In a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600, is there anything we can take away from the weekend as far as the NASCAR Power Rankings go? Judging by the 373.5 miles we saw on the track on Sunday, there are some changes this week.
The NASCAR Power Rankings here at 5GOATs took a week off during All-Star Race week. There’s really nothing to analyze from the North Wilkesboro race, especially with the different tires and rules surrounding the event.
This week, fresh out of the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, there are some changes. That includes one driver being kicked out of the standings entirely and another returning to the fold. Let’s get into it.
1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
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Qualifying P5 in the Indy 500 is enough to keep Kyle Larson here. He didn’t do a lap in the Coca-Cola 600 due to weather, but he’s clearly the most talented driver of the group.
Until this team starts bringing slow cars to the track, others regularly pass them, or the dropout monster comes back to bite Larson: I’ll stick with Yung Money, even if he lost the points lead.
2. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Keynote USA Sports
Three wins this season and Denny Hamlin is still in the lead. Four top-5 finishes in a row since his win at Dover. That is amazing.
Hamlin is consistent, he’s fast every week. He finished P2 last year at Gateway, another win could be on the horizon.
3. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Keynote USA Sports
A good week for William Byron, who finished third in Charlotte. After P33 at Dover and P23 at Kansas, I got a little worried about Byron.
In the last two weeks, he has bounced back with a P6 and P3 finish. Those three wins are also doing a lot for him.
4. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Keynote USA Sports
Rounding out the consistent top four in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Chase Elliott retains his spot. P7 on the night with a decent amount of points, Elliott continues to show up and set fast laps.
Among Hendrick’s “Big 3,” Elliott is the calmest and arguably the most consistent right now. It feels strange to say it, but right now he’s a sneak pick for champion. I like that it goes unnoticed.
5. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing (+3)
Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Keynote USA Sports
I’m promoting Brad because he’s been doing a great job lately. Four top 5 finishes, including the win at Darlington, in the last six races and he shows no signs of letting up.
If Keselowski fails at Gateway and Sonoma, we may have to revisit this. But right now, Team 6 is appearing with speed.
6. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)
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Five consecutive top 10 finishes from Alex Bowman, but there’s really no winning speed to speak of. We don’t know what could have happened in the full 600 miles, but I’m skeptical of Bowman’s ability to win.
Dropping one spot this week in the NASCAR Power Rankings. However, I don’t expect it to drop much further unless the floor comes out from under this 48 team.
7. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)
Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Keynote USA Sports
For the 23XI Racing camp, last night was difficult. Having the race end early was bad news for Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. Each one had speed and a chance to be in the top five.
Reddick achieved a fourth place finish. He’s getting back on track and that’s good for his team. He has to be consistent this summer or he will lose touch with the leaders. He’s safe in the NASCAR Power Rankings, for now.
8. Martin Truex Jr. – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)
Peter Casey-Keynote USA Sports
Another driver I’m concerned about when it comes to speed to win: Martin Truex Jr. P25 and P12 finishes in the last two races don’t help his case either.
This is a recency bias, but I’m worried about seeing a season like 2022 again with this 19 team. This next three-race stretch should be good for Truex, I’d like to see improvement.
9. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (NR)
Back in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Christopher Bell! Two wins this year, I have to have him on this list. Consistency has been a major issue, but perhaps that is starting to change now.
The summer months are also very critical for this team. Sink or swim heading to the playoffs. Unless he makes another big run in his fire suit, Bell loves the pressure.
10. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)
Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Keynote USA Sports
I’m leaving Ty Gibbs here because I think he had a good performance in Charlotte. Pole prize and strong race until he was suspended.
Gibbs is young and has a lot to learn, but his speed and talent are there. He has a real chance to ruin the playoffs for other drivers if he starts winning some races in the coming weeks.
Ryan Blaney out of NASCAR Power Rankings
So, I think the defending NASCAR champion has fallen from my Power Rankings for the first time this season. At least the first time since he showed up. This is due to a lack of consistency lately.
Last night’s abandonment was the last straw. There was simply no more justification for having Blaney there. He could totally turn things around and compete for another championship, but right now Team Penske doesn’t look like the back-to-back defending champions.
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