Power Rankings: Daytona

Power

Rankings

Daytona:

Power Rankings will be posted every Monday, these rankings are based off of last season and what we've seen so far this season.

1. Carl Edwards

It's hard not to put Tony Stewart at the number 1 spot after he beat Carl for the championship last year, but because Edwards has the same crew chief as last year I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. Winning the pole for the Daytona 500 doesn't hurt either.

2. Tony Stewart

As I said, if it weren't for Stewart losing Darian Grubb and gaining Steve Addington as a crew chief then he'd be at the #1 spot. It'll be interesting to see how the new pair works together this year, but a 2nd place showing in the Bud Shootout looks good for starters.

3. Kyle Busch

Wow. That's all that needs to be said after that Bud Shootout win. It looks like any hangover from last season's troubles is non-existent, but then again Busch usually starts strong and ends cold. That could very well change this season.

4. Jeff Gordon

Despite the Chase struggles from last year, Gordon and crew chief Alan Gustafson can easily get on a roll this year. They looked strong in the Shootout until that wild flip. Gordon is clearly on the drive for 5 this season.

5. Jimmie Johnson

The streak was finally broken, but don't look for Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus to lie low this year. These guy's are way to competitive to sit back and let another championship slip through their hands.

6. Kevin Harvick

Harvick is truly going to be leading the way for RCR this year. Being paired with another new crew chief in Shane Wilson doesn't exactly bring continuity into this season. But then again, Harvick was more clutch and lucky than dominant in his wins last season, so who knows.

7. Matt Kenseth

The quiet one could be poised for a big year in 2012. After his resurgence last season and capturing three wins, it proves Kenseth still has a lot of winning left to do.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Can Earnhardt get the monkey off his back and return to victory lane this season? That drought could very well end at Daytona where he's notoriously good.

9. Kasey Kahne

New team, same crew chief. The latter has helped Kahne to 12 career wins and who knows how many more the two can add being at Hendrick Motorsports this year. The way the ended last season is extremely promising.

10. Brad Keselowski

Was last season's success a fluke? Doubtful, but Keselowski can prove he is among the Sprint Cup's elite with another solid finish this season.