FitStop Performance 2025 Week 16 Power Rankings

From the Irish Hills of Michigan to south of the border, the NASCAR Cup Series went international for the first time since 1958. Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez hosted the Cup Series for the Viva Mexico 250. On Sunday, the road course went from wet conditions to dry with a looming threat of rain throughout. Although the rain never returned, strategies still varied enough based on cautions to allow differing ones to play out. Ultimately, Shane van Gisbergen dominated the final stint enroute to his second career win. As for the remaining drivers, who locked themselves into the FitStop Performance 2025 Week 16 Power Rankings? Will there be more changes this compared to Week 15?

#10 – Ryan Preece

Previous Ranking: 10

A surprise front row qualifying spot foreshadowed a strong car on Sunday for Ryan Preece. He picked up the Stage 1 win after running inside the Top-5 for the bulk of the stage. Heading into the final stage, Preece looked to be on the best strategy for the win. However, a pit penalty on his green flag stop had him go to the end of the longest line. Fortunately, the 60 was able to drive up to a Top-15.

#9 – Ross Chastain

Previous Ranking: 8

Sliding down a spot this week, Ross Chastain looked to have a Top-10 secured during the final run. Battling hard with numerous drivers for 7th, Chastain burned up his tires and cost himself a solid finish. From a potential Top-10, Chastain slid all the way down 16th by the time the checkered flag waved.

#8 – Tyler Reddick

Previous Ranking: 6

Is it too reactionary to sound the alarm for Tyler Reddick? Once again, a track where many would assume the 45 to be competitive sees Reddick lost in the shuffle. Practice and qualifying were middling and there was little improvement during the race. Both of his 23XI Racing teammates looked faster during the weekend than known road course ace Reddick. While Reddick certainly looks to be a lock for the playoffs, it might be a short lived trip based on his recent runs.

#7 – Chris Buescher

Previous Ranking: 9

Overcoming an early call to stay on slick tires after Lap 1, the Chris Buescher road course factory produced another Top-10. He continues to lead the way in average finish on road courses in the NextGen car. During the race, the 17 lacked the necessary grip to be truly competitive. After taking part in the madness for 6th/7th, Buescher did fall back in the final laps but managed to hang on for a Top-10.

#6 – Chase Elliott

Previous Ranking: 7

For the first time in awhile, Chase Elliott felt like a threat on a road course. The former class of the NASCAR field on the lefts-and-rights, Elliott has lacked that dangerous vibe from the previous generation of car. Granted, his consistency has remained but his road course prowess has faded. Although it was only a third place finish, Elliott looked to be the second best driver out there during the final stretch. If he had better track position, maybe Elliott could have hunted down Shane van Gisbergen.

#5 – Ryan Blaney

Previous Ranking: 5

Remaining stagnant this week, Ryan Blaney had a fine weekend in Mexico City. Nothing spectacular happened to remember him during the race. He fought for a Top-10 spot for most the final stage. However, his tires faded in the same way Buescher’s and Chastain’s did. Overall though, a nice bounce back after a DNF at Michigan.

#4 – Kyle Larson

Previous Ranking: 3

What could have been. Kyle Larson gained an extra point on Sunday by running the fastest lap of the race. That is where the positives end. Unfortunately, he ran that fastest lap while down 42 laps. Larson got caught in Kyle Busch’s adventure into Turn 1. The damage was severe enough to keep him behind the wall for the extended period of time. Thanks to the new DVP rules, the 5 team managed to get Larson back out there.

#3 – Denny Hamlin

Previous Ranking: 2

Congratulations to Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish on the birth of their son.

By nature of missing the race, Hamlin drops a spot in the rankings. Ryan Truex did an admirable job replacing Hamlin in the 11.

#2 – Christopher Bell

Previous Ranking: 4

Jumping up to second in this week’s rankings, Christopher Bell recovered nicely from a poor starting position. An unusually weak practice and qualifying effort had Bell beginning Sunday’s race in 31st. However, the team climbed their way forward and finished second in Stage 2. Bell gave Shane van Gisbergen a battle for the lead, but did not have much to offer. Still, a second place finish is nothing to belittle after how poor the team unloaded.

#1 – William Byron

Previous Ranking: 1

Remaining at the top of the FitStop Performance Power Rankings is William Byron. Truly, this retention of the top spot was almost by default. Byron had a fine race on Sunday, barely making it into the Top-10 before the checkered flag flew. However, last week’s number 2 and 3 drivers either completely or essentially missed the race. Still, another week of holding off that trademarked summer slump for William Byron should be considered positive momentum.

Honorable Mention

Bubba Wallace – After 3 straight DNFs, Bubba Wallace has rebounded well over the past 3 races. Credit where it is deserved, Wallace has drastically improved his road racing game.

Chase Briscoe – Although he missed the pole this week, Chase Briscoe managed to secure a Top-10 after failing to do so the past 2 weeks.

Ty Gibbs – Carson Hocevar’s caution in the final stage spoiled what could have a win for Ty Gibbs. In Stage 2, Gibbs bested Shane van Gisbergen and looked to have the right strategy for the final stage.

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!