Key takeaways from Auto Club

By: Jessica Ruffin

The Sprint Cup Series' final race in the three-race NASCAR Goes West swing at Auto Club Speedway offered everything one expects to see in Southern California. From non-stop action to superheroes to drama, the race -- ultimately won by California native Jimmie Johnson -- certainly didn't disappoint. NASCAR.com's Jessica Ruffin breaks down the key takeaways from the Auto Club 400.

More beef with Logano?

Just when everyone thought the Matt Kenseth-Joey Logano tension from 2015 had simmered down, 'Sliced Bread' ruffled another driver's feathers. After racing high and hard with Logano while battling in the top five, Martin Truex Jr. brushed the wall at Lap 150, claiming contact with the No. 22. Logano took responsibility, but said he never actually made contact with the No. 78. In his post-race MRN interview, Truex -- who finished 32nd after a penalty -- said he was 'going to race (Logano) differently from now on.' Last time a driver said that to Logano, it didn't pan out so well for him at Martinsville, which is the next race on the '16 schedule.

MORE: Truex, Logano at odds at Auto Club

Superman returns

#BlameJJ all you want, but it looks like Jimmie Johnson is back -- and he isn't going anywhere. Driving a Superman-themed No. 48 Chevrolet this weekend, Johnson soared into Victory Lane with a thrilling pass of Kevin Harvick shortly after the last restart for his second 2016 victory and 77th career win, a milestone that passes Dale Earnhardt.

'It's important for me to handle this with class, with respect, with honor for what I've done,' Johnson said post-race. 'The fact that I tied Dale with the win in Atlanta, where we are now, I know there's some more legends just ahead of me in the sport. I look forward to getting a chance to get up there and honor them as well.'

MORE: Where Johnson stands in NASCAR history

What's missing?

While several drivers -- like rookie Chase Elliott -- shined at Auto Club, others weren't as polished. Kasey Kahne, who has recorded one top-10 in 2016, continues to struggle, earning a 28th-place result after a tough day at Auto Club. And with all his Hendrick Motorsports teammates -- including Elliott -- earning top 10s on a semi-regular basis, it begs the question: What is the No. 5 team missing? The same goes for Matt Kenseth. While the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have been dominant cars for much of this season, Kenseth can't seem to find his groove. He finished 19th Sunday.

MORE:Kahne clips Danica, called to NASCAR hauler

All the action

Sunday's thrilling race from start to finish at Auto Club was yet another testament to the low-downforce rules package. Making its debut on a 2-mile track, the package allowed for plenty of passing, resulting in exciting racing for the lead. The next race at Martinsville will be a completely different test, as 'The Paperclip' is the shortest track on the circuit at 0.526 miles. Should be fun to watch.

NASCAR Twitter after dark

Maybe it was the West Coast time change. Maybe it was the thrilling racing. Whatever the reason, the NASCAR community was all over Twitter on Sunday evening after the race. No. 78 crew chief Cole Pearn threw shade at Joey Logano after the teams' on-track run-in on Sunday (Pearn later apologized for 'being over the line'), while Dale Earnhardt Jr. hosted a particularly candid and lengthy Q&A that initiated responses from Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and others. Then, Kyle Busch -- who went from second to 25th after a blown tire in the final laps -- let out his frustrations to followers. Luckily, they'll have an entire week to let it all out on Twitter, as the series takes a week-long hiatus before heading to Martinsville.

MORE: Kyle Busch goes on Twitter rant