The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series was back in the mountains this weekend at the Pocono Raceway. Nothing beats a good mountain retreat. Fresh air, natural wonders, peace and quiet. Just don’t get lost during some wilderness expedition because it’s not easy to find anything in the mountains (I hear they’re still looking for turn four.)
As for the Overton’s 400, Kyle Busch managed to find something he’d lost everywhere else this year: the win. In keeping with the theme of ending winless streaks in 2017, Busch finally ended a year long drought of his own. The victory not only ended his futility at Pocono, but he also has a shot at a new record. Busch just needs a triumph at Charlotte to give him a points paying Cup win at every active track.
As for our contributors, they can cross Pocono off of their lists as well. No, they don’t have any Cup wins there. Or anywhere else for that matter. But the checkered flag has fallen over their rankings. Now it’s up to you to decide if they indeed mastered the Tricky Triangle or should we organize a search party to go look for their common sense?
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, nine 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 Jr It’s safe to say that Truex and the No. 78 team are in the catbird seat after another run of the mill podium finish at Pocono. – Rob Tiongson, The Podium Finish First-Place Votes: 4 |
68 |
|
2 |
 +2 |
 Kyle BuschWanted the Pocono victory so bad, you would think he’s about to retire. He’ll have a lot more free time next year without those pesky XFINITY races bringing him down. – Samarth Kanal, Frontstretch First-Place Votes: 2 |
59 |
3
|
-1 |
 Kyle LarsonAnother disappointing finish for Kyle Larson, but at least he wasn’t on fire this time. – Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1 Â First Place Votes: 1 |
53 |
4Â |
 -1 |
 Kevin Harvick
|
47 |
5 |
 |
 Brad Keselowski
|
44 |
6 |
 +2 |
 Denny HamlinI wonder if his struggles with repaves applies to driving on regular roads as well. Like does he petition road workers to not repave a major highway because his street car doesn’t handle as well? – Massie |
43
|
7 |
 +2 | 
Matt Kenseth
|
36 |
8 |
 -2 |
 Jimmie JohnsonHe would be running fairly well if he could finish the dang races. Three DNFs in four weeks helps absolutely no one, unless Johnson’s actively trying to teach Chad Knaus new profanities. – Phil Allaway, Frontstretch
|
25 |
9 |
 -2 |
Jamie McMurray
|
20 |
10 |
 |
 Joey LoganoHopefully his foot is OK after he shot it with a farcical pitstop at Pocono. – Kanal
|
14
|
Others Receiving Votes: Kasey Kahne (17); Clint Bowyer (14); Erik Jones (11); Chase Elliott (10); Daniel Suarez (6); Danica Patrick (1)
Who Voted: Bryan Gable, Frontstretch; Brent Jones, Tha Sports Junkies 101; Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1; Michael Massie, Frontstretch; Samarth Kanal, Frontstretch; 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.
A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.