The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series invaded the heartland this weekend to run the Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway. For Martin Truex Jr., the visit finally gave him the win that had so mercilessly eluded the driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota team the prior two years. Truex tore through the field like a high plains twister en route to his second win of 2017. There was no final pit stop penalty, no late-race caution to swindle Truex of his trophy.
As for the newest Power Rankings, our contributors reviewed the action all the while humming Carry On My Wayward Son. (We did manage to withhold tumbleweed jokes.) After analyzing all that took place Saturday night, it wasn’t that such jokes weren’t necessary. We just couldn’t find a good place to work them in. Also, we promise to steer clear of any Wizard of Oz references (You’ve probably heard a few too many of those this weekend).
So read over this week’s list and decide for yourself if we see things as clearly as you do. Or are we having trouble seeing through the dust in the wind?
How the Rankings Are Calculated: Frontstretch does our power rankings similar to how the Associated Press does them for basketball or football. Our expert stable of NASCAR writers, both on staff and from other major publications will vote for the Top 10 on a 10-9-8-7… 3-2-1 basis, giving 10 points to their first-place driver, 9 for second, and so on. In the end, Frank Velat calculates the points, adds some funny one-liners, and… here you go!
Rank |
Change |
Name |
Total Votes |
1 |
 Brad KeselowskiTeam Penske is now appealing that NASCAR make Paul Wolfe’s suspension longer after Bad Brad netted two second-place finishes and three top 10s without him. –Â Michael Massie, Frontstretch First Place Votes: 3 |
47 |
|
2 |
 |
 Kyle LarsonStill very consistent and a tough out.  Even wrecking his primary car on Friday couldn’t keep him outside the top 10. – Phil Allaway, Frontstretch  First Place Votes: 3 |
46 |
3 |
 +3 |
 Martin Truex Jr.At this rate, I’d almost expect NASCAR to announce restrictor plates will be required at Charlotte, but only on the No. 78 Toyota. – Frank Velat, Frontstretch
|
40 |
4 |
 -1 |
 Jimmie Johnson
|
34 |
5 |
 Jamie McMurray
|
30 |
|
6 |
 +1 |
 As the sun went down, so did Busch’s chances of winning. – Bryan Gable, Frontstretch |
29 |
7 |
 -4 |
 Joey Logano
|
20 |
8 |
 +2 |
 Kevin HarvickA lucky fan will win a million dollars if Harvick wins the All-Star Race. Too bad the format for this race is so confusing that said fan won’t know if they won or not. – Michael Massie |
16 |
9 |
 |
 Clint Bowyer
|
15 |
10 |
ÂÂ -2 |
 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Even with the misfortune of a loose wheel at Kansas, the No. 17 team still looks to have plenty of momentum. – Bryan Gable
|
10 |
Others Receiving Votes: Chase Elliott (2); Ryan Blaney (2); Trevor Bayne (1); Michael McDowell (1)
Who Voted: Bryan Gable, Frontstretch; Phil Allaway, Frontstretch; Michael Massie, Frontstretch; Frank Velat, Frontstretch; Brent Jones, Tha Sports Junkies 101; Rob Tiongson, The Podium Finish.
About the author
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.
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