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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 series now heads to the most beautiful 559 acres on earth – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! It will be interesting to see what the new parachutes (I’m sorry – 9″ rear spoilers) do for the racing action on the track. I don’t think that speeds will be down the 10 mph that everyone is predicting. The straightaway speeds certainly will be slower, but that will allow for faster corner entry and for carrying more speed through the corners. With the additional down force generated from the aerodynamic package, drivers will be able to apply power sooner from the center of the corners off. This will especially be important in turns 2 and 4 to prepare for the long 5/8 mile straightaways.
There are no drivers either new or dropping off of the list this week, with the exception of course of the Honorable Mention drivers. The biggest movers within the list are:
Biggest Move Up: 2, 20, 88 – All up 3 spots.
Biggest Move Down: 11 – Dropping down 7 spots.
Honorable Mention
Power Rankings
Where did your favorite driver rank on the list? Were the up or down? Missing in action? Why or why not? Be sure to discuss below and via our social media channels!