NASCAR Power Rankings: Gateway sets up eliminations at Bristol

The NASCAR Power Rankings have shuffled once again. Gateway gave us another chapter in the playoffs, and we are moving on. The Bristol Night Race is days away, and the postseason continues on with the Phoenix race approaching quickly.

A big performance from Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe again. Those two appear to be the best in the field at the moment. It could change in the coming weeks as the NASCAR Playoffs continue.

A new name in the NASCAR Power Rankings. Let’s see who is in, who rose, and who fall ahead of Bristol.

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

Five wins this season for Denny Hamlin. Joe Gibbs Racing looks like the best team in the sport at the moment.

Hamlin is marching towards history. 60 wins are just a race away. Could he do it at Bristol?

2. Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)

A winner at Darlington and P2 at Gateway. What a start by Chase Briscoe and his No. 19 team this year in the NASCAR Playoffs.

Briscoe falls simply because Denny won. So, not a big deal in the NASCAR Power Rankings, but a small change.

3. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-)

The 12 team continues to lead Ford and Team Penske. Ryan Blaney stays here in the NASCAR Power Rankings after rallying to P4 after a spin.

Blaney could go and win at Bristol. He could also win either of the three Round of 12 races, too.

4. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (-)

Right now, Bubba Wallace is quietly having the best NASCAR Playoffs that no one is talking about. Another top-10 finish for the 23 team.

Wallace does his best work this time of the season, traditionally. Now that he’s in the playoffs himself, he’s performing at a high level.

5. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

A much-needed top-five finish for Chase Elliott. Hendrick Motorsports looked lost again for the most part on Sunday. Elliott had a great finish, and Larson had a strong run as well.

Elliott has to keep performing at a high level. If not, he might find himself out on points after Bristol or in the Round of 12 later on.

6. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

Missing out on a top-10 was tough. But Larson didn’t need a great finish. He’s great on points and looks to be comfortably headed for the Round of 12.

Of course, one catastrophic mistake can wipe it all away. Bristol is Larson’s domain, and he should be the favorite for this weekend.

7. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-1)

You just want to see more consistency out of this team. The 45 team has to get going again, but it doesn’t look like they know how to do it.

P16 and a car that went backwards at one point instead of forwards. Does Reddick have what it takes to stay in the playoffs?

8. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Staying put in the NASCAR Power Rankings, William Byron wasn’t impressive on Sunday. He knew that his balance was off, and it hurt him all day long.

Byron has been mediocre lately. He has more or less given up the entire bonus he got for winning the regular season. But he does get those points back to start the Round of 12.

9. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Another driver who has struggled lately, Christopher Bell, was not happy on Sunday after the finish. Bell has three wins, but none since March.

I am keeping Bell down here for right now. Can he get back to Victory Lane?

10. John Hunter Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club (NR)

Another fantastic race from John Hunter Nemechek. How about Legacy Motor Club emerging these last few weeks in the NASCAR Playoffs? Despite not being in, they are performing at a high level.

Nemechek has looked great lately. Is he the new leader of LMC?