BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, Chase Elliott capitalized on a top-five starting position to pick up some extra points in Stage 1.
Elliott started fifth and finished the 60-lap Stage 1 in third, earning eight points for the result.
He was the only Hendrick Motorsports driver to finish the first segment inside the top 10.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the next to cross the finish line, taking the green-checkered flag to end Stage 1 in 17th.
Both Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson began Sunday's race at the rear of the field due to moving to backup cars.
The teammates quickly got to work, finishing Stage 1 in 21st and 23rd, respectively.
Stage 2 will also consist of 60 laps followed by a final 80-lap segment before the checkered flag.