Atlanta Betting Preview: Expect Elliott and Johnson to run well

How will Hendrick Motorsports fare in new Camaro on downforce track?

Jimmie Johnson is the active leader with five Atlanta wins over 26 starts where he's averaged an 11th-place finish. However, Johnson's performances on 1.5s fell off following his Texas win in April -- no top-5 finishes in his last eight starts on 1.5s. However, the worn surface is something he handles well and has an edge with over all the youngsters.

"The track is such a challenge for both the drivers and the teams," said Johnson. "I’m stoked they decided not to repave it just yet – that was a popular decision among the drivers. The surface is so abrasive that the tire falloff is so great, you will see us pitting halfway through a fuel run just to gain four or five seconds. I can’t wait to get there and slide around on the track.”

His 12/1 odds are very attractive.

Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports' teammate Chase Elliott hails from Georgia and he's been outstanding in his first two Cup starts on his home track.

"Atlanta will always be a special place for me," said Elliott who is 8/1 to win. "I remember watching the races from the playground as a kid in the driver/owner lot. Haven’t raced a ton here, but I was able to get the pole in 2014 in the Xfinity Series. I would love to make some more memories to go down in the book at Atlanta."

Elliott was fifth last season and eighth during his rookie year. He had top-five finishes in five of his last six starts on 1.5s. No wins yet, but it's going to happen soon. It's just a matter of time, and being at home would make it so appropriate to happen this week.

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