California thoughts and observations

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner, its been a busy week.

Jimmie Johnson dominated Sunday's race at the Auto Club Speedway, leading 228 of the 250 laps to win the Pepsi 500. He was followed to the line by Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth.

Thoughts and observations

Johnson was hardly challenged during Sunday's race. The 228 laps that he led are a proof of that. About the only time he was passed was on pit road where Greg Biffle's crew consistently beat the No. 48 team. It ended up not mattering since Johnson's car was far too strong for Biffle to beat.

I was a little disappointed in the Red Bull Racing team of Brian Vickers and AJ Allmendinger. I honestly thought one of those two teams were going to have something for Jimmie Johnson. Guess I was wrong.

Carl Edwards finished ahead of Kyle Busch Sunday, by one position. Again. This is becoming a pattern.

I swear, this year couldn't get much worse for Kurt Busch. He keeps having awful luck and Sunday was no exception with that blown tire relegating him to a 39th place finish, his ninth finish of 30th or worse this season.

David Reutimann did a great job on Sunday keeping his car in tune with the track and bringing the car home a strong 9th. Very impressive to say the least.

Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle are going to win this year, mark my words.

The race for the 12th and final chase spot is going to be a tight one. Clint Bowyer leads David Ragan by only 12 points and Kasey Kahne is also lurking back in 14th place, only 48 points out of 12th. I really feel like this could be a toss up. Ragan finished third at Richmond in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 only one year ago while just this spring Clint Bowyer won at Richmond. It's anyone's guess as to who will make the chase.

The one positive for AJ Allmendinger after Sunday's race was it catapulted the No. 84 Toyota from 36th in the Owner Point's to 31st. It's the highest the No. 84 team has ever been in the Sprint Cup Owner's standings to date. Meanwhile, Sam Hornish Jr. and the No. 77 team now is forced to qualify for this weekend's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond.