Johnson picks way through field to win at Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. – The season just started. The calendar hasn’t even turned to spring. Yet Jimmie Johnson has all but wrapped up a shot at his record-tying seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

Quickly establishing he’s one of the drivers to beat – boy, does that sound familiar – Johnson pulled away after the final restart with 13 laps remaining to win Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The six-time champion picked off drivers left and right after starting near the back in the second race of the year, having failed to get in a qualifying run because of inspection issues.

By the end, the No. 48 Chevrolet left no doubt it was the fastest car on the track, cruising across the finish line a comfortable 1.803 seconds ahead of one of the race favorites, defending Cup champion Kevin Harvick.

“I knew through about two sections of corners that we were going to have an awesome day,” Johnson said.

It was the 71st victory of his career, and his fourth at the 1.54-mile Atlanta track. That should be enough to give him a spot in the season-ending Chase, going for a title that would tie him with Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt.

“I definitely think it gives you a sign of who’s going to be competitive,” said Johnson, who didn’t pick up the first of his four 2014 wins until the 12th race.

“It takes the pressure off in some ways.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was third, followed by Daytona 500 winner Joey Logano, who started from the pole, led 84 laps early in the race and, along with Harvick, was expected to be one of the drivers to beat.

Of course, never count out Johnson.

“When he’s on, really switched on, and the car’s in his comfort zone, it’s amazing what he can do with a race car,” said Chad Knaus, Johnson’s crew chief.

After a big crash on lap 305 brought out the red flag for nine minutes to clean up the mess, Johnson found himself at the front of the pack.

When the green flag waved, he got a good jump off the line, fended off Hendrick Motorsports teammate Earnhardt going down the backstretch, and was firmly in control by the time the cars came back around in front of the stands.

There was no catching him from there.