NASCAR Power Rankings: William Byron stakes his claim at COTA

A huge win at COTA means those last few weeks of struggles have melted away. I was a little worried about the Daytona 500 winner.

William Byron is one of the hottest names in the sport. Since his breakthrough last season, winning six races, he has yet to let up. He now has 12 wins total in his Cup Series career and I’m sure will have more this season.

2. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

For the first time this season, Kyle Larson has been knocked from the top of the NASCAR Power Rankings. His teammate was just too convincing not to put him ahead of Larson.

A tough day after being spun out by Christopher Bell, Larson finished P18. It wasn’t a completely lost weekend as Larson won the Xfinity Series race on a last-lap pass.

3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)

Denny Hamlin won Stage 2 and opted to forgo a top-10 finish for the championship points and precious playoff point. Hamlin showed speed, but his team likely knew they weren’t going to win and hedged their bets.

Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have separated themselves from the rest of the field so far this season. Hamlin is going to be more than happy heading to Richmond, a track where he has a good history.

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

Already this season Bell has won a race and he almost did it again at COTA. This 20-team went on an alternative pit strategy that almost paid off.

In the end, Bell needed a lap or two more to catch Byron and make an attempt to pass. It just wasn’t meant to be, especially without a late caution and restart.

5. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-2)

While he hasn’t won a race this season, Ryan Blaney has been pretty consistent this season. He was not great at COTA, but he isn’t going to fall too far in these NASCAR Power Rankings.

Blaney is Ford’s best driver right now, in my opinion. They have got to get this Dark Horse body figured out and start making pace as a whole, because things are getting a little dire.

6. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing (+1)

Who has been more impressive without a win than Ty Gibbs? He is second in the points standings and has shown speed everywhere the Cup Series has raced.

Things haven’t worked out for Gibbs in terms of a win, yet. However, that first career victory is going to come any day now. You can bet on that.

7. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing (-3)

The Trackhouse Racing driver had a shot to contend with William Byron. However, his pit crew had him out of the pits three seconds slower than the 24 team. Can’t win like that.

Chastain has shown consistency and speed this year as well. However, he will need to finish out a race here soon if he wants to keep up with the top end of the Cup Series and be a championship threat.

8. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)

It really feels wrong to keep Reddick down here. But who do I put him over when it comes to these other drivers?

If Reddick is able to get a win soon, he will shoot up these rankings. I am big on his talents and the two-time Xfinity Series champion could turn that corner any day now and go on a huge run.

9. Martin Truex Jr. – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Quietly, Martin Truex Jr. is leading the points in the Cup Series right now. He will be another contender for the regular season championship and another driver who could rise with a win or two.

Truex Jr. showed that he can still win last season. He hasn’t gotten there yet this season but there are some key tracks coming up where he could dominate.

10. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (NR)

Welcome to the NASCAR Power Rankings, Alex Bowman! Bowman pulled together another top-5 finish and has three on the season now. Another driver quietly rising the ranks.

Bowman had a hot start to the 2023 season before his injury after Talladega. Will we see him return to form and start to win races soon? Bowman unseats Daniel Suárez from the rankings this week.