Power Rankings: Talladega

Power

Rankings

Talladega:

It seems that the Chase has become a three horse race for the time being between Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, and Denny Hamlin who have all put in extremely solid performances in the first three Chase races. They've distanced themselves pretty well from the other nine drivers, though guys like Clint Bowyer and Tony Stewart are still within range to challenge for the championship. But the Series arrives at Talladega this weekend, and the threat of the "Big One" (the wreck that always happens at this track that takes out 10+ cars) keeps hope alive for everyone because no one is safe in this race.

1. Brad Keselowski (+1)

Keselowski comes into Talladega on a huge hot streak and its worth mentioning that he won at this track back in the spring. He knows how to win here, but all comes down to if he can avoid the "Big One" and pad his points lead.

2. Jimmie Johnson (-1)

It's a surprise that Johnson has not been able to win a Chase race yet considering he's finished 2nd, 2nd, and 4th. Still, he's only five points out of the lead, but his luck at the restrictor plate tracks (Daytona and Talladega) has been awful this year. He hasn't finished any plate races this year and he's gonna have to this weekend to keep pace.

3. Denny Hamlin (No Change)

Much to the surprise of everyone, including Hamlin, he actually had a better car than Johnson at Dover which admittedly is Hamlin's worst track. But he had to pit for fuel and lost ground to Johnson and Keselowski. Hamlin doesn't own a restrictor plate win in his career, now would be the time for #1.

4. Clint Bowyer (+2)

A solid Dover finish for Bowyer keeps him squarely in the championship hunt and now he rolls in 'Dega where he's more confident than any other driver. Statistically, Bowyer has been one of the most consistent drivers on restrictor plate tracks over the last three years. Somehow, he knows how to dodge the wrecks and win at this place.

5. Kasey Kahne (No Change)

Kahne also has yet to win a restrictor plate race and simply needs to avoid a crash this week to stay in the hunt. If it weren't for bad luck at Dover, Kahne would be legitimately in contention right now.

6. Tony Stewart (-2)

Horrible week for Stewart at Dover, but that was expected. He hasn't done well at 'Dega recently either so it's hard to tell if Stewart is still a threat to win this championship. At least he signed Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor today, right?

7. Jeff Gordon (+5)

If it weren't for that stuck throttle at Chicago, Gordon could very well be leading the points right now. He barely missed beating Keselowski at Dover last week and now comes to a track where he knows how to get the job done. It all depends on if he can avoid the "Big One" or not.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-1)

Junior has sort of become an after thought already in this Chase with a couple of so-so performances. Talladega is Junior's best track statistically though, so he can put his name back in the discussion if he can win on Sunday.

9. Martin Truex Jr. (+1)

Truex did well to get back on the lead lap at Dover and score a top-10 finish. This guy really seems to have the talent to be a star in Sprint Cup, he just HAS to find his way to victory lane soon to prove that fact. Maybe that comes this weekend, he's not a bad plate racer by any means.

10. Kevin Harvick (-2)

This may be the only track Harvick can win at in the Chase because he just doesn't have the speed to be a contender anywhere else. This team will have to go back to the drawing board in the offseason and improve their race setup packages in a big way.

11. Greg Biffle (-2)

What happened to Roush? This will be the biggest question asked in the offseason. It doesn't make sense, Biffle led the points for a part of the season and was fast everywhere and then suddenly once the Chase begins, the speed is gone. Roush has been very strong at restrictor plate tracks this season though, actually dominating them. So there might be some hope left.

12. Matt Kenseth (-1)

Like last week, see Greg Biffle. These two are nearly identical right now.