NASCAR Power Rankings: Time ticking after Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis

Another weekend in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Power Rankings have had another shift, but we are seeing drivers stand out. In the last few weeks, there have been a few drivers doing things better and with more consistency. Let’s get into the post-Brickyard 400 fallout.

Bubba Wallace was the race winner. That is a huge result for this team. Wallace had never won a regular-season race before. It is his first time winning his way into the postseason.

While Wallace was the winner, a few drivers had impressive performances. The Cup Series is ready to head to Iowa after everyone catches their breath from last weekend. Here are the NASCAR Power Rankings after Indianapolis.

1. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Another week on top of the NASCAR Power Rankings. Denny Hamlin went from last in a backup car to finish P3. It was a very impressive performance.

Hamlin put himself in a position to win if there was a big incident with Kyle Larson or Bubba Wallace. But it wasn’t meant to be this weekend. Still, Hamlin looks fantastic right now as the playoffs approach.

2. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)

A bump up for Kyle Larson, who was so close to repeating as the Brickyard 400 winner. Larson moves up because he was flat out better than his teammate below. So, he moves up in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

Larson tried to get around Wallace on those restarts. It wasn’t meant to be. Moving on to Iowa, I won’t be shocked if Larson wins a race or two before the playoffs.

3. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

Mr. Consistency. Chase Elliott had a very mediocre day on the track. P13 and not really much else to write home about. He’s still the points leader, though.

Elliott won at Atlanta and has had a great set of races since then. He needs to get back up to the front of the field, though.

4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-)

Iowa Speedway is right where Ryan Blaney wants to go after this weekend. He won Stage 2, but was out of contention by the end of the race.

P7 and a stage win is nothing to be mad about. Still, Blaney and this 12 team are looking for more and would love nothing more than to repeat at Iowa Speedway.

5. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (+1)

A top-10 finish for Christopher Bell, he almost didn’t get back around at the end of the race. There was an issue on the first overtime restart where he was almost collected in a wreck that appeared to be his fault.

Bell has had a great season. He would love to win another race before the postseason, though.

6. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-1)

23XI Racing had a great two car performance on Sunday. However, Reddick was wrecked out of the race when Bell caused the Zane Smith wreck.

Reddick is still winless this season. He is pushing hard to get a win and lock himself in the playoffs these next four weeks.

7. Ryan Preece – RFK Racing (+2)

Still winless, Ryan Preece continues to have strong runs. P4 on Sunday, Preece led the way for the Ford camp and RFK Racing.

Preece has been the surprise of the season. Definitely the Most Improved Driver if that was an award.

8. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing (-1)

Chris Buescher couldn’t keep up with his teammates so he falls in the NASCAR Power Rankings. No big deal, though.

Buescher is looking forward to Watkins Glen and Daytona, two races he’s won in the past. Can he get a win to lock himself into the playoffs this year?

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

Another pole award this season for Chase Briscoe and the 19 team. However, it ended up in a P18 finish. Disappointing, to say the least.

The Indiana-born driver was able to win the first stage. From there, things went backwards for Briscoe and his team.

10. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (NR)

The big winner! Bubba Wallace is going to the playoffs with a Brickyard 400 victory in his pocket. So, he moves up into the NASCAR Power Rankings this week.

Wallace was emotional after the win. It is clear that the race meant a lot to him, and to finally snap that winless streak was something that took so much weight off his shoulders.