That chip was issued in February of 1999, a combination commemorative, Valentines Day and the Daytona 500. DE Jr was still running the Busch series full time in 1999. He did make his first foray into Cup racing that year, competing in 5 Cup races, but when the chip was made, Gordon was the hottest driver on the Cup circuit and DE Jr was just getting ready to get his feet wet.

Bob