On this day
On Nov. 9, 2003, NASCAR’s Premier Series held its final fall race at Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina.
The final Cup race at the 1.017-mile track was held on Feb. 22, 2004, won by Matt Kenseth.
It was a big day for Bill Elliott and Kenseth, as Elliott went on to win the race while Kenseth clinched his first career championship.
Thirteen years later, take a look back at the bittersweet weekend at The Rock.
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World Pit Crew Competition
Rockingham served as the second-to-last race of the 2003 season, as it also held the annual World Pit Crew Competition.
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Elliott’s crew wins it
Elliott's No. 9 Evernham Motorsports crew celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the World Pit Crew Competition.
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Kenseth grabs the title
Kenseth (17) cruised to a fourth-place finish in the final Rockingham fall race to clinch his first Premier Series championship.
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"Awesome Bill" wins last one at The Rock
Elliott races ahead of 2000 Premier Series champion Dale Jarrett during the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400. The 1988 Cup champion went on to win, beating then-rookie Jimmie Johnson.
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Victory Lane celebration
Elliott became the final Cup driver to celebrate in Victory Lane in November at The Rock.
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A championship for "The Cat in the Hat"
Kenseth gives a thumbs-up after securing the championship before the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It was the first title for team owner Jack Roush, as Roush Racing later went on to win a second-straight championship with Kurt Busch in 2004.
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First championship
Kenseth climbs from his car to celebrate clinching the title. The current Joe Gibbs Racing driver had one lone win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2003 as consistency propelled him to the triumph.
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No. 17 team takes victory lap
The No. 17 Roush Racing crew takes a lap around the 1.017-mile North Carolina track.
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Final year for Winston
Not only was it the final fall Cup race at Rockingham, but it was also the last year for series title sponsor Winston. Nextel would take over in 2004 for the inaugural year of the new Chase points system.
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