In a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600, is there anything that we can take away from the weekend as far as the NASCAR Power Rankings go? Judging things based on the 373.5 miles that we saw on the track on Sunday, there are a few changes this week.
The NASCAR Power Rankings here at 5GOATs took a week off during the All-Star Race week. There really isn’t anything to parse from the North Wilkesboro race, especially with the different tires and the rules surrounding the event.
This week, fresh off of the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, there are a few changes. That includes one driver being kicked from the rankings entirely and another coming back into the fold. Let’s get into it.
1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
Qualifying P5 in the Indy 500 is enough for me to keep Kyle Larson here. He didn’t turn a lap in the Coca-Cola 600 due to weather but he’s clearly the most talented driver in the field.
Until this team starts to bring slow cars to the track, others outperform them on a regular basis, or the DNF monster comes to bite Larson again – I’m sticking with Yung Money, even if he lost the points lead.
2. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)
Three wins on the season and Denny Hamlin keeps running up front. Four top-5 finishes in a row dating back to his Dover win. That is impressive.
Hamlin is consistent, he is fast each week. He finished P2 last year at Gateway, another win could be on the horizon.
3. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
A good week for William Byron as he finished P3 at 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 doing a lot for him as well.
4. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
To round out the unchanging top-four in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Chase Elliott retains his spot. P7 on the night with a decent amount of points, Elliott keeps showing up and putting down fast laps.
Among the Hendrick “Big 3” Elliott is the most quiet and arguably most consistent right now. It feels weird to say but he’s a sneaky pick for champion right now. I like him laying low.
5. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing (+3)
I’m moving Brad up because he has been doing a great job lately. Four top-5 finishes, including the Darlington win, in the last six races and he isn’t showing signs of letting up.
If Keselowski falters at Gateway and Sonoma, we may have to revisit this. But right now, the 6 team is showing up with speed.
6. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)
Five straight top-10 finishes from Alex Bowman, but no winning speed to speak of, really. We don’t know what might 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 him to fall much further unless the floor comes out from under this 48 team.
7. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)
For the 23XI Racing camp, last night was tough. That race ending early was bad news for Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. Each had speed and a chance at a top-5.
Reddick did earn a P4 finish. He is getting back to his usual ways and that is good for his team. He has to be consistent in this summer stretch 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)
Another driver I worry about as far as winning speed goes – Martin Truex Jr. Finishes of P25 and P12 in the last two races are not helping his case, either.
This is recency bias, but I’m worried about seeing a season like 2022 again from this 19 team. This next stretch of three races 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 now on the year, I have to have him on this list. Consistency has been a major problem, but maybe that is starting to change now.
The summer months are very critical for this team as well. Sink or swim heading towards the playoffs. Unless he pulls another great run out from his firesuit – Bell loves the pressure.
10. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)
I am leaving Ty Gibbs here because I think he had a good performance at Charlotte. Pole award and a strong race until it was called off.
Gibbs is young and has a lot to learn, but his raw speed and talent are all there. He has a real chance at spoiling the playoffs for a number of other drivers if he starts to win some races in the next few weeks.
Ryan Blaney out of NASCAR Power Rankings
So, the defending NASCAR champion has fallen from my Power Rankings for the first time this season I believe. At least the first time since he made an appearance. That is because of a lack of consistency lately.
The DNF last night was the final straw. There was just no more justifying having Blaney there. He could totally turn things around and compete for another championship, but right now Team Penske does not look like the defending back-to-back champions.
