Beyond the Flag
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IndyCar: Driver Power Rankings After Mid-Ohio

By Asher Fair

FORT WORTH, TX - JUNE 09: Josef Newgarden, driver of the #2 hum by Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, and Alexander Rossi, driver of the #98 Andretti Autosport/Curb Honda, practice for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX - JUNE 09: Josef Newgarden, driver of the #2 hum by Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, and Alexander Rossi, driver of the #98 Andretti Autosport/Curb Honda, practice for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – JUNE 09: Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the #28 DHL Andretti Autosport Honda, practices for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – JUNE 09: Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the #28 DHL Andretti Autosport Honda, practices for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) /

#12 through #9

#12. [Last Race: 13th (+1)] — Aside of Indianapolis and Texas, Tony Kanaan has not really shown good speed at any track, especially on the road and street courses, where he has finished higher than 10th place just once so far this season in nine races. He hasn’t even finished in the top 15 in either of the past two races. Many questions surround his future in IndyCar, and rightfully so given his recent struggles.. No. 10. Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda. TONY KANAAN

Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda. MAX CHILTON. #11. [Last Race: 10th (-1)] — Max Chilton had arguably his worst race since the season-opener at St. Petersburg with his 15th place finish at Mid-Ohio. He has shown strength on all types of tracks, but races like the one he had at Mid-Ohio are never good for a driver who has been steadily improving over the course of the season. However, when the 2017 season is done, it will still have been better than the 2016 season for him.. No. 8

No. 5. Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Honda. JAMES HINCHCLIFFE. #10. [Last Race: 9th (-1)] — James Hinchcliffe appeared to have gotten back on the right track at Toronto with his third podium finish of the season, but that momentum did not carry over to Mid-Ohio, where he finished outside the top 10 for the fourth time over the course of the past six races. He is set to be the top free agent at the conclusion of this season, but he will need a strong finish to the season to be desired by the top-tier teams.

#9. [Last Race: 12th (+3)] — A season of frustrations for Ryan Hunter-Reay has turned around for him as of late, as he has racked up three consecutive top 8 finishes, including a 3rd place finish at Iowa that is tied for his season-high. He was even able to finish in 8th place at Mid-Ohio despite an early spin and the fact that the race featured just one caution period for him to catch up from that spin. He has had the speed all season long, just not the consistency. It looks like he has both now.. No. 28. Andretti Autosport, Honda. RYAN HUNTER-REAY