Photo Credit: Fox Sports

By Zane Miller

On Monday, November 20th, 2000, the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Bobby Labonte defeating Dale Earnhardt by 265 points to win the 52nd championship in Cup Series history. It was the first (and only) Cup Series championship for Labonte. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 2000 Daytona 500 was won by Dale Jarrett, who also led the most laps with 89, as Jarrett picked up his third of three Daytona 500 victories.

5. #28 Ricky Rudd (-555 points)

Photo Credit: Mike's Decals

Rudd claimed fifth as he had 12 top-fives and 19 top-10s, for an average finish of 11.5 while leading the most laps in one race.

4. #88 Dale Jarrett (-446)

Photo Credit: Ford Performance

Jarrett got fourth place with two wins, 15 top-fives and 24 top-10s for an average finish of 11.1, leading the most laps in three starts.

3. #99 Jeff Burton (-294)

Photo Credit: Tim Seay

Burton finished in third as he had four victories, 15 top-fives and 22 top-10s, getting an average finish of 10.2 while leading the most laps in five races.

2. #3 Dale Earnhardt (-265)

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Earnhardt got runner-up with two wins, 13 top-fives and 24 top-10s, taking an average finish of 9.4. Earnhardt also led the most laps in four races.

1. #18 Bobby Labonte

Photo Credit: Fox Sports

Labonte scored the championship with four wins, 19 top-fives and 24 top-10s for an average finish of 7.4. Labonte also had the most laps led in one race during the season.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/2000/W

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