Mix of aerodynamics, horsepower key at AMS

Atlanta should be a fun track for the Lowe's team this weekend. Atlanta gave Jimmie Johnson and the rest of the guys a lot of momentum last season and proved to the guys that the top-10 finish in Las Vegas was no fluke.

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In last year's spring race we started 15th and finished third -- scoring the team's first top five of the season and the first top-five of Jimmie's career.

The fall race, on the other hand, was a different story. That was one of the few races we completely missed the set-up on, and Jimmie paid the price all afternoon. We planned for certain conditions, keeping the balance in the Lowe's Chevy in the front. As a result, Jimmie dealt with a loose racecar all afternoon, spinning out twice during the race. Needless to say, we won't be doing that again this season.

You would think that we would be at an advantage coming back to Atlanta for the third time, but with the Monte Carlo's new body style, it's hard to say. Before, we could rely on notes from the other Hendrick teams to help us prepare a set-up, but no one has a prepared set-up for Atlanta because of the new body style.

	Chad Knaus Credit: Autostock

Fortunately, Atlanta is a racetrack that fits into Jimmie's strengths. He likes the car fast and on the loose side, so he can really carry his speed in the corners. We should have a solid qualifying position, which will allow us to start up front. I'm expecting us to run more like we did in last year's spring race and hopefully improve on that finish and in the overall standings.

The keys to success at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

1. Aero balance

We need to find a balance between the high downforce racecar and the low drag car. During qualifying, you'd like the low drag to help when you're going 200-plus mph. When racing, you want the downforce to help maneuver through traffic, so finding the balance will be key.

2. Horsepower

Just like Las Vegas last week, we'll need the horses to motor around the track. Atlanta is a big, fast track, and I'm confident the Hendrick engine department will provide us with the best engines possible this weekend.

3. Qualifying

Atlanta is a tough place to pass, so if you can run up front and stay up front, you don't have to worry about being slowed down in traffic. Additionally, it will be key to have a good pit stall selection that will enable you to have the best opportunity to have solid stops and improve your position on the track.

Chad Knaus is the crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Hendrick Motorsports. His column will appear weekly on SI.com.