Let’s shake up the north end of the rankings this week.
Why not?
It’s not like any driver is grabbing the No. 1 spot by the neck and making it his own. It looked like Christopher Bell was ready to be that guy, but he’s done a wee bit of backsliding the past couple of weeks. Nothing dramatic, but just a little off.
William Byron is right there every week with a chance to win. That includes Sunday at Michigan, where a lack of Sunoco eventually ended his chance at a runner-up finish, at least.
With all these comings and goings, might as well run with a recency bias and take the most recent winner, which is why the top of our rankings look the way they do.
1. Denny Hamlin
Kept his foot on the gas and gas in the tank at Michigan.
2. William Byron
Lost the lead, lost the gas, but picked up 20 more bonus points.
3. Kyle Larson
Sunday ended better than the sprint-car race earlier in the week. Here’s a look in case you missed it.
4. Christopher Bell
Had nine top-10s in previous 10 races, then finished 16th at Michigan.
5. Ross Chastain
Another solid run this past weekend. Not having bad weeks these days.
6. Ryan Blaney
His 32nd at Michigan is his fifth finish this year of 32nd or worse.
7. Joey Logano
How quiet was his Michigan? Started 15th, finished 22nd, zero stage points.
8. Chase Elliott
Guess where he finished at Michigan. That’s right: 15th, for the FIFTH time this year!
9. Chase Briscoe
Still a Saturday specialist.
10. Bubba Wallace
Has it back in gear.
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