NASCAR Power Rankings: New Hampshire 301
By Mike Hutton
Each week, BeyondTheFlag.com will bring you the Power Rankings heading into the upcoming event on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule. The results will be derived from both season-to-date performance as well as the finish order from the most recent event. Be sure to check back each Tuesday to see if your favorite driver made the list, and to let us know if you agree or disagree!
The new rules package in place for the Kentucky race dictated a little bit more finesse on the throttle from the center of the corners and off. That, in this writer’s opinion, is why you saw Toyota and Ford powered teams rise up a bit this week and brute horsepower (Chevrolet) wasn’t as much of a threat. This rules package will next be used at Darlington on Labor Day weekend — for that race, Goodyear will have had time to manufacture a tire designed for this package, but you’ll have the added challenge of Darlington being a one-groove track. The stage has been set for an exciting event!
The Power Rankings for the New Hampshire 301 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway follow below:
New (or returning) to the list this week: 2, 18, 19
Dropping off the list this week: 5, 15, 78
Honorable Mention
Stewart-Haas Racing. DANICA PATRICK. HM. (Last Week: NR) – She has every right to be pissed with Dale Jr. for hitting her. Sure, she wasn’t a contender when she was forced into the wall by the No. 88, but it’s something that should never have happened. Plus, did you see her <a href=. No. 10
RICKY STENHOUSE, JR.. HM. (Last Week: NR) – Any time a RFR car can crack the top 15, it’s newsworthy. You and Danica are such a cute couple, we thought you might enjoy being side-by-side with her here too.. No. 17. Roush-Fenway Racing
Power Rankings
No. 88. Hendrick Motorsports. DALE EARNHARDT, JR.. #10. (Last Week: 1) – Dale himself even asked why they were even remaining on the track given their brake issues. It’s a good question, Dale – you had no business endangering others. Instead of asking the question, do something about it. The steering wheel is in your hands, bud.
JEFF GORDON. #9. (Last Week: 9) – Oh well, guess you’ll never get that elusive Kentucky win, which was the last track currently on the schedule at which you’ve never won. He is still looking for his first win this year. You’re not retired yet, Jeff.. No. 24. Hendrick Motorsports
Joe Gibbs Racing. MATT KENSETH. #8. (Last Week: 8) – If you join any branch of the military, you’ll learn how to march. Right. Left. Right. Left. You get the idea. Matt’s version of basic training sounded similar on Saturday night: Tight. Loose. Tight. Loose. Very profound post-race quote: “<em>I</em><em>t was good, just not as good as the four guys in front of me.” </em>Yup – that’s why you finished fifth.<em> </em>. No. 20
#7. (Last Week: 4) – Just before he spun all by himself, he asked crew chief Tony Gibson to undo whatever changes were just made. Hint: Change your iPod selection, Kurt. Any time you’re listening to Eric Carmen’s 1975 release “All by myself” you’re asking for trouble.. No. 41. Stewart-Haas Racing. KURT BUSCH
#6. (Last Week: 2) – It just seemed like he and crew chief Chad Knaus weren’t on the same page – again. That eventually catches up with a team.. No. 48. Hendrick Motorsports. JIMMIE JOHNSON
#5. (Last Week: NR) – You lost between 10-15 positions on no less than four different pit stops only to race your way back to the front each time, which is not only a validation of your performance on Saturday night, but the new rules package as well. Had your crew not let you down, you would have ranked higher.. No. 2. Penske Racing. BRAD KESELOWSKI
CARL EDWARDS. #4. (Last Week: NR) – Carl was around the front all night, and looked like he certainly was a contender for a win at several points. He praised the new rule package by saying we’re now “using the whole car” like we should be.. No. 19. Joe Gibbs Racing
#3. (Last Week: 3) – He maintains his No. 3 ranking this week to respect his season-to-date strength during many sessions each week. In addition, he quietly became the first driver to mathematically clinch a Chase berth.. No. 4. Stewart-Haas Racing. KEVIN HARVICK
KYLE BUSCH. #2. (Last Week: NR) – Had he been ranked last week, he would have vaulted to the No. 1 position on our list this week, but it might just be a matter of time before he earns that title. To lead 163 of 267 laps and make up 41 points on being 30th-place in the season-to-date points standings is perhaps the most dominating run of any winner all year.. No. 18. Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 11. Joe Gibbs Racing. DENNY HAMLIN. #1. (Last Week: 5) – The four drivers all ranked higher than Hamlin last week all finished worse than he did at Kentucky, plus the only two drivers he didn’t beat (the No. 18 and the No. 22) were not even ranked last week. For those reasons, Hamlin gets the top spot this week by default, but he’s vulnerable. Be afraid, Denny. Be very afraid.
Where did your favorite driver rank this week? Did they make the list? Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Why or why not? Be sure to discuss below or via social media!