NASCAR team rankings: New powerhouse at the top?

NASCAR team power rankings: No. 3 – Joe Gibbs Racing

The first four-car team is the first Toyota team to make the list. Joe Gibbs Racing’s performance should come as no surprise. Having dominated in the Cup Series for two decades, the stable led by NFL Hall of Fame coach and team owner Joe Gibbs has had another outstanding season.

Denny Hamlin locked himself into the playoffs with a win at Richmond Raceway and his first Coca-Cola 600 win, and Kyle Busch infamously “backed into” a win during the finish of the dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway. But with six top five finishes, a series-high 11 top finishes, and an average finish of 11.8, Rowdy will continue to be a threat for the Cup Series championship when he’s “backing into” wins or dominating races.

Martin Truex Jr. has two top five finishes and seven top 10 finishes, and he is tied for the second most stage wins with three. But the unknown future surrounding the 2017 champion continues to be a storyline. Regardless, Truex’s experience should make him a threat, even if this is the last season for the Mayetta, New Jersey native behind the wheel of the #19 Toyota.

Christopher Bell has had a solid year as well, scoring three pole positions, four top five finishes and nine top 10 finishes. His three DNFs have been costly, but his ability to bounce back is what keeps him in contention at any track.

While a win is still missing for both Truex and Bell, their consistent speed piloting their Toyotas and all-around racing ability has Joe Gibbs Racing positioned as a solid number three team at this point.