NASCAR Power Rankings: Takeaways from Talladega

Even though he was not mentioned much at Talladega, the three-win driver came away with another top-10 finish. That makes for five straight top-10 finishes, including two wins during that time.

Byron kept things chill. He already has a superspeedway win this season, what does he need another one for, right? Byron remains atop the NASCAR Power Rankings for staying steady.

2. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Kyle Larson is going to remain here until I am convinced someone else is faster on a consistent basis. Yes, Larson gets into more trouble on the track than his Hendrick teammate above him on the list.

Talladega was another weekend to forget for Larson. However, he didn’t get involved in a major wreck like last year, so that’s a plus. Still leading the points standing, too.

3. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (+2)

The big winner from the weekend! Tyler Reddick has the speed and raw talent to compete with Byron and Larson. But is his pit crew good enough to keep him in good track position when it counts the most?

The next six races are going to play in Reddick’s favor. Kansas, Darlington, and Charlotte all in a row after Dover, that’s a recipe for success for this 23XI team. Seven top-10 finishes in eight races, including five straight.

4. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-1)

Taking a step back, but not really. The only reason why Chase Elliott gets knocked down a spot in the NASCAR Power Rankings is because Reddick won. Reddick has also been more consistent this season.

Chase is coming into his own now. Once he gets into this summer stretch coming up, I think we could see him really thrive.

5. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-1)

Part of that Toyota calamity that happened when they undercut the field, Denny Hamlin didn’t have a great time at Talladega. But then his driver won!

Still, on the track, he had a tough time. Again, he only moves now because of Reddick’s win. Two wins on the season, Hamlin needs to be more consistent week to week.

6. Martin Truex Jr. – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

I’m starting to get a little worried about Martin Truex Jr. His season is starting to look eerily similar to his 2022 season. Then again, it also looks a bit like the start to his season last year, too.

Dover was the first win of the season for Truex Jr. in 2023, will he claim a win this weekend? Truex is doing well in points, but needs stronger finishes than he has had in the last few weeks.

7. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (+1)

I can’t give up on Ryan Blaney quite yet. But I do need to see improvement from him or he could fall from my top-10. The defending champion started hot but has cooled off.

Blaney is still more or less carrying Ford as a whole right now. Let’s see if he can find his groove on the intermediate tracks coming up, he usually does well on the 1.5-mile ovals.

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

Christopher Bell was taken out by a random wreck in an otherwise clean race. His win at Phoenix and his overall speed this season are keeping him here in the top-10.

Not much to take away from Talladega. Bell is fast, he belongs on the NASCAR Power Rankings. Until I decide otherwise, that is.

9. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports (NR)

A top-5 finish for Alex Bowman? Could that be right? Yes, after the carnage that was the finish on Sunday, Bowman did come across the line P5.

Bowman has four top-5 finishes on the season now and that is tied for most in the Cup Series this year. Let’s see if he can find his groove in the coming weeks.

10. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (-)

Keeping Bubba Wallace here because I don’t think anyone else should be here. Brad Keselowski has made a case, but I would like to see more from him.

Wallace maintains a spot in the NASCAR Power Rankings for at least one more week. That could easily change after Dover.