The AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway has reaffirmed the fastest drivers in the NASCAR Power Rankings with a little movement this week. Kyle Larson finally grabbed his second win after being in contention almost on a weekly basis.
The speed of Larson is evident. The same goes for Denny Hamlin. However, there is a lot to be determined about the rest of the field. You could argue that the top-10 outside of the few drivers at the top could all be moved around and plugged in here or there.
With that in mind, let’s get into it. Kansas gave us a great race, perhaps the best of the entire season. It also gave us a little shift in the NASCAR Power Rankings.
1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)
With his second win on the season, I’m ready to move Kyle Larson up to first in the NASCAR Power Rankings. He has speed every week, it’s just a matter of executing and avoiding mistakes.
Larson is the favorite most weeks for a reason. With just one win before this I wasn’t ready to put him above three win William Byron until now. He still leads the points standings as well.
2. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (+1)
There was a moment where it looked like Denny Hamlin could win at Kansas. Hamlin has led a lap in every race this season, the only driver who can say that.
Hamlin looks like a real championship contender this season. Something is working over there at the 11 team and it’s every single week.
3. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-2)
What is going on with Willy B lately? He finally falls in the NASCAR Power Rankings just because, I don’t know what’s happening. He doesn’t have the same speed as Larson right now.
One issue Byron has had historically in the Cup Series is having a summer slump. He cannot do that this season after picking up three wins early.
4. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)
Another top-5 finish for Chase Elliott and that means he is going to stay right where he is for right now. Elliott might have another win up his sleeve soon and that will change things.
The NASCAR Power Rankings are about the fastest drivers on a weekly basis, and Elliott has put himself in that conversation. Hendrick is so good this season.
5. Martin Truex Jr. – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)
Being overlooked in the photo-finish aftermath is the fact that Martin Truex Jr. was coming up on Denny Hamlin quick before the final caution.
Truex wasn’t guaranteed to win, but it would have been a really good chance. Instead, he will settle for another top-5 finish and move on to the next one. Truex could really mess with the NASCAR Power Rankings with a win.
6. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)
Alex Bowman has been fast this season. He now has three straight top-10 finishes and four in the last five races. Showing that speed we’re used to from the 48 team.
Moving up a little bit this week as he scores another great finish. Bowman isn’t on the same level as the other Hendrick drivers, but he isn’t far behind. He isn’t far behind in the NASCAR Power Rankings, either.
7. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-)
I’m really not sure what to do with Ryan Blaney. He keeps showing speed and then getting lackluster finishes. Or no speed and he has to struggle all day for a decent finish.
Ford as a whole has not been great this season. On a week-to-week basis, Blaney is their best driver. He will stay in the top-10 for now.
8. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-2)
23XI Racing did not have the speed that they have had at Kansas in the last two years. Tyler Reddick couldn’t get his car to move up through traffic to save his life.
Reddick has that Talladega win and is looking forward to the Darlington race and Charlotte after that. He has to perform well in those races if he wants to stay in the hunt for the regular season championship.
9. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing (+1)
How about Rowdy?! He earns another top-10 finish, but it should have been a top-5 finish. He was the final caution flag that set up the Green White Checkered finish.
However, Busch had perhaps the most impressive final two laps outside of the Larson and Buesher battle. He raced from P20 to P8 in a matter of two laps.
10. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)
It has been an up-and-down season. However, Ty Gibbs keeps showing speed. Whether or not he can get the finishes he needs is another question.
This week he was a top-10 car at worst and a bad pit stop at the end of the race relegated him to a P32 finish. I believe we are going to see Gibbs get a win this season at some point. He stays in the NASCAR Power Rankings, for now.
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