The Round of 12 is solidified, and we have a new batch of NASCAR Power Rankings this week ahead of Loudon, New Hampshire. Can anyone put a stop to the Toyota and, specifically, Joe Gibbs Racing domination? That remains to be seen.
12 drivers in the Playoffs but only 10 spots in the NASCAR Power Rankings. We are going to have to make some hard decisions here, folks.
Will we see the same drivers who have been great continue their strong runs? Was Gateway more of a Loudon preview than many give it credit? Let’s get into these rankings before we fully focus on the next race ahead.
1. Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing (+1)
P1, P2, and P9. No other driver in the Round of 16, playoff or not, had three straight top-10s in the first three races. Chase Briscoe has been fantastic lately and that is only going to continue.
Give the fact this is James Small’s team and he was so good at New Hampshire with Martin Truex Jr., I think Briscoe is likely a threat to win again. Could he be on the fast track to the championship?
2. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (+1)
This season has been a quietly great one for Ryan Blaney. The seven DNFs really muddy the waters, but he’s been on top of his game since Dover.
Only one finish worse than P8 since then, and coming off back-to-back top-five finishes, Blaney looks poised to become a two-time champ.
3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)