Well, once again mother nature had to make her presence felt during the Bristol Dirt race weekend. So, while we are all sitting around waiting for the track to get ready for some hopeful truck racers tonight. I figured there wasn’t a better time than now to get this week’s NASCAR Power Rankings out.
The First of Fifteen: Corey Lajoie
So, my first Belly Up Driver of the Week choice hasn’t really panned out thus far. He actually fell off after a bad performance at Richmond. However, while I know Corey wasn’t in the top twenty last weekend he has been consistently out-finishing Daniel Suarez, starting at Atlanta three races ago. This weekend’s race on dirt is a wild card for everyone. Even though Corey has gotten better finishes each of his two times on dirt, anything can and probably will happen tomorrow.
NASCAR Power Rankings 14th-11th
- 14. Chris Buescher
- 13. Ryan Blaney
- 12. Martin Truex Jr.
- 11. Brad Keselowski
Chris has had better runs this season, and pretty consistently so I wasn’t expecting to see a bad run necessarily this past week at Richmond. I knew one was coming soon, however, I expect for some reason for this team to rebound fast, possibly even starting this weekend on the dirt at Bristol.
Ryan has had a rough couple of weeks and has slid down the NASCAR Power Rankings list. Last weekend a speeding penalty cost him possibly a much better finish than what he got but it was like once his car was back there in the pack it couldn’t get past anyone any longer.
Martin Truex Jr., finally I saw what I was expecting a few weeks ago from the nineteen team. Martin ran up front and might’ve won the race if it hadn’t been for William Byron pitting before him and stealing the lead. Plus a late restart on some scuffed tires really hurt Truex late but either way, it was nice to see the veteran up front leading at Richmond.
Brad once again finished and competed in the top ten of a race again last weekend. Which was much needed after his horrible trip to COTA the week before. This team is coming so you better mark my words the six returns to victory lane before this year is up.
The Start of the Top Ten
- 10. Denny Hamlin
- 9. Tyler Reddick
- 8. Joey Logano
- 7. Kevin Harvick
- 6. Christopher Bell
- 5. Alex Bowman
Not a good pit stop for the No. 23 and No. 11 teams. pic.twitter.com/a6eUfBZCxF
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 2, 2023
So, if you’ve been keeping up with my rankings from week to week. First off thank you, secondly you know I’ve been hard on Denny. However, this man lost the race last Sunday, due to no fault of his own. His pit crew cost him the lead with a problem on a right front tire exchange. Once he was back in the pack things just got worse and it was all downhill from there.
Tyler had a rough go at Richmond, but it happens. He still persevered into the top twenty at the end of the race. Which as we all heard that’s a trait of a good race car driver. To take his time and work a bad car into a decent finish. Tyler should rebound this weekend on the dirt but on the dirt, anything can happen and no one knows that better than Tyler probably.
Joey had an average day and sometimes average is okay. Especially when the other guys around you are running average or worse. No need to move Joey down or really up this weekend. The inaugural Bristol dirt winner might shock some this weekend.
Kevin once again carries the Ford camp on his shoulders and it shows with him being the highest-finishing Ford at Richmond.
A closer look. pic.twitter.com/Dm8Q2czwgS
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 2, 2023
Christopher Bell, was up front all day and unfortunately got caught up with William Byron last weekend late. However, this team is again showing why they are one the most consistent Toyota teams this season.
Yeah, I know this team was once again penalized. However, I don’t care Alex is somehow sneaking himself into the top ten and top five late in these races.
Top Four Shake Up in the NASCAR Power Rankings
- 4. Kyle Busch
- 3. Ross Chastain
- 2. Kyle Larson
- 1. William Byron
Rowdy surprisingly struggled at Richmond last weekend. I expected him to be upfront most of the day and even possibly contend for the win. Now this car was in contention for the win last year and Kyle won the race. Could we see a familiar site and Kyle Busch pulling himself into victory lane at Bristol again?
Ross once again knocked on the door of a victory with another podium finish. At this point, it’s more surprising to not see Ross in the top ten at the very lowest each week.
Kyle may have taken advantage of his teammate’s late misfortunes and won the race Sunday. However, if I remember correctly William did the exact same thing to Kyle at Phoenix with some pit strategy. All is fair in love and racing. So, when you win it deserves a jump back up the rankings.
William dominated this race, and just unfortunately was caught up in some late contact with the sixth driver on the power rankings and it cost him potentially the win or at the very least a top-five finish. No change here once again, but we shall see next week. I mean the driver of the five-car is pretty good on dirt after all.
See Ya Next Week Race Fans
We should get to see some racing tomorrow for sure with the rain clearing out. So, hopefully, it will be a good show once again. I know it’s a money-making gimmick but last year’s race was fun for me at the very least to watch. However, you’re not here for that, are you? You’re probably looking for the Belly Up Driver of the week arent you? Well, I can’t let you down. This week as much as I don’t like it too will be rolling with the number fifty-four car.
The rookie Ty Gibbs has finished in the top ten in each of the last three races. He’s progressing and is only going to get better. Now as for this weekend on the dirt, there is no telling how he is going to do, but heading forward keep an eye on the Gibbs boy. If you want some picks on who to choose this weekend well I’m sorry I have no idea about the dirt.
So, take my advice with a grain of salt. I could see your dirt guys up front again much like last year. Forty-five, and fourteen both of those drivers almost won last year. Maybe even a surprise winner again with some dirt experience like Alex Bowman is possible either way just tune in tomorrow for the race. Because I’m sure it will be a good race.
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