FitStop Performance 2025 Week 15 Power Rankings

After 4 NextGen races at Michigan International Speedway, it is fair to say that the 2-mile oval should be in the conversation for best current NASCAR track. Once again, the Cup Series put on an enthralling spectacle of motorsport. Whether you think it is the best race of the season or not, it is undeniable that the FireKeepers Casino 400 had good racing from start to finish. Differing strategies played out throughout the running, allowing fresh faces to greet the Top-10 on different occasions. Still, the prime players rose to the top when it mattered most. Will that see a significant amount of shuffling in this week’s Power Rankings? Week 14 after Nashville saw a new #1 and every ranking shift. What will the FitStop Performance 2025 Week 15 Power Rankings have to offer?

#10 – Ryan Preece

Previous Ranking: Honorable Mention

Regaining a spot in the power rankings, Ryan Preece helped complete a RFK Racing trio of Top-10s at Michigan. After a poor qualifying run, a strategy call during Stage 2 brought Preece within the Top-10. Once near the front, Preece managed to be more competitive. Through 15 races of this season, Preece has already set a career high in Top-10s.

#9 – Chris Buescher

Previous Ranking: Honorable Mention

Even when the race goes well, heartbreak seemingly finds Chris Buescher. The 17 car was arguably the best on Sunday. During Stage 1, Buescher easily managed to knife his way to the lead to win the stage. After getting shuffled into the mid-pack during Stage 2, Buescher rebounded by the final stage and found himself running inside the Top-5. However, a bobble while trying to pass Zane Smith early in the final run spoiled what could have been a race winning day.

#8 – Ross Chastain

Previous Ranking: 9

Ross Chastain again grinded out another Top-10. Although he started 20th, Chastain flashed the race day speed early on. He missed out on points in Stage 1, but managed to collect 6 points in Stage 2. From there, Chastain held firm around the Top-10.

#7 – Chase Elliott

Previous Ranking: 8

Unlike previous races, Chase Elliott looked competitive this week. During Stage 2, Elliott piloted his 9 car to the lead. His 19 laps led on Sunday marked only the third time this season he has led double digit laps in a race. Elliott could have been a player for the win, but the team’s strategy floundered. Instead of keeping prime track position, Elliott got bogged down in the mid-pack late in the race.

#6 – Tyler Reddick

Previous Ranking: 6

The reigning winner of the FireKeepers Casino 400 had a relatively quiet day on Sunday. After starting from the rear of the field, Reddick climbed his way forward during Stage 1. By the time Stage 2 ended, Reddick found himself running inside the Top-5. However, that would not last as Reddick got caught on the wrong end of a pit road encounter with Brad Keselowski. Although a 13th place finish is not bad, it is another odd finish for Reddick. This team has not been showing the same capabilities that won them the regular season championship. They have consistency, but usually miss on bringing a car worthy of winning a race.

#5 – Ryan Blaney

Previous Ranking: 3

Being a Ryan Blaney fan must be a tough thing to do. After winning Nashville, the thought was that Blaney could ride that momentum into a strong performance at Michigan. Instead, Blaney wrecked himself coming out of Turn 4 during Stage 2. That effectively ended his race, as he sputtered home 4 laps down. Overall, it was a rough day for the Team Penske camp.

#4 – Christopher Bell

Previous Ranking: 4

The earliest victim of playing the wrong strategy, Christopher Bell did little of note in the FireKeepers Casino 400. During Stage 2, Bell stayed out through the trio of early cautions. Hoping to catch a fourth, luck did not end up being on the 20 team’s side. They had to make a green flag pit stop right before the Ryan Blaney caution. This ruined their race, although Bell managed to scrap together a 16th.

#3 – Kyle Larson

Previous Ranking: 5

A lot of 5s on the scoresheet for Kyle Larson this weekend. He both started and finished in the 5th spot while driving the number 5. Larson fell one spot short of also scoring 5 stage points. Alas, it was not meant to be this week. On the plus side, Larson managed to save fuel better than his Hendrick teammate. Rather than having to pit for a gas-and-go in the final laps, Larson held onto a Top-5.

#2 – Denny Hamlin

Previous Ranking: 2

Denny Hamlin barely missed out on the top spot this week. There is a compelling argument for it. To be fair, he did beat your favorite driver. All of them. While you unroll your eyes from the back of your skull, Hamlin did pick up his third win of the season. This ties him with Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell for the most this season. That said, he misses out on the top spot for a few reasons. First, Hamlin only led 5 laps. While those were the most important ones, Hamlin was not a huge factor near the lead for the entire race. Secondly, Hamlin has been a posterchild for inconsistency. If he does race in Mexico, maybe he can nab the top spot next week.

#1 – William Byron

Previous Ranking: 1

For the second week in a row, William Byron finds himself at the top of the FitStop Performance Power Rankings. Somehow, Byron led a staggering 98 laps in the race. To the credit of the racing, it did not feel as if a single driver led nearly half the laps. Yet, Byron managed to do it. Plus, he won Stage 2 and finished second in Stage 1. Although the 24 car was not the one to beat, the team managed to maximize their day prior to the end. Rather than letting Byron potentially run out of gas, Rudy Fugle called his driver into the pits right before the white flag. Despite the 28th finish, Byron’s overall race secured him the top spot this week.

Honorable Mention

Carson Hocevar – Again, Carson Hocevar brought plenty of speed to the track and found himself in a position to win. However, a flat tire spoiled the day, although his fuel situation likely would have done the same.

Joey Logano – From 7th to out of the rankings, it was a rough day for Joey Logano at Michigan.

Chase Briscoe – The 19 team have discovered the key to speed on Saturday. Unfortunately for Chase Briscoe, these power rankings also consider what happens on Sunday.

The brainchild of Hunter Smith, FitStop Performance is dedicated to training the toughest around – from motorsports athletes to multi-tasking soccer moms. He desires to help everyone who walks through the doors of his gym to perform optimally throughout life. FitStop Performance is in its second season sponsoring the weekly FitStop Performance Power Rankings which tracks the highest-performing NASCAR Cup Seires drivers throughout the season. Give them a follow (Facebook, Instagram, X) and thank them for their sponsorship!