As the races dwindle down in the 2023 season, each one carries more importance for the championship contenders. With a spot in the Round of 8 on the line, the eight playoff drivers looked to capitalize on the opportunity at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. What unfolded on Sunday was a race where certain playoff drivers thrived while others remained fairly quiet. Stage points became a focal point, as the current standings reflect who got them vs. who did not. The South Point 400 provided an exciting finish, as Christopher Bell made it to Kyle Larson’s bumper as the checkered flag waved. Based on the South Point 400, where do the drivers sit in the Pit Pass Network Power Rankings for Week 30? Is there much change compared to last week’s rankings?
#10 – Kyle Busch
Previously Ranked: Honorable Mention
A week after he was eliminated from the playoffs, Kyle Busch returns to the power rankings. Back to back third place finishes have been a pleasant return to form for the 8 team. Busch has been able to keep his car off the wall and the speed fans saw earlier this season has been allowed to flourish.
#9 – Martin Truex Jr
Previously Ranked: 10
After seven straight weeks of poor results, Martin Truex Jr finally finished inside the Top-10. However, Las Vegas could have been a better race for the 19 team. Attempting a different strategy to start Stage 2, Truex did not pit during the stage break. On old tires, Truex fell in the mid-pack. Truex did not recover until the final green flag run, where he was running the fastest laps on track. A bad strategy play leaves the 19 team wondering about what could have been.
#8 – Ryan Blaney
Previously Ranked: 8
Prior to the disqualification, Ryan Blaney finished sixth on track on Sunday. In the NextGen car, the South Point 400 was the best Blaney has run at Las Vegas. Although he did run Top-10, he did not perform well enough to make a dent into his playoff deficit (before the DQ). With the DQ, Blaney will be in must win territory for the next two races.
#7 – Tyler Reddick
Previously Ranked: 5
Although he dropped a spot, Tyler Reddick did not have a bad day at Las Vegas. However, it was a bit disappointing from expectations many had for Reddick. Based on how well he ran at Kansas, many thought Reddick would be a contender for the win. Instead, Reddick ran around tenth most of the day and never flashed Top-5 speed.
#6 – Brad Keselowski
Previously Ranked: 7
One RFK car was contending for the win. However, it was not the one still in the playoffs. After being eliminated at the ROVAL, Brad Keselowski responded by running Top-5 for the bulk of the afternoon and led 38 laps. In search of his first win since 2021, Keselowski’s strong Las Vegas run implies it could still happen this year.
#5 – Chris Buescher
Previously Ranked: 4
A slick pit box ruined the day for Chris Buescher. After qualifying fifth, Buescher lost five spots on pit road during the first green flag cycle. During the caution, Buescher was sent back to the mid pack on another slow pit stop. A strategy call to put scuff tires on at the end of Stage 2 continued this trend of falling deep in the field. Unable to surge forward, Buescher lost out of valuable stage points and finished last among the playoff drivers (prior to Blaney’s DQ).
#4 – Christopher Bell
Previously Ranked: 6
If the South Point 400 was one lap longer, Christopher Bell likely wins the race. Despite the disappointment in not winning, Bell still put together a strong day in Las Vegas. Leading the second most laps and collecting the second most stage points has Bell only three points below the cutline.
#3 – Denny Hamlin
Previously Ranked: 3
Much like Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin had higher expectations than how he ran on Sunday. Although he led 23 laps, Hamlin never looked like a threat to win after losing the lead. He ran inside the Top-10 all day, but faded late in the race to a tenth place finish on track. A good, but not great day for Hamlin.
#2 – William Byron
Previously Ranked: 1
A one week reign for William Byron atop the power rankings. Similar to Denny Hamlin, William Byron did not have a bad race. However, it was a far cry from how Byron looked at this track in the spring. If there had been a late race caution, this feels like the type of race where Byron would have randomly won.
#1 – Kyle Larson
Previously Ranked: 2
Although it was not from green to checkered flag, Kyle Larson dominated the South Point 400. Larson led the most laps and swept the stages. With his showing on Sunday, Larson locked himself into the Championship Four. Along with that, Larson also reclaims the top spot in the Pit Pass Network Power Rankings. Even better, Larson also claimed this week’s MARvelous move of the race for his save during Stage 2.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Harvick – Kevin Harvick slips out of the power rankings after a mediocre day at Las Vegas. Even with his sweet paint scheme, Harvick struggled to crack the Top-10.
Ross Chastain – Ross Chastain has looked fast in three of the past four races. A Top-5 at Las Vegas sees the return of the Trackhouse speed from earlier this season.
Joey Logano – After finishing in the Top-5 at the ROVAL, Joey Logano backed it up with a solid day at Las Vegas.
