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 |
Martin Truex JrThe 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 |
Kyle LarsonThere 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 JohnsonEvery 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 |
Kyle Busch
|
51 |
5 |
 +1 |
Kevin Harvick
|
44 |
6 |
 +1 |
Still quiet, but keeps putting up the results each week.  Even when he gets wrecked late. – Phil Allaway, Frontstretch |
43 |
7 |
 -2 |
Brad Keselowski
|
30 |
8 |
Chase ElliottSnapping 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 |
Joey Logano
|
18 |
10 |
 |
Denny HamlinSort 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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