NASCAR Playoff Driver Power Rankings: Martin Truex Jr. leads
By Asher Fair
#8 through #5
#8. [Last Race: 3rd (-5)] — Jimmie Johnson opened up this year’s playoffs with an 8th place finish at Chicagoland in arguably his best race since his most recent win more than three months ago at Dover. If he can gather more momentum, he may become the sport’s first 8-time champion this year.. No. 48. Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet. JIMMIE JOHNSON
#7. [Last Race: 4th (-3)] — Kyle Busch looked like he had made a statement by taking the pole position for the playoff opener at Chicagoland. However, he was unable to convert that great starting position into a good finish, as he ended up finishing in 15th place.. No. 18. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota. KYLE BUSCH
#6. [Last Race: 7th (+1)] — Brad Keselowski broke out of his five-race slump of failing to finish in the top 10 with a 6th place finish to open up this year’s playoffs at Chicagoland as he looks to win his second career championship.. No. 2. Team Penske, Ford. BRAD KESELOWSKI
[Last Race: 5th (-)] — Denny Hamlin continued his hot streak of top 5 finishes with a 4th place finish in the playoff opener at Chicagoland. That 4th place finish was his 10th top 5 effort in the last 13 races.. No. 11. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota. DENNY HAMLIN. #5