Denny Hamlin came thisclose to losing his top spot this week, but look around.
Honestly, go look around. Who would you tab to take his spot atop our weekly power rankings? William Byron? Sure, he’s finished first and fourth the past two weeks, but you can’t simply ignore the months of mediocrity preceding it.
Just kidding, it wasn’t all mediocre. Some of it was miserable.
Kyle Larson? Come on, he’s tumbling so much lately, he flirting with the unthinkable by teetering very close to edge of our top 10.
So, Denny it remains. And will likely remain next week after Richmond. Why’s that? Glad you asked.
In his last eight starts at Richmond, Denny has finished either first or second six times. He also had a fourth-place in that string of Richmond races, along with a 20th, which we assume came when he was driving a rental Camry from Hertz.
1. Denny Hamlin
That’s it, he’s out of mulligans. You gotta think he’ll return to form at Richmond.
2. William Byron
Followed his long-awaited win with a fourth at The Glen, so maybe he’s regaining mojo at the right time.
3. Chase Briscoe
No longer a Saturday show pony, “the other Chase” continues to improve on Sundays.
4. Ryan Blaney
Four straight finishes of eighth or better.
5. Bubba Wallace
Also has four straight top-8 finishes, and Sunday was his fourth top-10 on a road course in 37 career starts.
6. Christopher Bell
Almost had SVG in sight as the Glen checkers were waving.
7. Chase Elliott
Billy Clyde has returned to ho-hum mode, sad to say.
8. Alex Bowman
Oops, lost his top-10 grip at Watkins Glen. Coasting into playoffs on points?
9. Kyle Larson
Good grief, look who’s returned to Slumpville.
10. Shane van Gisbergen
Appearance here might be short-lived, but we could only ignore the road ruler for so long. Now, about those ovals …
— Email Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com
