NASCAR Power Rankings_ In the latest edition of the Power Rankings, Ryan Blaney maintains his stronghold at the top, but there’s a new contender in town vying for the spotlight. The Phoenix showdown might have seemed like a snoozer with Christopher Bell’s dominant performance, but a thrilling battle for fifth on the final lap between Ryan Blaney and Ross Chastain revealed some hidden gems.
While Bell coasted to victory, the real action unfolded as Blaney, the defending Cup Series champion, pulled off a remarkable move on the outside of Chastain in the last corner, squeezing through with finesse to secure his sixth consecutive top-five finish at Phoenix, the same track where he clinched the championship last year.
Reflecting this exciting showdown, CBS Sports’ NASCAR Power Rankings witness a similar shake-up, with Blaney holding onto his lead while Chastain surges to second place. Notably, Ty Gibbs climbs to third following his career-best third-place finish, marking a significant leap in performance from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign.
Here’s a closer look at the updated rankings.
1. Ryan Blaney:
Ryan Blaney maintains his position at the top of the power rankings, but his Bristol record begs for improvement. Despite leading an impressive 493 laps at the track, his best finish is fourth, a stat he aims to change soon.
2. Ross Chastain:
Chevrolet had a rough outing at Phoenix, but Ross Chastain stood out as the top performer among the bowtie brigade, securing a commendable sixth place.
3. Ty Gibbs:
Ty Gibbs continues his ascent, showcasing remarkable progress from his rookie season to now. With a promising performance and a Bristol visit ahead, could his first win be just around the corner?
4. Denny Hamlin:
Denny Hamlin’s pole win and 68 laps led at Phoenix were reminiscent of vintage NASCAR, evoking memories of the iconic Budweiser No. 11 cars. His red No. 11 machine displayed undeniable speed reminiscent of bygone eras.
5. William Byron:
Hendrick Motorsports faces challenges at Phoenix, with William Byron struggling to navigate traffic, ending up in 18th despite promising stage finishes.
6. Martin Truex Jr.:
Martin Truex Jr. eyes redemption at Bristol, marking 20 years since his inaugural NASCAR Busch Series win. His quest for a Cup victory at the track continues.
7. Tyler Reddick:
Tyler Reddick, though denied the dirt advantage, remains formidable on concrete, boasting a fourth-place finish at Bristol in 2020.
8. Kyle Larson:
Kyle Larson’s Bristol dirt track record raises eyebrows, considering his status as a perennial favorite. Despite strong showings, victory eluded him, leaving room for speculation.
9. Daniel Suarez:
Daniel Suarez’s Bristol performance harkens back to his 2015 Xfinity Series success, positioning him as a contender for future triumphs.
10. Noah Gragson:
Noah Gragson’s resurgence, fueled by newfound happiness, underscores his potential for success this season.
11. Kyle Busch:
Kyle Busch’s Phoenix struggles raise concerns, prompting introspection within the RCR camp.
12. Brad Keselowski:
Brad Keselowski’s recent commercial appearance channels NASCAR’s convertible era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the sport’s history.
13. Michael McDowell:
Michael McDowell’s dream of a home track victory inches closer, supported by consistent top-10 finishes.
14. Christopher Bell:
Christopher Bell’s versatility shines as he eyes Bristol, a venue where past success could translate into future triumphs.
15. Chris Buescher:
Chris Buescher’s Bristol win echoes Darrell Waltrip’s dominance, setting the stage for a potential repeat performance.
16. Todd Gilliland:
Todd Gilliland’s resurgence signals a promising trajectory, with early laps led at Phoenix hinting at future success.
17. Joey Logano:
Joey Logano faces adversity early in the season but remains resilient despite challenges.
18. Bubba Wallace:
Bubba Wallace’s Phoenix performance falls short amidst Toyota dominance, leaving room for improvement.
19. Chase Briscoe:
Chase Briscoe and Erik Jones’ on-track altercation sparks intrigue, adding tension to upcoming races.
20. Chase Elliott:
Chase Elliott’s Bristol potential remains untapped despite promising glimpses during Sunday’s race.
21. Carson Hocevar:
Carson Hocevar’s consistent performances position him as a contender for future success.
22. Alex Bowman:
Alex Bowman’s Phoenix outing disappoints, reflecting on past achievements while aiming for future glory.
23. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.:
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s Bristol aspirations persist, buoyed by past near-victories at the track.
24. Corey LaJoie:
Corey LaJoie’s DNF at Phoenix ends a notable streak, highlighting the unpredictability of NASCAR.
25. Austin Cindric:
Austin Cindric’s early-season woes prompt Bristol redemption ambitions, aiming to overcome past struggles on concrete.
26. Erik Jones:
Erik Jones showcases potential at Phoenix, hinting at future success with Legacy Motor Club.
27. Ryan Preece:
Ryan Preece’s strategic prowess at Phoenix foreshadows Bristol potential, tapping into his short-track expertise.
28. Daniel Hemric:
Daniel Hemric’s resilience at Phoenix amidst adversity reflects his team’s determination, despite a challenging race.
29. John Hunter Nemechek:
John Hunter Nemechek faces scrutiny for on-track aggressiveness, highlighting the transition to the Cup Series.
30. Justin Haley:
Justin Haley’s return to the Power Rankings follows a commendable Phoenix performance, setting the stage for potential Bristol success.
As the NASCAR season progresses, these rankings capture the evolving dynamics of the competition, setting the stage for thrilling battles ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”)
Who races number 1 in Nascar?
Ross Lee Chastain, born on December 4, 1992, is a prominent American stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, steering the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing. Additionally, he participates part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, commanding
What is the biggest race of Nascar?
The Daytona 500 stands as the pinnacle of NASCAR events, renowned for its significance and grandeur, boasting the most substantial purse in the series. Championship points allocated are on par with any other NASCAR Cup Series race, underlining its importance in the racing calendar.
Who is the famous NASCAR winner?
Richard Petty holds the all-time record for the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history with an unparalleled 200 victories. Among active drivers, Kyle Busch leads the pack with an impressive 63 wins to his name.
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