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The 10: NASCAR Cup Series Power Rankings After Dover

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series made its first visit of the year to the Dover International Speedway on Sunday. Historically, leading a lot of laps at Dover lends itself to victory. In fact, it isn’t unusual to see a driver lead anywhere from half to three-quarters of the race en route to the win. But on this day, domination only led to disappointment. Jimmie Johnson outran Kyle Larson on a late restart to steal the win, despite Larson leading over half of the event.

Which brings us to the Power Rankings for this week. After a grueling Sunday on the Monster Mile, here’s who we think came out on top. Now it’s time for you to decide if we have the field covered from start to finish. We’ve compiled our lists, tallied the points and completely dominated these rankings. But were we able to secure the win? Or did we give up the lead when it mattered most?

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

(Photo: NASCAR)

Martin Truex Jr

The New Jersey native nearly scored his third victory at Dover. Regardless, Truex can brag about his third straight top-five finish. – Rob Tiongson, The Podium Finish

First Place Votes: 4

67

2

 +1
(Photo: NASCAR)

Kyle Larson

There will be a day where Larson can hold off a seven-time champion. Sunday wasn’t that day. – Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1

 First Place Votes: 2

62

3

 +1

Jimmie Johnson

Every night, before he goes to sleep, Miles the Monster looks under his bed to make sure that Johnson is not there. – Bryan Gable, Frontstretch

 First Place Votes: 1

59

4

 –2
(Photo: NASCAR)

Kyle Busch

Admit it. You saw the wheel come off and immediately thought to yourself ‘I wonder if he was surprised by that.’ – Frank Velat, Frontstretch

51

5

 +1
(Photo: NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick

All of the other drivers will be feeding off of him during the XFINITY Series broadcast this weekend. You know, the same way that Stewart-Haas Racing has done for the past four years. – Michael Massie, Frontstretch

 

44

6

 +1

(Photo: NASCAR)

Jamie McMurray

Still quiet, but keeps putting up the results each week.  Even when he gets wrecked late. – Phil Allaway, Frontstretch

43

7

 -2
(Photo: NASCAR)

Brad Keselowski

Two straight bad weeks has a once consistent No. 2 team on the mend, but this driver should never be slept on. – Brent Jones, Tha Sports Junkies 101

30

8

(Photo: NASCAR)

Chase Elliott

Snapping a three-race streak of getting collected in an accident, Elliott’s top-five result at Dover is a reminder why this young racer is ready to win a Cup race. – Rob Tiongson

19

9

 -3

(Photo: NASCAR)

Joey Logano

After five straight top-five finshes, this team has been going in the opposite direction with finishes of 21st or worse in the last four races. – Pete McCole

18

10

 

(Photo: NASCAR)

Denny Hamlin

Sort of expected a little more noise from this team at Dover. Although, given their history, the No. 11 team could make a sonic boom at Pocono. – Frank Velat

 

6

Others Receiving Votes: Daniel Suarez (6); Clint Bowyer (3); Austin Dillon (3); Ryan Newman (3); Matt Kenseth (2); Ty Dillon (1)

Who Voted: Bryan Gable, Frontstretch: Brent Jones, Tha Sports Junkies 101; Phil Allaway, Frontstretch; Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1; Michael Massie, Frontstretch; Frank Velat, Frontstretch; 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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DoninAjax

No Dillon?