out here in California. There's been great vibes the whole weekend."

Johnson started on the front row at the track where he has won more than any other driver, starting with his first career Cup win in 2002.

The weekend featured several tributes to the seven-time series champion, including a five-wide salute during the warmup laps. Johnson's wife and daughters waved the green flag to start the race.

“It was super special for me,” Johnson said. ‘I’m just grateful to the track."

MISBEHAVIOR

Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin finished sixth after starting at the back when he changed a shock absorber before the start. Hamlin then put Kyle Larson into the wall during the first stage with a bump from behind, and Larson needed significant repairs.

The crew chiefs of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. andRyan Preece were ejected after NASCAR found illegal body modifications on the cars, which had to drop to the rear on the pace laps.

WHO'S HOT

Ryan Blaney is the overall points leader even after finishing 19th at Fontana. He led 54 laps and was in contention to chase down Bowman before he was forced to the pits with three laps left by a tire issue.

Blaney's performance was particularly sweet because it came with his No. 12 Team Penske Ford painted purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant. The Lakers superstar was an early investor in BodyArmor, one of Blaney's sponsors.

WHO'S NOT

Clint Bowyer finished 23rd after starting on the pole. That's a typical hazard at Fontana, where the cars that perform best in qualifying frequently aren't set up to