Jimmie Johnson was off to a terrific start in the Chase for the Sprint Cup's first race. He was in good company.
Hendrick Motorsports seemed to have something going because Chase Elliott was running second after 120 laps. And Alex Bowman, again replacing Dale Earnhardt Jr., was cranking out laps in the top 10 as well.
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Sunday's race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., began the Cup championship series. There are 16 contenders in the first three-race round; a winner advances to the second round.