Ross Chastain makes a statement at Charlotte

A wild weekend of NASCAR racing gave us a first-time winner this season. It also showed a few flaws for others. The NASCAR Power Rankings have had perhaps the biggest shift of the season following the Coca-Cola 600. Which drivers will continue to shine this year as the regular season is now halfway through?

The NASCAR Power Rankings show a new leader this week. The top drivers either faltered early or late in the race and showed that there are weaknesses among a few of them. Of course, Kyle Larson had a miserable Sunday between Indy and Charlotte.

Let’s get into the rankings. Then, we can turn our attention to Nashville, site of the 5OT race a year ago.

1. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (+2)

The No. 20 team has been consistent for the last two months, really. Quietly picking up points and top-10 finishes.

The same thing was true for Charlotte. Christopher Bell is now my top driver in the NASCAR Power Rankings, and I would not be shocked if he picks up a couple of wins over the next month.

2. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

Usually, when you lead 283 laps of a 400-lap race, you go to the top of the rankings. That is not the case here for William Byron.

Twice now, Darlington and Charlotte, Byron has dominated only to give up the win at the end of the night. That has to be punished at least slightly. He’s P2 this week as a result. He did take the points lead back from Kyle Larson.

3. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (-2)

A disastrous weekend for Kyle Larson. He was doing so well before the All-Star Race. Now, he has DNFs in the Indy 500 and Coke 600 on the same day? Rough.

Larson is going to be fine. This week, he drops to P3 in the NASCAR Power Rankings. He’s probably going to go on an insane run and win even more races over the next two months after his disappointing Double.

4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-2)

Wrecked out early at the Coke 600, Ryan Blaney was not able to work on his car and get to the front. Team Penske as a whole was off on Sunday, and that is a bit of a concern with the other high-speed ovals on the schedule coming up.

Blaney will be fine. He had two top-five finishes after his last DNF. Maybe he goes on another short run after this one.

5. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing (+4)

The big winner of the night, Ross Chastain, made a Herculean effort to win on Sunday. From P40 to P1. William Byron’s heart was ripped from his chest as Chastain made the pass with six to go in the race.

Chastain is a dangerous driver when he gets confident. He has five top-10 finishes in the last seven races. He’s had seven straight top-20 finishes since his P31 result at Homestead.

6. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Tell me what should impress me about Chase Elliott this season? He has flown under the radar and continued to be a non-factor when it comes to winning races.

Is it the car? The driver? Is it the crew chief? What is lacking for this No. 9 team to keep them out of contention for wins?

7. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)

While Denny Hamlin had a great points day, he was a disappointing P16. His crew was unable to get enough fuel in the car to get him to the finish. So, he drops in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

A tough stretch of races for Hamlin of P21, P38, P36, and P16. What will it take to get him back to the four races before that, when he was P5, P1, P1, and P2?

8. Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing (NR)

The pole for the 600 but an up and down day overall for Chase Briscoe. He finished P3 ultimately but he is going to be kicking himself for not running up front more last night.

This group is really coming together. Third top-five in the last five races. Could the 19 team be turning the corner and heading for Victory Lane?

9. Joey Logano – Team Penske (-2)

Joey Logano is going to drop this week in the NASCAR Power Rankings because of what others did, mostly. Also, Team Penske’s speed issues were definitely hurting the 22 car as well.

P17, but perhaps the most consequential driver on the track as he gave Byron hell while trying to lap the Penske driver. That gave Chastain his opportunity to pass.

10. Ryan Preece – RFK Racing (NR)

If it wasn’t for the Talladega DQ, Ryan Preece would have a much better-looking record right now in the last month. The No. 60 team is going to win a race this year, I’m telling you now.

Even without a win, Preece is in playoff contention. He is 14th in points and has been doing great all season long. It is only a matter of time.