Jeers replaced by cheers as NASCAR hits Atlanta track (cont'd)

So does Jimmie Johnson, who has five top-five runs -- and one sixth place -- in the past seven races at AMS.

"The high speeds and the old surface make it a lot of fun for our cars. I really love the challenge," Johnson said.

The challenge for Clint Bowyer is to get to Victory Lane.

"That should be a good place for us to race for our first win. Hopefully, this week luck will be on our side," Bowyer said. "I'm excited to get back to Atlanta and I feel like it's going to be a good track for us. I really enjoy Atlanta and the type of race it puts on."

But alas, Atlanta doesn't suit every driver's needs.

"Atlanta is such a challenging track, I don't think many guys are comfortable getting into that racetrack," Johnson said.

Case in point: Teammate Kyle Busch, who finished 12th at AMS in three consecutive races but has an average finish of 21.2.

"It's a track that's so hard for me to get a hold of and it's been tough to figure out," Busch said. We usually run well at the beginning of the race and then lose the handling through the middle and end up 12th. It's been a little frustrating at times."

Kevin Harvick scored top-fives in his first two Atlanta starts, including a victory. But in 10 races since, his best finish is 19th.

"You have to have the complete package to contend for the win there. Horsepower is always important," Harvick said. "It's a lot of fun to race on but very fast.

"I struggle with finding the right feel for me to be comfortable. It's just something that I need to get better at and really focus on getting my car right."

Fast speeds. Aged surface. Multiple grooves. Yes, Atlanta has it all.

"It's one of the more intimidating tracks and one of the better tracks to race on," Johnson said. "Personally, that's one of the best tracks we run on."