AVONDALE, Ariz. -- After 75 laps Sunday afternoon, Hendrick Motorsports' two playoff contenders are inside the top 10 at Phoenix Raceway.
Chase Elliott led the way at the end of Stage 1, finishing third and leading 14 laps in the segment. He earned eight extra points for the effort.
Jimmie Johnson joined him inside the top 10 with a 10th-place finish at the end of Stage 1. That result earned him one extra point.
Both teammates are looking for a win to advance to the Championship 4. Non-playoff driver Kyle Larson ended Stage 1 in the lead.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne finished Stage 1 in 19th and 25th, respectively.
Stage 2 will consist of another 75 laps before a final, 162-lap segment.