Prior to the 2nd stage starting, however, there would be drama for stage one winner Kevin Harvick of the No. 4 Jimmy John’s Ford, who was forced to the back of the pack after having to return to pit row following issues with his team’s air gun. Taking advantage and moving to the lead for the start of the second stage was Keselowski who would move to the front of the pack coming out of pit row.
Keselowski would retain his lead as the green flag would drop, but on lap 100 Kurt Busch of the No. 41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford would make a run and take the lead on the early laps of the stage.
Kevin Harvick would recover from his between stages issue, fighting his way back into the race and retaking pole position on lap 125 from Kurt Busch. The impressive recovery continues Harvick’s great weekend in Atlanta following his Saturday Xfinity Series victory at the Rinnai 250.
The caution flag would raise though on lap 158, as seven-time Monster Energy Cup Series champion Jimmy Johnson would spin out in turn two with a blown right front tire. This presented an opportunity for Keselowski, who would win the race off of pit row to take the lead from Harvick with 11 laps left in the stage.
Keselowski would keep his lead for the remaining laps to win stage two, with Kurt Busch in 2nd and his brother Kyle Busch of the No. 18 Snickers Almond Toyota in 3rd behind the lead as the field heads into the final stage.