IndyCar: Driver Power Rankings After Texas

#10. [Last Race: 12th (+2)] — Like at the Indy 500, it took a pit strategy call to get Max Chilton to the front of the field at Texas. However, Chilton was able to stay at the front once he got there, largely due to the huge eight-car crash, and he was in the mix for the race victory with just a few laps to go. However, during the final wreck of the race, he had nowhere to go and plowed into Scott Dixon’s out-of-control car. He still finished in 8th place, his third top 8 finish in the past five races.. No. 8. Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda. MAX CHILTON

[Last Race: 7th (-2)] — Consistency only goes so far without great results. Without a top 4 finish yet this season, Alexander Rossi has still been very consistent. However, crashes can happen to anyone. As a driver who rarely crashes, it was a surprise to see Rossi in the wall at Texas. But his lack of a really great finish up to this point in the season makes that crash look worse, as it took a toll on his overall consistency, which is what is keeping him the championship battle.. No. 98. Andretti Herta Autosport, Honda. ALEXANDER ROSSI. #9

#8. [Last Race: 5th (-3)] — Josef Newgarden was a contender for the race win at Texas all night long before wrecking towards the end of the race. Despite qualifying in 17th place, he made his way to the front very quickly. He then fell off the lead lap due to tire degradation, but he fought back to get to the front again. After a terrible strategy call to pit right before the first competition caution, he fought back to get to the front yet again. But his race then came to an end on the infield grass as a result of his late crash.. No. 2. Team Penske, Chevrolet. JOSEF NEWGARDEN

No. 10. Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda. TONY KANAAN. #7. [Last Race: 9th (+2)] — Tony Kanaan had quite the race at Texas. From battling for the lead early to arguably being the cause of a huge eight-car wreck, it was an up-and-down race for him. After being penalized for that wreck and going two laps down, Kanaan took advantage of the two competition cautions to get back on the lead lap and fight for the victory before finishing in 2nd place, a finish that is tied for his best since his latest IndyCar win at Fontana in 2014.

#6. [Last Race: 3rd (-3)] — It took nine races, but Helio Castroneves finally finished a race outside of the top 9. As one of the strongest drivers early in the race at Texas, Castroneves had a tire go down, and that sent him into the wall, giving him a 20th place finish. Despite the poor result, he is still within striking distance of the lead of the championship standings just 21 points back due largely to the fact that he had been so consistent through the first eight races of the season. He’s still looking for his first win since 2014 though.. No. 3. Team Penske, Chevrolet. HELIO CASTRONEVES