NAPA 500 - Atlanta Motor Speedway

Labonte Wins at Atlanta, Gordon Wins Championship
Bobby Labonte was the beneficiary of Jerry Nadeau's bad luck, winning the NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway after Nadeau ran out of gas with only a half-lap remaining. Labonte passed the coasting Nadeau to take his second win of the 2001 season, the fifth Atlanta win of his career. Sterling Marlin would cross the finish line in the second spot, followed by rookie Kevin Harvick in fourth. Nadeau made it home in fourth, while Ward Burton made out the top five. Jeff Gordon finished sixth and clinched his fourth Winston Cup championship, it is the fifth championship for car-owner Rick Hendrick.

Earnhardt Jr. Wins Atlanta Pole
Dale Earnhardt Jr. roared to the pole position for the NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Earnhardt's qualifying speed of 192.047 mph, a time of 28.868 seconds, was almost two miles an hour quicker than the second-place qualifier. The top starting spot is the second of the season for Earnhardt. Mark Martin qualified in the second spot and will join Earnhardt on the front row. Bill Davis Racing teammates Dave Blaney and Ward Burton will start from row two.