The NASCAR Playoffs are officially here, and a few of us touched on the playoffs Tuesday night on our Racing Super Show. Just because the playoffs are here though, doesn’t mean I get to stop updating these NASCAR Power Rankings just yet.
NASCAR Power Rankings: 15th to 11th
- 15. Ross Chastain
Since winning Nashville earlier this season Ross and his team have one top-ten finish. It doesn’t leave me feeling extremely confident heading into Darlington, even if he did show some speed here earlier in the season.
- 14. Kevin Harvick
The veteran in his last season made it into the playoffs, so he started by grabbing a top-ten at Daytona last weekend. We are at Darlington, and Kevin knows how to win at the “lady in black” with three career victories in his stent with SHR.
- 13. Joey Logano
In the Belly Up Racing Supershow this past Tuesday night, my man Rattlesnake from Chairgatin said something like Don’t ever count Joey out. I will admit he has been trending up in the last two races. So we shall see, and much like Harvick Logano too knows how to get to victory lane in Darlington.
- 12. Chase Elliott
My driver didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in his career. However, he’s been back in and around the top five consistently these last few weeks. I think he is for sure going to upset the playoff drivers at least once before the season ends.
- 11. Bubba Wallace
Man, the Bubba haters are loving the fact he made it into the playoffs this season right? Shut up already, Bubba is here to stay whether you like it or not and this man did enough to secure his spot in the playoffs in a stretch where he easily could’ve been knocked out of said playoffs.
Start of The Top 10
- 10. Tyler Reddick
Daytona wasn’t a good way to end the regular season I guess you could say. However, Tyler was in the top ten at both of the two prior races. This team can compete that’s not the problem which is it can they stay out of their own way?
- 9. Brad Keselowski
This team as a whole has been impressive as of late. I think Brad can easily grab a win before the end of the season if the cards keep falling their way.
- 8. Ryan Blaney
Ryan has kind of been quiet lately. You haven’t heard too much bad or good from this team. With the playoffs starting I’m not so sure that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Ryan and his team could shock some if they get the speed in this car.
- 7. Christopher Bell
He’s been a lot like Ryan, quiet. Now will him being too quiet though bite him like it could Ryan? I guess you better tune in later tonight to see how Bell starts the playoffs I mean he did win the pole.
- 6. Kyle Larson
He’s Kyle Larson. Has he had the wins this season like he had last, no. Can he still win this championship, yes. Can they minimalize those weekends where they finish outside the top twenty though is the real question?
The Top Five
- 5. Kyle Busch
Kyle had another good showing at Daytona, and I expect them to be at least somewhat competitive again tonight at Darlington.
- 4. Denny Hamlin
In the last six races, this team has finished outside the top three, twice. Yes, you read that top three. Denny is in the top five of these NASCAR Power Rankings for a reason, he can and will grab a win before the season’s end.
- 3. Chris Buescher
Is this the hottest team rolling into the playoffs right now? I could agree with that statement, but how long can you keep the hot streak going? Either way, Chris, and his team have been nothing but competitive the last five races, with winning three of the five.
- 2. William Byron
Five wins, a career-best for Willy B. It’s been an awesome season for William. Grabbing a win at Watkins Glen right before the playoffs start can do nothing but propel this team.
- 1. Martin Truex Jr.
Before Daytona, Martin and his team were riding a six-race top-ten finish streak. They didn’t have a good spring race at Darlington but a lot of things have changed for this team since that race.
Wrap Up Time
The Southern 500, is a crown jewel race. Anyone who has ever been anyone within the sport of NASCAR wants to win this race or has won it. If you’re looking for some drivers to watch well. The obvious choices are all in the top five of these NASCAR Power Rankings. If you are looking for maybe a sleeper pick, keep an eye on drivers 12th through 15th. Any of those guys can easily drive into victory lane tonight if the race falls the way they need it to fall.
The race will be on USA Network tonight and the green flag is set to wave around 6 PM EST. I love Darlington, so I know I’ll be watching.
Featured Image Credit: Logan Riely / Getty Images.
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