Fourth of July weekend means one thing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: a return to the beaches and high banks of Daytona. Freedom, fireworks and star-spangled race cars highlight the traditional midpoint of the season. As the final restrictor plate race before the playoffs begin, many teams looked to the Coke Zero 400 as their best shot to sneak in a victory.
In the end, it was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who picked up his second straight win at a plate track. The resurgence of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford has vaulted Stenhouse into a legitimate threat to win. Whether that momentum continues remains to be seen, but it’s hard to overlook the organization after its performance thus far in 2017.
Now, we turn our attention once again to the Power Rankings. There’s not much better than Daytona under the lights. So now that the firecrackers have faded into the distance, we’ve scraped the confetti from our laptops and assessed the latest version of NASCAR with a side of independence. But while all contributors are created equal, their power rankings can be downright tyrannical. Now it’s time for you to declare who got it right and who wouldn’t know self-evident from incompetent.
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 |
 Kyle LarsonIf anything is going to derail Larson this year, it will be the restrictor plate tracks. Talladega could be the end of his championship run in the making. – Bryan Gable, Frontstretch First Place Votes: 6 |
60 |
|
2 |
 Martin Truex Jr.Two tough weeks won’t derail the No. 78 from contending and battling for a victory this weekend at Kentucky. – Rob Tiongson, The Podium Finish |
49 |
|
3
|
+2 |
 Brad KeselowskiKeselowski is probably the best restrictor plate racer in the Cup Series today. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean all that much when heck goes down around you. – Phil Allaway, Frontstretch |
44 |
4
|
+2 |
 Kevin Harvick
|
40 |
5 |
-2 |
 Kyle Busch
|
39 |
6 |
-2 |
Johnson and company are about ready to head into summer dormancy mode. Wake them up after Richmond. – Rob Tiongson |
36 |
7 |
+1 |
 Jamie McMurray
|
30 |
8 |
 Clint BowyerAnother second-place finish. Kevin Harvick is starting to regret sharing information with Bowyer after he keeps finishing in Happy’s favorite position. – Michael Massie |
20 |
|
9 |
|
 Denny Hamlin
|
17 |
10 |
|
 Ricky StenhouseOnce the playoffs begin, he will probably be the only driver looking forward to Talladega. – Bryan Gable
|
15
|
Others Receiving Votes: Ryan Blaney (10); Chase Elliott (10); Matt Kenseth (2); Erik Jones (2); Michael McDowell (1)
Who Voted: Bryan Gable, Frontstretch; Michael Massie, Frontstretch; Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1; Phil Allaway, 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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