NASCAR Power Rankings: Christopher Bell makes early statement

This weekend at COTA, Christopher Bell earned his second win in a row in the Cup Series with a great run in Texas. Outpacing William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and Kyle Busch in the closing laps, Bell made a big statement for this week’s NASCAR Power Rankings.

The last time a driver won back-to-back races in the first three weeks of the season was back in 2018 when Kevin Harvick did it. That year, Harvick won eight races, including three in a row in the first month of the season.

There were many impressive performances this weekend. We saw a resurgence from Busch for instance. A truly great race from him that fell short due to wearing out his right rear. Now let’s get into the NASCAR Power Rankings, which drivers rose and which fell and who went from Not Ranked to the list.

1. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (+2)

Back-to-back wins and Christopher Bell appears to be off to the hottest start in NASCAR. From dirt racing to stock cars, the 2025 season has been massive for Bell so far.

The Atlanta win was due to a last-lap caution and a little bit of lucky timing. However, that run at COTA was a beautiful race. Bell once again appeared from nowhere when it mattered most and won the race.

2. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

Also moving up in the NASCAR Power Rankings, William Byron. He was excellent at Daytona, got wrecked in Atlanta, but COTA was another great run from Byron. The Hendrick driver has really taken to the track.

While he didn’t get the win this season, Byron had a good points day and a P2 finish. Nice, clean racing to the line, no overtimes – it was a great race.

3. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

Things went from bad to worse for Kyle Larson in this race. He had a track limits penalty followed by a loose wheel coming off his car, and finally, he was spun around in the closing laps.

While Larson had a time at COTA, he is still incredibly fast and one of the best drivers in the Cup Series. Expect him to be in the mix this week at Phoenix.

4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-3)

While the results don’t show it at COTA, Ryan Blaney is one of the best drivers in the early going this season. He appears to have a focus and drive this year that he hasn’t had in previous seasons.

Winning that championship in 2023 was major. Now, Blaney is after his second. Phoenix will be a good place for the 12 team to win its first race.

5. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Hanging strong at #5 in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Chase Elliott has shown speed early this year. He won the Clash at Bowman Gray and has had speed each week of the season.

His race at COTA was hurt by a Lap 1 incident, but he still managed a P4 finish. Really impressive race from Elliott and his entire team.

6. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (+1)

Once again, Tyler Reddick had a really impressive performance at COTA. He has been great at the track in the last few years. Reddick started on the pole and brought it home P3.

7. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)

The weekend in Texas could have been worse but it definitely could have been better for Denny Hamlin. Also involved on the Lap 1 incident, Hamlin had right front damage immediately.

Hamlin falls in the NASCAR Power Rankings for his tough outing. But I’m sure he will rise throughout the season with new crew chief Chris Gayle.

8. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing (NR)

How about Kyle Busch?! He almost wheeled his No. 8 RCR Chevy to Victory Lane. That pesky right rear gave up on him late, though.

Had Busch gone to pit road just a few laps later than he did for his final stop, he might have had a chance to win. But in the closing laps that right rear was just too far gone to do much but defend for a P5.

9. Joey Logano – Team Penske (-1)

I’m not ready to give up on Joey Logano as a driver in my NASCAR Power Rankings. The defending champion gets a lot of leeway early in the season.

What I do want to see if Logano be quick at Phoenix. Team Penske is likely considered the favorites to win the championship this year if they get either of their cars to the Championship 4 in Phoenix.

10. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (-1)

I am already liking the new partnership between Bubba Wallace and Charles Denike. Wallace had issues with scoring stage points last year, stage strategy and overall strategy, to be fair.

However, Wallace followed Reddick along in qualifying to lock up the front row. Then Wallace walked away with a stage win and 30 points overall. He is 6th in points and one point out of a multi-driver tie for fourth overall.