Jeff Gordon ended up the big winner in Atlanta securing his third win of the season. With a second place run, Jimmie Johnson is the Sprint Cup Series point leader heading into the regular season finale in Richmond this Saturday night.

The big news though is the fact that the top eight drivers are locked into the 2011 Chase. Brad Keselowski, having scored three wins this season, has locked up a spot meaning there are only three spots up for grabs at Richmond.

Keselowski, who rallied during the month of August, currently sits 23 points behind Tony Stewart and 25 points from ninth-place Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Folks, the drama heading into this weekend will keep everyone on their toes until the checkered flag falls and the 12 participants of the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup are decided.

1. Jimmie Johnson 1 Win                    Ahead of 11th:  IN
2. Kyle Busch 4 Wins                                                   IN
3. Carl Edwards 1 Win                                                 IN
4. Matt Kenseth 2 Wins                                                IN
5. Jeff Gordon 3 Wins                                                  IN
6. Kevin Harvick 3 Wins                                               IN
7. Kurt Busch 1 Win                                                     IN
8. Ryan Newman 1 Win                                                IN
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr.                                                   +25    
10. Tony Stewart                                                         +23
11. *Brad Keselowski 3 Wins                                       - 23
12. *Denny Hamlin 1 Win                                             - 42

*Current Wild Card Drivers
 
Wild Card Battle:
20. Paul Menard        1 Win  Behind 10th: - 94
21. Marcos Ambrose 1 Win Behind 20th:    - 7
23. David Ragan       1 Win Behind 20th:   - 20

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