Despite the rightful gripes about the NextGen car, it does put on fantastic races on intermediates. Especially at longer tracks where multiples factors play a role in the race and drivers can show off their skill. It would be a shame if NASCAR were to remove one of those type of tracks completely, say for a short track too. Anyway, the FireKeepers Casino 400 was another enthralling installment from Michigan. Although rain delayed most of the action to Monday, there was little to complain about from the on-track product. There were comers and goers, consistent racing for the lead, and various strategies at play. As the playoffs are approaching, Michigan offered plenty of drama to mix up the points as well as the FitStop Performance Week 24 Power Rankings. How much change will there be compared to Week 23?
#10 – Bubba Wallace
Previous Ranking: 8
A common theme that will be featured heavily in this week’s power rankings is bad luck to fast cars. Bubba Wallace looked to be in for a great weekend in Michigan. The 23 car was quick in the limited practice on Saturday and immediately shot to the front in Stage 1. Prior to a late caution, Wallace was in line to win Stage 1. With a Top-5 seeming likely, Wallace unfortunately was riding behind Kyle Larson when he spun in Turn 4. There was nowhere for Wallace to go, resulting in Wallace getting collected in the wreck.
#9 – Chris Buescher
Previous Ranking: 10
Bad luck to fast cars part two. Chris Buescher also became involved in the Larson/Wallace incident on Lap 117. While checking up, Buescher got steamrolled by Todd Gilliland. Luckily, Buescher’s damage was not severe enough to take away lead lap speed. Buescher managed to salvage the day to a Top-10 on speed. Hats off to the 17 crew for patching up the car well enough to keep it in Top-10 contention.
#8 – William Byron
Previous Ranking: 9
Finally, William Byron resembles the early season form that pinned him as a championship favorite. Collecting 15 stage points and leading 20 laps, Byron looked to have the race win in hand after the first overtime. Barely pulling ahead of Tyler Reddick, Byron lined up on the outside front row for the final restart. Brad Keselowski struggled to launch, which allowed Reddick to slip by with drafting help from Ty Gibbs. Still, Byron leaves Michigan with the most points scored.
#7 – Christopher Bell
Previous Ranking: 5
Part three of this week’s journey of bad luck, Christopher Bell found himself finishing behind the wall. Getting caught up in the Larson wreck, Bell’s day was ended prematurely. Unlike others in this week’s rankings, Bell did not flash significant speed prior to wrecking out. While he surely would have found his way to the Top-10, Bell failed to nab any points in Stage 1. Down a couple of spots this week, Bell will look to recover at Daytona. +
#6 – Ryan Blaney
Previous Ranking: 7
Ryan Blaney bumps up a spot this week after leading 20 laps and picking up the Stage 1 win. Staying out when the late Stage 1 yellow flew, Blaney managed to hold off Chase Elliott on fresher tires to collect the playoff point. That would not be the last time Elliott and Blaney found each other. On the final restart, Elliott slid into Blaney in Turns 1 and 2. The minor contact resulted in both drivers losing their speed, falling down the running order.
#5 – Brad Keselowski
Previous Ranking: 6
A good but not great day for Brad Keselowski has him up one spot this week. Utilizing pit strategy, Matt McCall managed to get the veteran driver into the Top-5 during the final stage. Although Keselowski consistently lurked, he never managed to grab the lead and run off with the clean air. While fortunes looked promising on the final restart, Keselowski’s restart issues prevented the Michigan-native from finding victory lane.
#4 – Denny Hamlin
Previous Ranking: 3
Bad luck part five. Early on Sunday, Denny Hamlin looked to be one of the best cars on track. He managed to track down Kyle Larson for the lead. Although Bubba Wallace swooped around Hamlin and Larson while battling for the lead, the 11 car had settled into second. Then, Hamlin spun by himself on the exit of Turn 4. Hitting splitter as he entered the grass, the damage down hurt the 11 car for the remainder of the race. A two-tire stop on the final green flag cycle allowed Hamlin to salvage the day with a Top-10 finish.
#3 – Chase Elliott
Previous Ranking: 4
After the Kyle Larson incident, it looked to be a day where Chase Elliott could take advantage to pull himself atop the point standings. Elloitt ran well in the FireKeepers Casino 400. For most of the race, the 9 car was a Top-5 worthy entry. As mentioned earlier though, the final restart saw the mishap with Ryan Blaney which dragged Elliott to 15th. Elliott managed to move up a spot in the rankings, but it could have been more.
#2 – Kyle Larson
Previous Ranking: 2
Rounding out the bad luck gang is Kyle Larson. Larson and ruining his own day with Top-5 speed is a classic combo. Larson unloaded with a fast 5 car. Even with the DNF, Larson managed to lead the most laps in Michigan. However, a pit stop prior to the end of Stage 2 saw Larson restart in the mid-pack. The ever aggressive Larson looked to shoot his way forward as quickly as possible. However, Larson put his car in a bad aero-spot, which resulted in him spinning in front of the field.
#1 – Tyler Reddick
Previous Ranking: 1
Remaining atop the FitStop Performance Power Rankings this week is race winner Tyler Reddick. Reddick has been on an impressive hot streak with this win marking 7 straight races of a Top-6 or better. Reddick managed to recover after slipping into the mid-pack when the race resumed on Monday. However, the car’s speed returned in the final stage and the 45 team was able to avoid any costly mistakes. This race win avenges last year, where a loose wheel ruined their shot at the win. Not only does Reddick sit atop the power rankings, but he now is the regular season points leader with two races to go.
Honorable Mention
Carson Hocevar – Back to back Top-10s for Carson Hocevar sees him knocking on the door of the power rankings this week.
Ross Chastain – Until the first overtime restart, Ross Chastain looked to be in great position to have a net positive day in terms of points. However, Chastain spun during the first overtime and watched (roughly) 13 points slip away.
Daniel Suarez – Daniel Suarez backed up a great Richmond showing by collecting his sixth Top-10 on the season.
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