We’ve been pretty lucky now for two weeks in a row. Kansas obviously showed out as one of if not the best race thus far this season. Then these Cup Series drivers went to Darlington and showed out again. So, before the All-Star race this weekend, where I’m sure we will see some action when these guys compete for a million bucks. I must update the 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings once again. As always, make sure you let me know who is too high or too low. I love a good NASCAR conversation.
The Beginning Of The Top 15
- 15. Brad Keselowski
What an awesome freaking race by Brad and his team. Then when he thought he was out of it to get to capitalize on someone else’s mistake and grab the victory. Awesome win for Brad heading into All-Star weekend. Plus he jumped back into the top fifteen of these 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings.
- 14. Noah Gragson
A 14th place finish at Darlington isn’t quite what we have gotten use to seeing out of this guy. However it’s nothing to frown about and we will see how his next points race goes in two weekends.
- 13. Kyle Busch
It was a forgettable day at Darlington for Kyle. I’m sure he’s looking forward to Charlotte though considering he’s got the best finishing average in the last three Charlotte races.
- 12. Ty Gibbs
It’s been a rough stretch of races for Ty but a second place finish at Darlington should be just what they need to get things turned around.
- 11. Ross Chastain
Another finish to not really brag about but definitely nothing to cry about at Darlington. He can go have some fun this weekend but definitely needs to start Coca-Cola 600 preparation early considering he has no top ten finishes in one of the sports crown jewel races.
The Middle of The 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings
- 10. Christopher Bell
He had a very “underwhelming” day at Darlington finishing thirteenth. Yes, it’s still a top fifteen but I think everyone else has definitely expected more out of this team since the win back in Phoenix.
- 9. Bubba Wallace
Bubba broke his bad three race streak with a top ten at Darlington. He finished fourth in the six hundred mile race at Charlotte, and he definitely should be a driver to watch for sure heading forward he’s having a career year thus far.
- 8. Martin Truex Jr.
His day was never the same after being caught up in an accident on lap 129 Sunday. He will definitely look to continue his streak though at Charlotte in a few weeks where he finished 3rd last year and 12th the year before.
- 7. Alex Bowman
Alex, is being kind of the quiet competitor this year. Yes he hasn’t grabbed win yet but I think it’s coming especially considering he grabbed his seventh top ten finish in the last nine races this past weekend at Darlington. The real question is does the win come before the playoffs.
- 6. Tyler Reddick
I mean yeah I know you’re racing for the win but with ten to go come on. You had at least nine more laps before trying that risk it all move. At least Tyler was man enough to admit it was a mistake though and apologize. Keep an eye on them at Charlotte for sure though and even this weekend for the All Star race.
The Top Five
- 5. Chase Elliott
A 12th place finish at Darlington is a bit lower than I think a lot of people expected for Chase. He struggled a lot of the day with the car it seemed to grab a top fifteen finish I’m sure he and his team will gladly take.
- 4. Ryan Blaney
An early exit to this past race definitely didn’t do him any favors. I think it was a racing incident though and that sucks. Either way Ryan can go “cut loose” this weekend and then head to Charlotte with some confidence knowing he should be competitive.
- 3. William Byron
A very aggressive early move took some competitors out. He was able though to grab a sixth place finish and lock down some confidence as well heading into this weekend All-Star race.
- 2. Denny Hamlin
Kaleb’s choice for best driver thus far, and I can’t disagree the argument could easily be made for him to be numero uno on these 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings. He had a quiet Darlington which isn’t bad. With the Coca-Cola 600 in two weeks, He’s definitely going to be in my top five drivers to watch.
- 1. Kyle Larson
He caught a bad break Sunday, after getting into the “marbles” on the track and hitting the wall. Then cutting the tire down late was the straw that broke the camels back for the five team. However he grabbed his seventh stage win this weekend put him one shy of his total for ALL of last season. Kyle is about to have a big couple of weeks running the Indy 500 and the Coke 600. If anyone else can do it besides Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart Kyle Larson is definitely that guy watch out Indy car fans.
Darlington Wrap Up
Darlington wasn’t quite as exhilarating as Kansas. However it was definitely better than most of the short track races we have saw minus Bristol. I hope that this weekends All-Star races is at least some what fun to watch. Other wise we have a whole different conversation on our hands about the validity of All-Star events.
As for this weeks update to the 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings, what do you think? How is your driver doing? Or do I have someone too high for your liking? Let me know and well discuss it for sure!
Featured Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
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