Denny Hamlin’s first Bristol victory demonstrates how quickly the championship picture can change. Just two weeks ago, Hamlin was in danger of falling out of the top 10.

Now he’s one of four drivers battling for the top seed when the Chase begins. Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart each have three regular-season victories – each worth three bonus points under the Chase standings reset.

This could be the week that Stewart’s recent points-swoon ends. He’s a three-time Atlanta winner (2002, 2006 and 2010) and counts three top-10 finishes in the five Atlanta races since becoming an owner-driver at Stewart-Haas Racing.