Denny Hamlin retains his top spot in our weekly power rankings despite a finish of 31st last Saturday night in the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta.
For starters, he had a fairly strong grip on the top spot last week. At least as strong as anyone had been gripping it in the past few months. And while he finished 31st, it was due to the Big One at a “plate race,” and we rarely hold that against anyone.
Actually, we never hold that against anyone, because there’s really no way to avoid it.
Conversely, should Chase Elliott vault all the way from seventh to third this week after winning one of those crapshoot races? Maybe not, but we also keep an eye on the futures market here, and the next two weeks bring road courses, which remain Chase’s favorite type of playground.
Or at least his most productive.
1. Denny Hamlin
Burned a mulligan at Atlanta but fought for a 31st.
2. Kyle Larson
Won the pole at Chicago last year, then finished 39th.
3. Chase Elliott
After an 0-for-44 slide, might actually win a second straight this coming week.
4. Christopher Bell
Here’s a guy who’ll welcome the next two weeks on road courses.
5. Chase Briscoe
Atlanta’s Big One ended his good work of late. No fan of road courses, btw.
6. Ryan Blaney
Can’t get any worse than the 40th at Atlanta.
7. Chris Buescher
Not yet receiving his mail in the Top 10, but he’s getting close.
8. William Byron
27th or worse in three of last four, so yes, dangerously flirting with the dreaded mini-slump.
9. Ross Chastain
Speaking of which, his last three finishes: 16th, 26th, 33rd.
10. Ryan Preece
Doesn’t spend much time in our Top 10, so he may not put down roots.
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