The 2001 Pontiac Excitement 400 was a Winston Cup Series (now Nextel Cup) event held at Richmond International Speedway. Tony Stewart won his first race of the year by moving Rusty Wallace out of the way in the closing laps, as Stewart pulled out a half-second victory on Jeff Gordon. Wallace, who led 276 of the 400 laps vocally showed his displeasure with Stewart and that feud lasted for a few weeks. Gordon, with his finish, closed within 14 markers of points leader Dale Jarrett (15th). Stats