LONG POND, Pa. – The first 50 laps are complete at Pocono Raceway and the Hendrick Motorsports teammates are led by Jimmie Johnson.
After starting 19th, Johnson swiftly navigated his way through the field for a fifth-place Stage 1 finish. He received six points from the stage finish.
Chase Elliott, who started in 25th, took the green-checkered flag right behind Johnson in sixth and picked up five bonus points.
Kasey Kahne started the race in 26th and spent the stage working his way into the top 15. He finished Stage 1 in 12th.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the green flag at the "Tricky Triangle" from the rear of the field due to switching an engine in practice. Earnhardt battled his hot brakes in Stage 1 and finished the stage in 17th.
Kyle Busch won the stage.
Stage 2 will consist of another 50 laps before a final 60-lap segment.