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Fast forward: Six keys to NASCAR Sprint Cup Atlanta race – USA TODAY

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Denny Hamlin spoke with USA TODAY Sports about winning the 2016 Daytona 500.
USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Daytona 500 is in the rearview, what are some key storylines to watch for the next Sprint Cup stop, at Atlanta Motor Speedway this Sunday? USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Olson takes a look:

The Daytona hangover. Seldom do drivers follow a Daytona 500 victory with another the next week, and Denny Hamlin is facing a doubling down of difficulty: Going from a restrictor plate track to a 1.5-mile oval and the introduction of a lower downforce rules package that’s likely to require some adjustment. Matt Kenseth, in 2009, was the last driver to follow up a win in the Daytona 500 with a victory in the second race of the season (at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.)

New package. It’s designed to return the art of driving to the drivers, and their response has been positive. The changes involve a smaller spoiler, smaller front leading splitter edge and smaller radiator pan. That creates less downforce, resulting in less throttle time and slower corner speeds. It’s expected to affect tire wear and reinvigorate pit strategy.

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Kevin Harvick. He was a key player in Sunday’s finish and the fastest Chevrolet driver. He’s also historically strong at Atlanta, especially recently, even if wins there have been elusive. He finished second last year, and has top-10 finishes in eight of the last 11 races.

Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and JGR. The new format was tested last year at Kentucky Speedway and Darlington Raceway, where Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards were victorious. Fresh from a dominating performance at Daytona, expect more from the team and Toyota.

USA TODAY

Gluck: Joe Gibbs Racing tastes thrill of victory, agony of defeat

Hendrick bounceback. Sunday was a Daytona to forget for Hendrick Motorsports. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was favored to win but crashed out and finished 36th. The team’s best finish was unusually poor: Kasey Kahne’s 13th-place effort. Expect a recovery at Atlanta, where Jimmie Johnson and Kahne have won the past two times.

Weather. Atlanta always seems to offer something unexpected. Sure, early forecasts are calling for a stellar weekend —mid to high 60s with bright sunshine throughout — but, as we know, that could change.

Follow Olson on Twitter @jeffolson77