origin
The race name combines the year of the event (2001) with the title sponsor, Kmart Corporation, a major American discount retailer. “400” denotes the scheduled race distance of 400 miles, a standard naming convention for NASCAR events held at Michigan International Speedway, where the track length is 2 miles and the race is run over 200 laps.
Characteristics
- Venue: Michigan International Speedway, a 2‑mile, low‑banked, D‑shaped oval known for high speeds.
- Date: June 17 2001.
- Distance: 400 miles (200 laps).
- Pole Position: Qualifying was led by Jeff Gordon (Hendrick Motorsports) with a lap time of 38.272 seconds, averaging 188.1 mph.
- Winning Car: No. 88 Ford Taurus, driven by Dale Jarrett.
- Notable Events: The race was notable for a multi‑car incident on lap 115 involving Dale Earnhardt Jr., which resulted in a brief red‑flag period. It also marked the first win for Dale Jarrett since the 1999 Daytona 500.
- Broadcast: Televised by NBC and radio coverage provided by Motor Racing Network (MRN).
Related Topics
- NASCAR Winston Cup Series
- 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season
- Michigan International Speedway
- Kmart sponsorship in motorsports
- Dale Jarrett’s racing career
- Jeff Gordon’s 2001 season performance