Even if Denny Hamlin was in the mood to relinquish the top spot in our weekly rankings, who’d step up to take it?
Basically, we still have a Big Four, made up — conveniently — of our top four guys listed below. Of those four, however, Denny is the only one really haulin’ the mail these days. And delivering babies, by the way — figuratively speaking, of course.
Not sure what to make of William Byron, who has run off with the points lead but hasn’t seen Victory Lane since we kicked things off at Daytona. He signed a four-year contract extension a month ago, and in the past three weeks has turned in his two worst finishing positions of the season.
As noted below, Billy the Kid is on the verge of the unthinkable. He’s flirting with holding a big points lead while also kicking the tires on one of the most dreaded terms around the Power Rankings HQ: Mini-slump.
1. Denny Hamlin
Might he have forced the issue at Pocono if it wasn’t a teammate in front?
2. Kyle Larson
Will have to get in gear to unseat Denny atop our list.
3. Christopher Bell
The most recent winner at Atlanta.
4. William Byron
Very indifferent runs lately. Actually flirting with a mini-slump.
5. Ryan Blaney
Seems to lead lots of laps at Atlanta all the time.
6. Chase Briscoe
Inherited Truex’s No. 19 winless skid, finally stopped it at 68.
7. Chase Elliott
Sadly, he can’t redeem all those points for a trophy.
8. Chris Buescher
His Atlanta record doesn’t breed much confidence this week.
9. Ross Chastain
Lost his ticket to the top-10 train.
10. Joey Logano
Two wins, 270 laps led in last five Atlanta starts.
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