1. The winners
Aric Almirola, obviously, after emerging from Talladega with the trophy. The four Stewart-Haas Racing Fords led 155 of 193 laps. AJ Allmendinger was best in class for Chevy, finishing sixth. Jimmie Johnson wrecked early but rallied for seventh place.
2. The losers
Not enough room in this space, but Kurt Busch leads this category after pacing the field for 108 laps only to run out of gas on the last lap. Ouch. Martin Truex Jr., fighting to defend his Cup title, struggled to finish 23rd. Michael McDowell finished last overall, turning only 155 laps.
3. Holding ground
Clint Bowyer finished second and has a three-point advantage on Truex, who is now the playoff bubble boy. Kevin Harvick had to pit before the last restart and finished 28th but is 63 points above the cut line. Joey Logano can advance on points after finishing fifth at Talladega.
Godwin Kelly, [email protected]
