The Atlanta effect
After witnessing what happened at Martinsville last week, from Jimmie Johnson's win to Jeff Burton's blown engine, there were many reasons to get excited about the stretch run. Eight of the 10 Chase drivers were separated by 99 points, giving excitement and storylines galore.
Then along came Tony Stewart. Maybe he's mad about not making the Chase, but he's doing his darndest to send a message for 2007.
Stewart's second win of the month on Sunday at Atlanta loosened up the Chase standings a little more.
Matt Kenseth kept his grip on the Nextel Cup points lead with three races left, but Jimmie Johnson's runner-up finish cut the margin from 36 to 26 points. Johnson gained 15 more points on the lead, an amazing rally after what happened to him at Talladega on the last lap courtesy of soon-to-be-ex-teammate Brian Vickers. Since then, Johnson has finishes of second, first and second. From 165 back after Kansas, Johnson has gained 139 points, and there are still three races left - Texas, Phoenix and Homestead.
Will Johnson win the title for Hendrick Motorsports? With the unpredictability of the 2006 Chase, I wouldn't put it past him.
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