NASCAR Power Rankings: Kyle Larson flexes at Homestead-Miami

A very busy tripleheader weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway has led to a new top driver in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Six races into the season and we have had four different winners. Going to Martinsville, who are the top drivers?

When was the last time the beginning of the NASCAR season was as exciting as this one? It has been good race after good race this year. Really, there hasn’t been a bad race. Bad officiating, yes. Bad racing, no.

With Martinsville and Darlington coming up, we should have two more great races. It is a feast for race fans.

1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

Winning two of three races on his attempt to sweep the weekend, Kyle Larson reminded everyone why he is considered the best in the sport. In his comfort zone at Homestead-Miami, he was fantastic.

Larson has three straight top-10 finishes and looks to be rounding into form. Could he go back-to-back with a win at Martinsville?

2. William Byron- Hendrick Motorsports (-)

William Byron gets to stay put in the NASCAR Power Rankings. He had good speed on Sunday but a late mistake cost him the finish he should have had.

While Byron has only won once this season, he could easily win a bunch in a hurry. Every week that team has speed.

3. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)

After a hot start, ChristopherBell has cooled off a bit. P29 at Homestead was a bit puzzling, though.

It wouldn’t shock me if Bell bounced back in the next few weeks and won again. But after Homestead, I’m a little suspicious of the 20 team.

4. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)

The only driver with five top-10 finishes this season, Alex Bowman has been fantastic. He is third in points and had a real shot to win on Sunday. Kyle Larson happened to be in the race, after all.

Things are looking up for Bowman right now. If he can get a win soon he could move up further in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

5. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing (+1)

This season has been quietly good for Chris Buescher. He finds himself with another top-10 after Homestead-Miami.

Right now, Buescher is carrying RFK Racing. For that, he moves up in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

6. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (+1)

124 laps up front and a blown engine to show for it. Ryan Blaney had a tough end to his race at Homestead-Miami once again. What will it take for this guy to win?

Even with his third straight DNF, the speed was unreal for Blaney and the 12 team. He gets to move up this week.

7. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-3)

A big drop for Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Power Rankings because I really don’t trust that this team has the edge they need to win. Where is that speed his teammates seem to have?

I’m not sure if Elliott is being overly cautious in races or if they are lacking that extra bit they need to take the next step. Either way, Elliott is dropping this week.

8. Josh Berry – Wood Brothers Racing (+1)

Had Joey Logano not collided with Josh Berry on pit road, the 21-car might be looking at its third straight top-5 finish. Instead, they fought to finish P17 at Homestead.

Wood Brothers Racing with Berry going to Martinsville and Darlington has me excited. We could get another special performance two from Berry.

9. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Denny Hamlin is staying put in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Mostly because I’m not sure what to think of this team right now.

They won a stage and finished P5 on Sunday. Still, I’d like to see more consistency before moving Hamlin up in the rankings.

10. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)

While Bubba Wallace led the day for 23XI Racing, I still like what I see from this 45 team. Tyler Reddick stays in the NASCAR Power Rankings for another week.

Reddick is the defending regular-season champion. He is currently fourth in points. Could he pick up his first win of the season at Martinsville?