What Is 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race held on October 20, 2002, at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. Kurt Busch won the race driving the No. 97 Ford for Roush Racing.

Key Facts

The 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 took place on October 20, 2002
It was the 32nd race of the 36-race 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season
Kurt Busch won the race, marking his fourth career Cup Series victory
The race covered 492 laps on a 0.996-mile oval track, totaling approximately 490 miles
North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham hosted the event, a track known for its abrasive surface and challenging conditions

Overview

The 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was a pivotal NASCAR Winston Cup Series event held during the final stretch of the 2002 season. It took place at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, a track renowned for its demanding layout and tire-wearing surface, which tested drivers' endurance and team strategies.

This race was the 32nd of 36 in the season and played a crucial role in shaping the championship standings. With only a few races remaining, competitors were vying for points to secure playoff positioning and momentum heading into the season finale.

Kurt Busch claimed victory, driving the No. 97 Ford for Roush Racing, marking his fourth career win in the Cup Series and boosting his team's playoff aspirations.
The race spanned 492 laps on the 0.996-mile oval, covering a total distance of approximately 490 miles, making it one of the most grueling events of the season.
North Carolina Speedway, located in Rockingham, was a favorite among traditionalist fans due to its abrasive asphalt and high-banked turns that demanded precise car handling.
Pop Secret, a subsidiary of General Mills, served as the title sponsor, continuing a long-standing tradition of snack food brands supporting NASCAR events in the early 2000s.
The event drew over 50,000 spectators and was broadcast nationally on NBC, highlighting NASCAR's peak popularity during the early 21st century.

How It Works

The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 operated under standard NASCAR Winston Cup Series rules, with teams competing over a set number of laps under strict regulations governing pit stops, safety, and scoring.

Track Length: The North Carolina Speedway is a 0.996-mile paved oval, nearly a mile long, contributing to high-speed racing and frequent tire degradation over long runs.
Lap Count: The race consisted of 492 laps, one of the longer events on the schedule, designed to test both mechanical reliability and driver stamina.
Caution Flags: There were 7 caution periods during the race, totaling 38 laps under yellow, which significantly impacted pit strategy and track position.
Lead Changes: A total of 21 lead changes occurred among 10 different drivers, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the event.
Fastest Lap:Ryan Newman recorded the fastest lap at 27.812 seconds, showcasing the intense pace maintained throughout the race.
Winner's Average Speed: Kurt Busch won with an average speed of 119.975 mph, demonstrating consistent performance over nearly three and a half hours of racing.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics from top finishers in the 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400:

Position	Driver	Car Number	Team	Laps Completed
1	Kurt Busch	97	Roush Racing	492
2	Jimmie Johnson	48	Hendrick Motorsports	492
3	Ryan Newman	12	Penske Racing	492
4	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	8	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	492
5	Jeff Gordon	31	Hendrick Motorsports	491

This race highlighted the dominance of powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing, while also showcasing rising stars such as Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The close finishes and minimal laps down among top drivers underscored the high level of competition and strategic depth in NASCAR during this era.

Why It Matters

The 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was more than just another race—it was a turning point in the careers of several drivers and a reflection of NASCAR’s growing national appeal.

Kurt Busch’s win solidified his status as a rising elite driver, eventually leading to his 2004 championship title in the inaugural Chase format.
The race demonstrated the strategic complexity of NASCAR, where tire management and pit timing were as critical as raw speed.
It marked one of the final major events at Rockingham Speedway, which lost its Cup Series date after 2004 due to declining attendance and track conditions.
The sponsorship by Pop Secret exemplified the deep integration of consumer brands into motorsports, a trend that peaked in the early 2000s.
With NBC’s national broadcast, the race reached millions, helping NASCAR achieve record viewership during the 2002 season.
The event also highlighted safety concerns, as Rockingham’s rough surface led to increased mechanical failures, contributing to future track renovations and safety reforms.

Ultimately, the 2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 stands as a snapshot of NASCAR’s golden era—competitive, dramatic, and deeply embedded in American motorsport culture.