CONCORD, N.C. -- Atlanta Motor Speedway is known to be an unforgiving track since it hasn't been repaved in 23 years, which forces drivers to adjust their strategies.
Jimmie Johnson used the term "abrasive" when describing the Georgia track, despite having five career wins there. He said he's learned a lot since his visit to the track last year, which saw Johnson place 24th.
"That track is so abrasive. You get one lap with grip and then everything from there is downhill," Johnson said of his performance at Atlanta in 2019. "We were able to really understand just how far off we were. That was in a lot of areas and I think we quickly addressed the mechanical grip issues that we had and our Hendrick (Motorsports) cars were more competitive throughout the year."
Johnson finished seventh at Atlanta this season, which marks his first top-10 finish at the venue since his 2016 win there. It's also his fifth top-10 win of 2020.
Alex Bowman acknowledged how difficult it is to race in Atlanta, as well. The diver of the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at one point was in second place but fell to 20th late in the race coming off pit road. He rallied to finish in 12th.
"We didn’t have the greatest day," Bowman said. "Had some ups and downs. Started really loose and got the car better. I think the track tightened up a little bit after that. We got too tight there and got it freed back up there at the end. We tried some pit strategy which is always good to try, but at least we finished where we ran."
Even though Hendrick Motorsports didn't notch a win in Atlanta, Johnson still received a huge honor - the track named one of it's grandstands after him.
"To have my name be on the grandstands there at the speedway, alongside all the other greats, is just super meaningful to me," he said.