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NASCAR Power Rankings: Drivers up and down after Dover

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:24 PM ET

Dover Motor Speedway hosted the Cup Series over the weekend. We have another new leader in the NASCAR Power Rankings, too. Denny Hamlin was the winner this weekend, but does that put him at the top of the list?

A lot of action in the first part of this race, things were dragged out by the weather delay. However, there were drivers who showed that they had speed and others who fell short of expectations. Even during a “boring” race there is a lot going on throughout the field.

The Monster Mile gave a few drivers fits. Then there were those who were one or two mistakes away from winning this race, and maybe a rain delay away as well.

1. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (+2)

Back on top! Denny Hamlin is the wins leader on the season and put on a good showing at Dover. After the two road courses, Hamlin was itching to get back to racing at ovals.

Chris Gayle has done a great job as the crew chief of this team. Hamlin looks like he could win a couple of more times this season if the other drivers don’t get their act together.

2. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

I think Chase Elliott looked better at Dover on Sunday than he has looked since 2022. He was fantastic to start and led over 200 laps.

Then, there was the two-tire stop. Teams were deciding whether to stay out and take track position or take four tires to try and race through the field. Elliott and Alan Gustafson took two tires, lost track position, and didn’t have the grip to move up like others. P6 and a stage win isn’t bad, though. At least he’s the points leader now.

3. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

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Back up this weekend after a struggle the last six weeks. Kyle Larson finished P4, that is his best result since P5 at Michigan.

Larson is always a threat. Going into the Brickyard 400 weekend, Larson is hoping to defend his win from 2024.

4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-2)

Things have to start picking up for Ryan Blaney, and soon. If not, he’s going to find himself without any momentum going into the NASCAR Playoffs.

For his P8 finish, Blaney drops in the NASCAR Power Rankings. I’m starting to lose my trust in this 12 team until they prove me otherwise.

5. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (+2)

Nothing too impressive on the final score sheet, but Tyler Reddick was solid at Dover. He wasn’t able to finish things strong, but he’s been pretty solid the last month.

Indianapolis should be the track that Reddick is looking forward to the most. He has a good shot at winning and needs to take advantage of that opportunity.

6. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (+2)

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Another driver who did not have the best finish. Christopher Bell won a stage but finished P18 after spinning late from the front of the field.

Bell spun twice but managed to keep his car in one piece. Is he going to win a fourth race this season or will he struggle throughout the playoffs as well?

7. Ryan Preece – RFK Racing (-3)

While Ryan Preece had a decent day, the RFK Racing driver falls this week in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Preece is so close to figuring it all out and getting a win this season.

Preece has not finished worse than P19 since his P28 finish at Nashville. He’s been really great the last two months or so.

8. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing (+1)

Another RFK Racing driver, Chris Buescher, is dying for that first win of the season. Like his teammate, Buescher has been really consistent and a frequent driver in the top-10.

The 17 team is capable of winning. But will they get a chance to do it before the playoffs?

9. Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing (NR)

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Chase Briscoe has been very impressive this season. He has back-to-back runner-up finishes and appears ready to win his second race of the season.

I think Briscoe has the chance to be the biggest surprise in the playoffs. This 19 team keeps learning each week and are more comfortable than they have been all year long.