But how much should we credit or punish drivers in the NASCAR Power Rankings this week?
However, it’s time to move on to Dover, but not until we get through this top-10 NASCAR Power Rankings list.
William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-) Even though he was not mentioned much at Talladega, the three-win driver came away with another top-10 finish.
Byron remains atop the NASCAR Power Rankings for staying steady.
The only reason why Chase Elliott gets knocked down a spot in the NASCAR Power Rankings is because Reddick won.
Dover was the first win of the season for Truex Jr. in 2023, will he claim a win this weekend?
Bell is fast, he belongs on the NASCAR Power Rankings.
Wallace maintains a spot in the NASCAR Power Rankings for at least one more week.
A crazy weekend in Talladega leaves us with plenty to ponder. However, given that most drivers consider Dega to be a crapshoot and that Sunday’s finish was no different, how much should we reward or penalize drivers in the NASCAR Power Rankings this week?
As Brad Keselowski made a poor block and Michael McDowell crossed his nose, Tyler Reddick managed to maintain his lead. The 34 was able to slow down Keselowski and Noah Gragson just enough. Reddick walked right by and took the checkered flag from under their nose.
The fuel-saving wasn’t as exciting as the finish. Maybe the problem could be solved with a change to the stages or with no breaks between them. But before we get through this list of the top 10 NASCAR Power Rankings, it’s time to move on to Dover.
1. William Byron is the owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
The driver with three victories finished in the top ten at Talladega despite receiving little attention. This results in five consecutive top-10 placings, with two victories during that span.
Byron kept a low key. Byron continues to lead the NASCAR Power Rankings for maintaining consistency. He’s already won at a superspeedway this season, so what more does he need to win?
2. The Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson (-).
Until I am certain that someone else is consistently faster, Kyle Larson will stay here. Yes, Larson has more incidents on the track than the teammate of Hendrick who is ranked higher than him.
Larson had yet another weekend to forget at Talladega. Still, it’s a positive that he avoided a significant collision like he did the previous year. Still in the lead in terms of points as well.
Three. Tyler Reddick, rider for 23XI Racing (+2).
Tyler Reddick emerged victorious from the weekend, demonstrating both raw talent and speed to rival Byron and Larson. When the chips are down, will his pit crew be able to keep him in a good position?
Reddick will benefit from the next six races. Following Dover, Kansas, Darlington, and Charlotte all in quick succession is a surefire recipe for success for this 23XI squad. Seven top-10 placings in eight events, five of which were consecutive.
4. Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott (-1).
not quite taking a step back. In the NASCAR Power Rankings, Reddick’s victory is the only thing that causes Chase Elliott to drop one spot. This season, Reddick has also shown greater consistency.
Right now, Chase is starting to come into his own. When he enters the upcoming summer stretch, I believe he has the potential to flourish greatly.
5. -1) Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing.
Denny Hamlin’s poor performance at Talladega was partially responsible for the Toyota disaster that resulted from their undercutting of the field. Still, his driver prevailed!
Nevertheless, he struggled on the track. Once more, Reddick’s victory is the only reason he is moving now. Even though Hamlin has already won two games this season, he still needs to improve each week.
6. Martin Truex, Jr. – Racing Joe Gibbs (-).
Martin Truex Jr. is beginning to worry me a little bit. His season is beginning to resemble his season from 2022 rather uncannily. However, it also appears to be similar to how his season began to begin last year.
Truex Jr.’s season-opening victory came at Dover. Truex is in good position in terms of points, but he needs to have better finishes than he has had recently. Will he win this weekend in 2023?
7. Team Penske (+1)’s Ryan Blaney.
I just can’t give up on Ryan Blaney just yet. He needs to get better, though, or he might not make it into my top 10. While he was hot at first, the reigning champion has now cooled.
For now, Blaney is still essentially representing Ford as a whole. His performance on the 1.5-mile ovals is usually good, so let’s see if he can find his groove on the intermediate tracks that are approaching.
8. The Joe Gibbs Racing team’s Christopher Bell (+1).
In a clean race overall, Christopher Bell was eliminated by an unfortunate accident. He’s remained in the top-10 all season thanks to his victory in Phoenix and his general speed.
Not much to draw from Talladega. Bell should be listed in the NASCAR Power Rankings because he is so fast. That is, until I decide differently.
9. Hendrick Motorsports (NR)’s Alex Bowman.
Could it be true that Alex Bowman finished in the top five? Yes, Bowman crossed the P5 line following the carnage of the Sunday finish.
Now that the season is halfway through, Bowman has tied for the most top-5 finishes in the Cup Series. In the upcoming weeks, let’s see if he can settle into a routine.
10. 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace (-).
I’m going to keep Bubba Wallace here because I don’t think anybody else belongs here. Although Brad Keselowski has presented his case, I hope to hear more from him.
Wallace stays on top of the NASCAR Power Rankings for a minimum of one more week. After Dover, that might very well alter.
