They're back in the saddle again.
Normally this article is about how well the writers did in making their picks, and that will eventually come. However, this race was the culmination of two weeks worth of redemption for one team.
Jimmie Johnson two races ago was 10th in the Chase, his lowest standing ever in his championship run. After last week, he gained four spots and began closing on the leaders. Now, after Sunday's race at Kansas, Mr. Five-Time is back on his saddle and ready to make his run for the championship.
It became his perfect race as Johnson led the most laps, and held off a fast-charging Kasey Kahne to win his second race of the season.
The win has pushed him to third in the standings, and it helps when the next race on the schedule has been termed Johnson's "House." Incredible race for the entire No. 48 team.
As for the writers, there were some spooky moments but many rebounded, while others tried to use strategy late that did not work.
Carl Edwards alone had an eventful day after starting outside pole. Back to the back with an ill-handling car, got a lap down, got it back and battled to a top-five finish.
The June winner stayed quiet all day long, and finished in the top-five. As for the others, good runs went bad because of calls and mistakes.
Here's where the standings are following Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400:
Christopher Leone (2172) Kurt Busch finished 13th (4)
Sal Sigala Jr. (2166) Carl Edwards finished fifth (5)
Ryan O'Hara (2165) Kurt Busch finished 13th (2)
Billy Fellin (2159) Brad Keselowski finished third (3)
Rob Tiongson (2159) Brad Keselowsi finished third (3)
Michael Hirshbein (2159) Carl Edwards finished fifth (6)
Dustin Parks (2155) Brad Keselowski finished third (1)
Misan Ayuka (2150) Kurt Busch finished 13th (4)
James Broomhead (2144) Carl Edwards finished fifth (2)
Kara Martin (2132) Tony Stewart finished 15th (1)
Kelly Crandall (2130) Carl Edwards finished fifth (3)
Next Race: It was said earlier that the next race on the schedule is Johnson's "House." In theory, it's not just his, but for many teams it's their "home."
NASCAR heads to it's home base as next on the schedule is the 1.5-mile quad oval known as the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It's a track that in May saw the fan favorite come within one-third of a lap from victory, only to lose out to fuel mileage.
This race is 100 less miles, 66 fewer laps, but a track where many teams want to win.
Writers, it's a short week as NASCAR will do it under the lights this week. Have your picks for Saturday night's Bank of America 500 delivered by 10 p.m. Thursday, October 13.
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