Well, Sonoma was interesting. One of the top five drivers in these 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings went out on lap number three. Then progressively a couple of others had problems as well. Then we saw the first-ever Iowa NASCAR Cup Series race that didn’t disappoint. I was super impressed with the race and loved seeing the grandstands packed for a short track that raced like an intermediate. Two weeks of racing means we will surely see some shake-ups in the rankings by now right?
The Beginning
- 15. Todd Gilliland
He stole the position on the 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings from Ty Gibbs this week. After a top-ten at Sonoma, and then a twelfth-place finish at Iowa. His performance is quiet but consistent as of late.
- 14. Chris Buescher
A third in Sonoma, and then he was able to lead some laps as well at Iowa. However, he couldn’t bring home a good finish and ended up 18th. Plenty of speed has been shown, just needs to end up on the right side of Lady Luck’s day.
- 13. Martin Truex Jr.
Sonoma ended horribly from contending for the win to clicking his starter across the finish line to even prevent a DNF. Possibly the straw that broke the retirement camel’s back? He came to Iowa and announced his retirement at the end of the season. Either way, Martin needs some solid finishes to start again soon good thing New Hampshire is next.
- 12. Joey Logano
Joey looked really good early on in Iowa. Sonoma though was a different story. Joey will do what Joey does. New Hampshire has been good to him before so he does have some chances left to win it’s just will he?
- 11. Bubba Wallace
Bubba played some strategy with his crew in Iowa and got into the top ten for a little while. However, he again finished outside the top fifteen. It’s been a rough three-week stretch for Bubba. Who hopes maybe he can leave New Hampshire with some lobster for dinner?
The Middle of The 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings
- 10. Brad Keselowski
At Sonoma, he quietly finished inside the top fifteen. Then went to Iowa and was right back to finishing inside the top ten. Brad has to keep the momentum up for a few more weeks I feel or he’s at risk of fizzling in the playoffs.
- 9. Alex Bowman
Gateway/WWT Raceway wasn’t kind to Alex, but he rebounded a little at Sonoma. Only to come out and grab another top-ten finish at Iowa. New Hampshire has been okay to Alex, and he has a few more chances to lock himself into the playoffs.
- 8. Ross Chastain
A solid performance at Sonoma with a fifth-place finish. Then he went to Iowa and was relatively quiet. I mean an eleventh-place finish is nothing to be mad about but I was kind of expecting better. I’m not sure New Hampshire is going to go any better though.
- 7. Tyler Reddick
Tyler had a solid run at Sonoma, which everyone expected. However, he was nowhere to be found in Iowa once the race started. I must say though I loved the race suit and the pre-race meetings with the hamburgler. New Hampshire went well for him last year, so I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting back on track.
- 6. Christopher Bell
He’s slowly but surely making the climb back up the 2024 NASCAR Power Rankings. He’s now riding a four-week streak of top-ten finishes. Keep an eye on the twenty-car this weekend, Bell knows how to win at New Hampshire.
The Top Five
- 5. Chase Elliott
He took over the regular season points standings after Iowa. Chase has statistically been on his game. He’s going to need more wins though, if not now once the playoffs begin. Until then though if he continues to be consistent then watch out.
- 4. Denny Hamlin
What a two week fall from grace of ole Denny. He went from number one all the way down to number four. I mean the motor grenaded at Sonoma, and then he got caught up in the Larson wreck because he just didn’t have a good car. Either way when people around you step up the performance, you can’t afford to have bad luck.
- 3. Ryan Blaney
Big on this win this week. Iowa was like a home track for him as well which was even cooler to see. He wasn’t too shabby at Sonoma either and I didn’t expect him to even do decent so he proved me a wrong. Momentum is a very crazy thing to have on your side for however long you can keep it!
- 2. Kyle Larson
I was beginning to think Kyle was going to stink up the show at Iowa much like Sonoma. However his trip back through the field was interrupted by some ill-timed contact with Daniel Suarez and it allowed Ryan Blaney to take full advantage. Some patience might’ve aided Kyle but again he is Kyle Larson who only has one speed.
- 1. William Byron
In a race where Kyle Larson, got caught up in a accident, and Denny Hamlin under-performed as well as also got caught up in the accident. William performed well grabbing a second place finish. Which was very much welcomed after a horrible week at Sonoma. Can he head to North Hampshire and keep the number one spot after this week?
What’s Next?
Sonoma, provided some interesting story lines. Denny Hamlin going out on lap three being one of the biggest especially for the points side of things. With Kyle Larson driving through the field and grabbing the win.
Then this past Sunday at Iowa. Well, it didn’t disappoint like some may have thought were going to happen. Especially considering the repave of the track, and all of the tire issues in practice. The fans showed out for all of the races, and packed those grandstands and the Cup guys rewarded them.
Now as for New Hampshire. I always go into a race with a little bit of optimism and it helps that the closest comparison to New Hampshire is Martinsville. The last two race at Martinsville were solid races as well. So, maybe we will get a good short track race again this weekend. If you’re looking for some picks well stay tuned to Belly Up because those will be out before the green flag waives at New Hampshire.
Featured Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
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