NASCAR: Ranking the 16 playoff drivers in 2017

No. 42. Chip Ganassi Racing, Chevrolet. KYLE LARSON. #2. From a head-to-head standpoint, Kyle Larson has really been the only driver that has had anything for the driver ranked #1 in these rankings all season long. He tied for the lead among all drivers with four victories, and he racked up another seven 2nd place finishes as well, giving him top 2 finishes in over 40% of the regular season races (11 of 26). Larson has emerged as not only the sport’s next superstar, but the sport’s current superstar. If any driver is going to challenge the driver who is #1 in these rankings and has dominated this season and the new stage racing format, it’s Larson.

#1. That great driver I kept referring to in the blurb about Kyle Larson is Martin Truex Jr., who is ranked at #1 in these rankings by a mile. He dominated the regular season standings as well as the stage points and playoff points. In fact, he has over one full race’s worth of regular points in playoff points that he will carry with him from now until the season finale at Homestead, which he will more than likely qualify for. While he was only (“only”) able to win four races in the regular season despite his dominance, he was close to winning several other races, with late issues or bold moves by other drivers keeping him from getting to Victory Lane several times.. No. 78. Furniture Row Racing, Toyota. MARTIN TRUEX JR.