Denny Hamlin has now seen the checkered flags in two consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup races, last week at Bristol, and this week at Atlanta.

In the end it was a two lap dash for the win with Hamlin crossing the finish line only .378 seconds ahead of second place Jeff Gordon.  Brad Keselowski finished third, Martin Truex Jr. in fourth, and Kevin Harvick finished in fifth.

There was a good bit of drama Friday night too…(but of course it’s never Danica’s fault.)

Next Satruday night it’s back to short track racing under the lights in Richmond with the Federated Auto 400.  Coverage will be on ABC beginning at 6:00 p.m. central time.

Richmond is the last race before going into the NASCAR “Playoff chase” begins.  The current top 10 points leaders are locked into the chase, but there are two wild card spots remaining.  Kasey Kahne is leading for the first wild-card position, with two wins this season.  Setting up an awesome battle at Richmond for the final spot between Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Marcos Ambrose, Joey Logano, and Ryan Newman are all tied with one win each.

Here are the points leading into the race at Richmond…

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