NASCAR: Driver Power Rankings after Atlanta – Denny Hamlin rises
By Asher Fair
Two of the 36 races on the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series schedule are now in the books. Which drivers rank where in the driver power rankings after Atlanta?
Kevin Harvick took the checkered flag in the second of 36 races on the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Unlike Austin Dillon in last week’s Daytona 500, Harvick’s win at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia came after he led far more than one lap in the race.
In fact, Harvick was dominant all race long. Even after having an issue in the pits and dropping to the back of the field because of it, he bounced back and ended up winning after leading well over half of the race’s 325 laps.
Two races of the 36 on the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series are officially in the books, so that gives us a chance to see how the second edition of our new formulated NASCAR Cup Series Driver Power Rankings look and just how accurately they tell the story of how well each of the sport’s 33 drivers are performing.
The way by which these power rankings are calculated has not changed since they were first released following the season’s opening race at Daytona.
"“These power rankings are based solely on a mathematical formula. Only full-time drivers are included in these rankings. Aside of “Last Rank”, only factors that are included in the formula are included in this article. Standings positions reflect rank among full-time drivers only.”"
Make note of the fact that BK Racing’s Gray Gaulding, the driver of the #23 Toyota, is included in these rankings despite the fact that he was not included in last week’s edition. This is the case because he was only confirmed as the team’s full-time driver within the past few days.
Without further ado, here are the formulated NASCAR Cup Series Driver Power Rankings after the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.