NASCAR Power Rankings: Denny Hamlin joins three-win club in 2025

This week, after Michigan, the NASCAR Power Rankings have a new driver at the top of the board for the fourth straight week. While Denny Hamlin was the big winner, there were a few performances that were worthy of promotion in the rankings.

There were also performances that were bad enough to get drivers demoted. A lot of action on the track at Michigan, and we are going to get into it before we head off to Mexico City for road course racing action.

Agree, disagree, here is who I have in the NASCAR Power Rankings. The best 10 drivers in the Cup Series based on recent performance.

1. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)

Despite finishing P28, William Byron had another dominant race on Sunday. He led 98 laps, won a stage, and had the fastest lap of the day.

Running short on fuel after being pushed by Denny Hamlin late, Byron had another one of his wins stolen by the JGR driver. He has to be tired of doing all the work just for Hamlin to pick up the pieces and walk away with the trophy.

2. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (+3)

Moving up in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Denny Hamlin was great on Sunday. He is at his best when he is patient and methodical, and that is what we saw on Sunday.

The performance he had was fantastic, and crew chief Chris Gayle called a great race as well. They had more fuel than everyone else and it paid off with a third win this season.

3. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-2)

Fresh off of his win at Nashville, Ryan Blaney had trouble in Michigan. This race was dominated by Ford for years. Now, Toyota has won two in a row.

Blaney got into the wall and spun out. He limped home P32 in the end. So, he drops in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

4. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Another week where Kyle Larson just didn’t have “it.” He wrecked in the World of Outlaws race on Friday night. Then he had a good, not great day at Michigan.

P5 at the end, and he was able to close up the points lead Byron has on him for the regular season championship. I have no doubt Larson will return to the top of the NASCAR Power Rankings sooner rather than later.

5. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)

A very average day. Christopher Bell had to fight for a P16 finish. His car was just off and he couldn’t get it going the right direction no matter how many adjustments his team made.

Bell has three wins, but hasn’t won since Phoenix. He’s been really good since then, but is probably dying to get back to Victory Lane.

6. Ross Chastain – Ross Chastain (-)

Holding serve in the NASCAR Power Rankings, Ross Chastain is starting to find the top-10 consistently. His average finish in the last six races is 9.6, including the win at Charlotte.

I think Chastain is going to win at least one more race this season. How far will he go in the NASCAR Playoffs? That all remains to be seen.

7. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Until we start seeing winning speed out of Chase Elliott, I’m not sure what to do with him. So, he stays put. P15 after trying to make a gamble on strategy. Elliott got to the lead at one point, but he wasn’t able to stay there.

Something is missing from the No. 9 team. Right now, they just don’t have what it takes to win races, and that will likely play a factor in a playoff run later this season.

8. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports (+2)

Carson Hocevar is going up in the NASCAR Power Rankings because he had yet another great race. P29 finish, but he led 32 laps, second most on the day.

Hocevar blew a tire late and was too low on fuel to make it without a late caution. Still, he was back up in the front and leading laps. That first career win is coming.

9. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (NR)

Following another solid performance, Bubba Wallace is back in the NASCAR Power Rankings. The three DNFs from Texas, Kansas, and Charlotte hurt him. But Wallace is still 10th in points and more than 60 points above the cutline.

The last three races that he has finished have been P8, P6, and P4 finishes. He also has a stage win in that time. If he can find the finish line, he has been one of the best drivers in the Cup Series.

10. Joey Logano – Team Penske (-2)

P22 for the No. 22 this week. Joey Logano has been good, but he is still hit or miss. On Sunday at Michigan, they missed pretty big.

I think Logano has another deep playoff run in store this season. If he gets to that Round of 8, he likely becomes a favorite to win another championship with how Team Penske has been at Phoenix lately.