NASCAR: Way-too-early driver power rankings for 2022

The dust has settled on the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, so let’s briefly take a look ahead at the top drivers entering 2022.

Kyle Larson capped off a dominant 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season with a championship-sealing victory at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday afternoon, giving him 10 wins, including five playoff wins, in his first year as the driver of the #5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

His title ended not only a season but an era, as the next Cup Series action is scheduled to take place in February with the Next Gen car, the car that was delayed from 2021 to 2022 as a result of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a lot that needs to happen before the 2022 season begins, but let’s take a way-too-early look at the top drivers entering next year.

Honorable mentions

Christopher Bell, #20 Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota: He had a solid first year at Joe Gibbs Racing, winning a race and advancing to the round of 12. But there is still a lot of room to grow for him to be considered a legitimate title contender. He technically hasn’t been confirmed for 2022, but that is likely a formality.

Brad Keselowski, #6 Roush Fenway Racing, Ford: He had a down year in his final year at Team Penske, but he should be able to make a big impression on a new team in need of a shot in the arm.

Top 10: Way-too-early NASCAR Cup Series power rankings

10. Kevin Harvick, #4 Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford: Glimpses of hope were few and far between in 2021 after a 2020 season that saw him win nine races. The fact that he still finished fifth in points (even with no wins) is somewhat of a plus as Stewart-Haas Racing look to hit the ground running with the new car.

9. Alex Bowman, #48 Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet: The most opportunistic driver of 2021 found himself tied for second place in wins despite finishing 14th in points — a year after winning just once and finishing sixth. Look for a more consistent season in 2022, preferably with multiple wins.