And suddenly, we have three guys who could each be ranked first here without an apology.
You could take our top three below and put them in any order, and who’s to argue? Of course, that’s also part of the problem — ever since Denny Hamlin’s great run several weeks back, no one wants to grab ‘hold of this thing and make it his own.
Ryan Blaney was looking like that guy before tripping at Darlington, but he recovered with a good run at St. Louis, in spite of The Driver Formerly Known as Kyle Larson trying to put him in the fence. Wait, Kyle is still fourth here? How’d that happen?
Turns out, our top 10 is full of drivers who are mostly going in every which direction, just not forward. At least not on a consistent basis. It’s tough out there, and these dudes are proving it.
1. Chase Briscoe
Gets another week atop our heap, though Denny’s bandwagon is suddenly in his draft.
2. Denny Hamlin
Does the bandwagon get good enough mileage to make Phoenix?
3. Ryan Blaney
Back on the beam at St. Louis. Might be back at No. 1 before you know it.
4. Kyle Larson
He played fast and loose with Blaney’s bumper Sunday. Will that come back to bite him?
5. Bubba Wallace
Leading laps, keeping leaders within reach when he’s not.
6. William Byron
In a steady muddle these days. You keep waiting on him to flip the switch back on.
7. Chris Buescher
Best of the playoff outsiders, keeps posting finishes around 10th.
8. Chase Elliott
Regained some form this past Sunday, but it was a battle. He also spun Josh Berry, for what it’s worth.
9. Joey Logano
Lurking, just in case.
10. Tyler Reddick
Starting to get frustrated with his team and everyone around him. Might be a good sign.
— Email Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com
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