Driver No. 1 takes the No. 1 spot in the in power rankings as win No. 1 nears for Ross Chastain
7 min read
Common wisdom says that when you make power rankings, someone who’s won something should lead off at the very top. But there’s nothing common about what Ross Chastain is doing.
After moving from Chip Ganassi Racing to Trackhouse Racing, Chastain has taken the next step from promising up-and-comer into one of the very top drivers in NASCAR. The Alva, Florida native — and Watermelon farmer by trade — is on an outstanding run, as he’s finished third, second, and second in the last three races while also leading a total of 125 laps. That’s made him one of just four drivers to have led over 100 laps this year, alongside Ryan Blaney, Atlanta winner William Byron, and Chase Briscoe.
As Chastain comes closer and closer to the first win of his Cup career, William Byron was rewarded nicely in this week’s power rankings for finally getting back in the Winner’s Circle. After Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman picked up early wins, Byron broke out of their shadow to lead the most laps and score the victory in Atlanta, putting him in the top 12 of the power rankings and right up on the heels of the top 10.
Keeping in line with the theme of the early part of this season, youth and enthusiasm are very well represented at the top of this week’s power rankings. With Chastain leading the way, four of the top 5 drivers are all under the age of 30 years old, with 38-year old Aric Almirola — the lone greybeard near the top — in third.
