The “Track Too Tough to Tame” or “The Lady in Black” either way you know I’m talking about Darlington. We had the opening race of the Cup Series playoffs this past Saturday night and it didn’t disappoint. The drama was high immediately especially for a lot of drivers on these NASCAR Power Rankings. So, I don’t think we should wait any longer, let’s see where your favorite driver lands this week!
NASCAR Power Rankings Opening Five
- 15. Kevin Harvick
Could Kevin have won Saturday night? Possibly, but either way, you have to admit that was some horrible timing and luck for Kevin. Either way though, it was a good showing early for this team but we shall see how Kansas treats the fifteenth driver on this NASCAR Power Rankings list.
- 14. Joey Logano
A twelfth-place finish to open the playoffs isn’t great, but it’s not as bad as some of the other playoff drivers finished. It was a quiet race for Joey, but I see you, Mr. Logano.
- 13. Ross Chastain
Just what this team needed. Was I surprised they ran so well? No, because they had a strong showing in the spring before the Kyle Larson incident occurred. It’s not too late to start showing everything you have, if anything it’s probably the best time. Not to mention they had a top-five finish at Kansas in the spring.
- 12. Chase Elliott
Another consistent drive for Chase Elliott. I expect nothing less anymore. Even though they aren’t in the playoffs I can see this car robbing playoff drivers of top-ten finishes each week but when will that win come? Or will it come this year?
- 11. Bubba Wallace
Bubba had a phenomenal weekend at Darlington. The problem with that is though it’s the playoffs and everyone else did too for the most part. Keep an eye on this team though especially this weekend at Kansas.
Not So Mid-Pack Drivers
- 10. Christopher Bell
One of the drivers who didn’t really have a great opening weekend to the playoffs. I just don’t know if it was bad enough to fall out of the top ten just yet. I’m going to see how Kansas goes for them.
- 9. Tyler Reddick
Good run for Tyler and they are headed to a track where this team went to victory lane last year with teammate Bubba Wallace and Kurt Busch. Safe to say they are decent in Kansas. Will they stay on the mistake-free path though?
- 8. Brad Keselowski
Besides Kevin Harvick, he is the only other driver who pointed his way into the playoffs. It’s safe to say consistency is something this team has pride in and grabbing a top ten is a good way to start the playoffs.
- 7. Ryan Blaney
After the hit he took in Daytona, I’m sure a top-ten finish was more than welcome for Ryan. This team has got to keep knocking those out though or he’s at serious risk of being eliminated early in the playoffs.
- 6. Kyle Busch
I thought they would be a bit stronger at Darlington, but it wasn’t a bad day. It’s playoff time though and it’s not good enough to just not have a bad day.
The Top Five
- 5. Denny Hamlin
I’m not sure what happened but Denny was strong winning stages one and two. Before he thought he had a loose wheel, and then the crew not seeing any evidence of said loose wheel. Once he was behind the eight ball though his day was over.
- 4. Kyle Larson
The one that has escaped Kyle Larson no longer escaped. This was a solid win for this team and arguably the best crew chief and driver combo in the garage. Watch out if this is when they have decided to turn it back on.
- 3. Martin Truex Jr.
A lot like Denny and Christopher Bell it was just a rough race at Darlington. He finished 18th but thankfully he’s got those bonus points from being the regular season champion.
- 2. Chris Buescher
So far so good. Another top-three finish to keep the fire burning with this driver and team. Kansas is up next and they didn’t have too good of a result in the spring so will they bring the speed back this time?
- 1. William Byron
Kind of what Willy B has done all season is exactly what he has done at Darlington. He grabbed a top-five finish when he couldn’t win, and stayed out of trouble. William still needs to go out and show some he’s “got that dawgg in him” as Pat McAfee would say. Maybe he will do it this week?
NASCAR Power Rankings Wrap-Up & Kansas
I knew this was going to become more and more tough each week the season progressed. I didn’t however think it would be this difficult, With it being the playoffs these guys have turned their performances to the max. So, even the smallest of mistakes not only cost them a good day at the track but possibly a chance at a championship. It’ll be interesting to watch this week at Kansas and see if those drivers who did struggle last week can rebound.
Kansas is a mile and a half in distance, and Aero will probably play a lot into who is the best. With that being said keep this in mind if you are looking for some NASCAR Fantasy Picks or last-second drivers to place a bet on. In the last ten years, there have been twenty-one total races in the cup series at Kansas. A Toyota driver has gone to victory lane in ten of those races, and four of the last five. Toyota is really good as a team here. I’ll leave you with the decision of drivers though.
The Hollywood Casino 400 will be on USA Network and the green flag is set to drop around 3 PM Eastern. So tune in!
Featured Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
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