Bringing out the Valvoline paint scheme for the first of three races in the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Matt Kenseth put on a show for his new sponsor at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Starting the race in the 14th spot Kenseth would go on to battle a ill-handling car for much of the race. Despite Kenseth’s problems with the car, the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing crew was able to make the appropriate adjustments to bring the Valvoline Ford up front.

Executing a late race pass to move him up from fourth to second en route to a silver place finish, Kenseth was able to record his best outing at Atlanta Motor Speedway in his career. His second place effort also propelled him into the second spot in the series point standings, just 26 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.

“That is the best finish we have had here at Atlanta ever,” Kenseth exclaimed. “I am really proud of my team because they did a great job today. We qualified really well and it translated to the race today. I couldn’t be happier with the way the season has started. It feels good to be competitive and it feels like we are headed in the right direction, so it feels good.”

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