NASCAR Power Rankings: Daytona destruction takes out multiple drivers

A weekend on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway has come and gone, but what does it mean for the NASCAR Power Rankings? A lot of fast cars were wrecked in the process, so this will take some nuance.

This week for the NASCAR Power Rankings, it’s complicated. A lot of the drivers in the top-10 were wrecked out at Daytona. But many had early speed or rallied back for good finishes.

Below I tried to credit those who deserve it and not punish others too harshly if they were damaged in the process.

1. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)

While Tyler Reddick was one of the DNF casualties at Daytona, he still has an insanely strong streak going. With how well he performed in the last 8 weeks, I can’t take him out of the top spot.

Reddick will stay on top of the NASCAR Power Rankings for at least one more week. It will take a special performance or two to move the 45 from this #1 spot.

2. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Look, basically the same thing I said about Reddick, apply that to Kyle Larson. He has done too much good this season to get knocked down for a Daytona race.

Now, Larson hasn’t been as hot as he was early in the season. That could be cause for concern as we move forward.

3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Okay, after this, I promise there are changes to the NASCAR Power Rankings. These three have been so good this season that it will take a lot to get them out of these top-three spots.

Denny Hamlin is having a great season but the final few weeks of the regular season have not been so kind. He needs to bounce back at Darlington and get positive momentum going his way.

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

I was harsh on Christopher Bell this summer. He had speed issues and other problems from Nashville to Michigan. But there have been some bright spots.

Three top-10 finishes in the last four races and two of those being top-5s means that Bell moves up in the NASCAR Power Rankings and a lot.

5. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (+2)

How about the performance of Bubba Wallace? Four top-10s in the last five races and he turned his night around at Daytona.

Despite not earning as many stage points as he could have, Wallace scored another top-10 finish. He deserves to move up.

6. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports (+2)

In the last 11 races, Carson Hocevar has held a steady wheel and that is really all you have to do at times. He has only a single finish outside the top-20 since Charlotte.

Hocevar has real star potential. He deserves to be in the NASCAR Power Rankings when he has an average finishing position in the last 11 races better than most of the field.

7. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-3)

Up and down, up and down. No momentum and no consistency from William Byron and this No. 24 team.

Byron has to get things going in a positive direction before it is too late. There are only so many more opportunities for him.

8. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-3)

Ryan Blaney has held it down for the Ford camp. But he has been on a downward spiral the last few races.

Coming off a P3 finish at Indy before the two-week break, Blaney has gone P11, P18, and P29 in the last three races. Not ideal.

9. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-3)

While Chase Elliott is in contention for the regular season championship, his winning speed has not been there. I have not felt like he had a winning car since… I don’t know when.

Elliott drops in the NASCAR Power Rankings after a lackluster return after the Olympics. Like his teammate Byron, Elliott has to turn things around.

10. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing (NR)

Back-to-back top-10s and Brad Keselowski is back in the NASCAR Power Rankings. His RFK Racing team has been doing all they can to keep him in contention.

Keselowski was fast at Michigan and is hoping to find that winning speed again at Darlington this Sunday. Can he sweep The Lady in Black?