You want to go ahead and flip-flop the top two guys in our Power Rankings? Go right ahead.
I can’t argue against it. Well, I could, but there’s no real science behind this weekly lineup.
In fact, it generally boils down to two things.
1. What has he done in recent weeks, with maybe a tad more weight given to the most recent race.
2. How has his season been as a whole?
If a tiebreaker is needed: Which guy, if necessary, is easier to make fun of.
As for the current rankings, Christopher Bell has four wins this year (including the All-Star Race) compared to one for William Byron, whose win came way back at the season opener. But Byron competes for a win nearly every week, and along the way, he piles up a ton of bonus points, which explains why he’s second and ahead of three-time winner Kyle Larson, who mixes in too many clunkers.
If hunches and vibes were sciences, I’d be a scientist.
1. Christopher Bell
Barely kept his top-10 streak (eight of last nine starts) with a 10th at Nashville.
2. William Byron
Billy the Kid just doesn’t have a bad week, does he?
3. Kyle Larson
In an odd little funk. Very hard-earned eighth at Nashville.
4. Ross Chastain
Average Michigan finish in seven starts: 25.9. Yuck.
5. Ryan Blaney
Passed tech! Full Penske roster now in the playoffs.
6. Joey Logano
In his last five Michigan starts, he has led just as many laps as you have.
7. Denny Hamlin
Does a third at Nashville suggest the mini-slump is over?
8. Chase Elliott
Odd stat: Has finished 15th four times this season.
9. Chase Briscoe
His Saturday speed has yet to translate to Sundays lately.
10. Tyler Reddick
Raised stakes in trendy kid names by naming his new son “Rookie.”
Read the full article here
