Power Rankings: Chicagoland

Power

Rankings

Chicagoland:

What an incredible Chase finale! The final race before the Chase delivered in all expectations and has now set the stage for the final ten races. With that being said, the field of 12 drivers is set, so from here to the end of the season, the power rankings will hold the 12 Chase drivers starting this week. This week starts in the order that the Chase will.

1. Denny Hamlin (+2)

He's out to avenge his 2010 title loss to Jimmie Johnson and has started it off well by owning the outright points lead as the Chase commences. 

2. Jimmie Johnson (+4)

"Five-time" is looking at going for number six and you can absolutely never count the #48 team out, you'd just be an absolute fool.

3. Tony Stewart (+7)

He pulled off the greatest championship run off all-time last season. And he's about the only one who doesn't believe he can manage the feat again.

4. Brad Keselowski (-2)

Keselowski had three wins last season going into the Chase, but he couldn't use the bonus points from them because he was a Wild Card. Well, he's in the same position win-wise this year, but he can now use the bonus points.

5. Greg Biffle (-1)

Not many people are giving Biffle a shot to win the Chase, but he does have two wins this season and people forget the he finished as the runner-up to Tony Stewart for the 2005 Championship.

6. Clint Bowyer (+3)

He's always solid in the Chase, but can never seal the deal. It might be different this time, he's fast every week. Not to mention he just won at Richmond for his second win of the year.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-6)

He has the one win at Michigan and has been extremely consistent all year long. But if he's going to win this championship, he needs a win or two.

8. Matt Kenseth (+4)

That Daytona 500 win seems like ages ago and Kenseth hasn't run well as a should be over the last month or so. He has the equipment to pick it up at any time though.

9. Kevin Harvick (+3)

It's a bit weird to see Harvick in the Chase without a win or really even good finishes every week. I guess he's just been consistent enough to squeeze into the Chase.

10. Martin Truex Jr. (-2)

Just like Biffle, nobody is thinking much of Truex as a threat. But also like Bowyer, he's sneaky fast every weekend and could win at any given moment.

11. Kasey Kahne (-4)

Kahne has been extremely fast every weekend for about the past two months and seems like a real threat to win the championship even though he can't use the bonus points from his two wins.

12. Jeff Gordon (-7)

His string of great runs before the Chase concluded with a miracle run from a lap down to a second place finish at Richmond. If Gordon can keep up his recent momentum, he could capture championship number 5.