Weekend Wrap-Up: Atlanta

Weekend Wrap-Up: Atlanta

What went down: The Cup Series got its first real taste of how the cars would handle under the new setups for 2015 and it revealed a few observations. For one, the new feature that allows drivers to adjust the trackbar from inside of their cars seemed finicky, with several drivers having failures of that part. Another, the reduced horsepower in the cars allowed for faster corner speeds and the smaller spoiler was causing cars to slip and slide everywhere.

But that latter played right into Jimmie Johnson's hands at Atlanta this weekend.

Many speculated that Johnson would rebound from his career worst season last year, much in part to the changes on the cars. He proved that to be right after just the second race of the season. After Joey Logano dominated the first third of the race and Kevin Harvick the second third, Johnson stormed to the front and never truly relinquished the lead during the late stages of the race.

The highlight of the race, amongst many goofs (looking at you, NASCAR safety worker guy), was when Denny Hamlin lost control of his car late in the race, collecting Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, and Jeff Gordon. Gordon suffered the worst fate, plowing into a wall that didn't have SAFER barrier, just a week after Kyle Busch broke his leg and ankle hitting a wall with no SAFER barrier. Gordon would walk away unscathed.

What it means for Johnson: After having to wait 12 races before scoring his first win last season, Johnson won in just the second this year. He is now locked into the Chase (essentially) and can concentrate on racking up more wins before the Chase begins. It also means that this is Johnson's fourth career win at Atlanta, moving him into a tie with legends David Pearson and Fred Lorenzen for 8th in wins at the track. 

What it means for everyone else: Might as well concede the title to Johnson now. Ok, it's definitely a little premature for that, but Johnson just served notice to the rest of drivers that he's back on track and ready to attempt domination yet again. It'll take a strong season for one to contend with Johnson this year by the looks of things.

Also, strong finishes by last season's Chase underdogs, Aric Almirola and A.J. Allmendinger, might show that their success last season was no fluke. We'll see how that continues for them as the season goes on, as well as Casey Mears, sitting 6th in points after two races with a small team.

What’s next: The series begins its "West Coast Swing" this weekend. The next three races will all be featured in the western United States, beginning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend. Brad Keselowski is the defending winner at Vegas.