NASCAR Sprint Cup: Misty Atlanta Race Doesn't Dampen Dramatic Win

The Advocare 500 was three days late, most of the fans were gone, but the drama continued to play out despite the red flag and cautions that presented even more problems.

Only two chances remained for the drivers to lock their place in the Chase with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart clinging to hopes of staying in the top 10.

Brad Keselowski has been sizzling on the tracks and looked to be making his way from the 11th place wild card slot into the top 10, so that he could collect points for his three wins in the Chase.

Kasey Kahne led the field as the green flag dropped before the splattering of fans scattered throughout the grandstands at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Four drivers had the added pressure of a chance to win three million dollars in the Sprint Summer Showdown. The four drivers were Kyle Busch, Marcos Ambrose, Paul Menard and Brad Keselowski.

Crew chiefs had to roll the dice with the different conditions they faced with the green track, cool temperatures, and misty air that caused the race to be halted by the red flag.

The only thing that remained the same for the drivers was their ability to run every groove on the track as they looked for grip. Many drivers preferred to ride the high line around the top.

Clint Bowyer in the No. 33 was hoping a win could bring him a shot at the Chase, but on lap 241 contact with Juan Pablo Montoya caused him to hit the wall hard enough to eliminate his chances.

Bowyer had strong words of criticism for Montoya and his driving ability as he spoke from the garage while the crew attempted to get his car back on the track.

Tire management was a big factor and the rough track surface caused the tires to drop off after about 10 laps.

David Ragan in the UPS Ford, had been running in or near the top 10 much of the race, but his car erupted in flames with a blown engine on lap 250.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. failed to qualify well, as usual, and really did not have a fast car, so it appeared Steve Letarte, the crew chief for the No. 88, continued to have his driver soft-peddle his way to the Chase.

While Tony Stewart, who started the race one slot behind Earnhardt Jr. in the top 10, raced hard with all his car had to give, Junior dangled perilously in point standings as the car became really loose during the final laps of the race.

Jeff Gordon in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 looked to have a lock on the race. With 12 laps to go his teammate, Jimmie Johnson challenged him for the lead in his Lowe's No. 48.

Gordon continued to battle Johnson who nearly spinned at the end trying to win, but the driver of the No. 24 won his third race of season and now has 85 career wins that puts him in the elite category of third in all-time wins.

Stewart secured a third place finish and remained 10th in the points while Junior finished 19th and remained ninth in the standings.

Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch clinched their berth in the Chase and Keselowski is secure in the 11th place wild card slot.

Denny Hamlin had a decent day with an eighth place finish and heading to Richmond for the final pre-Chase race looks to be in line for the second wild card slot, but that still could change.

Gordon told the PRN pit reporter after the race that he was having a "blast." Gordon added, "This team is just unbelievable."

Though Johnson has taken the points lead, Gordon looks like he is on a roll as his team continues to come together for a run for the Championship. He showed just how tough he can run five-time champ, Johnson.

See you for the final race before the Chase next Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway.