Just when we thought we were developing a Big Three (or Four) in our weekly effort, Chase Elliott comes through and shakes things up a little bit.
Yeah, yeah, when Chase wins, everyone is giddy and it’s easy to let emotions take over. And yeah, that might’ve happened this week as we bump him up ahead of Denny Hamlin in the rankings.
But let’s be honest. For now, he’s still “The Other Chase,” because Chase Briscoe continues to sniff the lead and the checkers nearly every week. He took a big swing at Kansas in the final overtime and had a chance but couldn’t stick the landing.
Here’s a neat little Chase Briscoe stat for you: Since the 18th race of the season, therefore the entirety of the season’s second half so far, he’s failed to lead a lap in just one of the 13 races. If he’d pulled off Sunday’s win, he’d likely be back atop our rankings, but he didn’t and he’s not.
Instead we’re forgiving Ryan Blaney for his lost weekend on the plains. Found the wall in practice, started last and found a wreck Sunday. We’ve overlooked such things before, but only briefly.
1. Ryan Blaney
Tough weekend at Kansas. Lots of repairs this week. But here’s a mulligan.
2. Christopher Bell
Back to living in the lead pack the past month or so. It had been a while.
3. Chase Briscoe
Stuck his nose in there at Kansas. He’s in the thick of it, damn near every week.
4. Chase Elliott
“The People’s Chase” steals one and lets Denny know it on his way by.
5. Denny Hamlin
Can’t maneuver away from drama, with or without power steering.
6. Kyle Larson
Will he escape ho-hum mode? Treating his bonus points like a 401(k) these days.
7. William Byron
See above.
8. Joey Logano
Bubble is within a few car lengths after Joey’s cute little streak ends at Kansas.
9. Bubba Wallace
Needs a road win, and quickly after getting the bum’s rush from an unexpected source.
10. Ross Chastain
Closest to Joey’s bubble, but can’t rim-ride the final lap on a road course!
— Email Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com
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