NASCAR Power Rankings: Brickyard 400 solidifies top drivers before Olympic break
When it comes to the NASCAR Power Rankings, the Brickyard 400 did nothing but confirm who our top drivers are. We’ve got a small bit of shuffling in the top half of the rankings, and two new members to our top-10.
At this point in the season, drivers have made their cases. There are only four more races to go until the NASCAR Playoffs begin. Then, the real fight begins.
Indianapolis was entertaining, there was controversy, and now we have a new leader in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Not much else you could ask for out of the weekend.
1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)
The winner from this weekend, Kyle Larson is the first to four victories in 2024. That goes a long way for the NASCAR Power Rankings.
Larson and his frenemy Denny Hamlin are in a hotly contested battle for best driver on the season. However, Larson will likely end up with the regular season championship.
2. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)
Denny Hamlin was in the mix all day at Indianapolis until the first overtime. Hamlin was caught up in the John Hunter Nemechek wreck.
While Hamlin didn’t get the finish he deserved, it showed that this team has speed. If they avoid mistakes, they might have a shot at a championship.
3. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)
Once again, Tyler Reddick is in the top-5. Eight top-10 finishes in the last nine races with five of those being top-5 finishes.
Reddick has let a few races slip away. If he can close out races moving forward and into the playoffs, he is going to be a championship threat.
4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-)
Defending champion Ryan Blaney had a shot at winning. He was a little upset after the race with how things played out in overtime and double overtime.
However, Blaney gets another top-5 finish and is showing why he is the top Ford driver in the Cup Series. Overall, this has been a strong season for Blaney.
5. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
The final driver to remain in place in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Elliott has been the quiet one this season with only a single win.
However, Elliott is consistent and in contention for the regular season championship. He will try to get that job done before the NASCAR Playoffs.
6. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (+2)
Up and down, that is Christopher Bell this season. Right now he’s up, but we all know how that can change quickly.
Joe Gibbs Racing has had mechanical issues, specifically engine issues lately. Bell avoided that this week, but it’s always a possibility.
7. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)
I’m not sure what it is about William Byron and the summer. But I do know he lost another spot this week in the NASCAR Power Rankings.
Byron has three wins, but he hasn’t had one in a long time. He won all of his races in the first two months of the season and hasn’t had a win since Martinsville.
8. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)
With the win at Chicago and strong Pocono race, I can’t fault Alex Bowman much. His team worked hard to get to the front of the field in a less-than-ideal car.
However, Bowman ended up wrecked out of the race before the second overtime. I’d like to see this team rebound.
9. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (NR)
The last eight races have been solid for Bubba Wallace. His DNF at New Hampshire was not great, but he has bounced back in a big way.
Nashville, Pocono, and Indy were all top-10 finishes. Wallace is trying to run down the final spot in the playoffs right now.
10. Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports (NR)
For the first time this season, Todd Gilliland is in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Besides one DNF, Gilliland has finished no worse than 17th in 11 races. That goes back to Kansas.
P6 at Indianapolis is a season-best finish and the fourth top-10 of the year, second in three weeks. Gilliland leads Michael McDowell in points, taking on the role of the face of Front Row Motorsports.