The NASCAR 2025 season is heating up, and the upcoming Talladega race promises to be a game-changer! But before we dive into the heart-pounding action, let's take a look at the latest power rankings and see who's rising and falling in this thrilling competition.
The Top 15 Contenders:
Brad Keselowski, aka 'Bad Brad', has clawed his way back into the top 15. He's been a consistent performer, finishing in the top twenty in most races since Nashville, except for road courses.
Tyler Reddick has faced challenges on and off the track, with his son's health issues adding to the pressure. Despite a rough season, recent performances suggest an upward trend.
Ross Chastain's recent struggles have been evident, but he's still managed to qualify in the top fifteen in the last seven races. A single top-ten finish isn't ideal, but he's striving to finish strong.
Ryan Preece and the @rfkracing team delivered a stellar performance in Vegas, securing a P9 finish. Their hard work and dedication are paying off, and they're aiming to maintain this momentum.
Joey Logano's subpar performances in Kansas and the Roval have put him in a 'must-win' situation at Talladega. Despite this, his overall solid performances suggest he might crack the top ten before the season concludes.
The Top 10 Elite:
Alex Bowman's playoff performance has been a mixed bag, with Bristol and Las Vegas being his standout races. After a promising season, his recent decline is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing.
Chris Buescher's team has underperformed compared to last season. However, they've shown signs of improvement with eight straight top-twenty finishes, including seven top fifteens.
William Byron's recent results have been a mixed bag, with a third and ninth-place finish, followed by an eleventh and a disappointing thirty-sixth. He's looking to secure a championship spot in the upcoming races.
Bubba Wallace has had a remarkable season, but the playoffs have been a rollercoaster. He almost made it to the round of eight, and despite a setback in Vegas, he's a top drafter and a contender to watch.
Chase Elliott kicked off the round of twelve with a bang at New Hampshire. He secured a win at Kansas and a top-five at the Roval. A pit road mistake in Las Vegas didn't deter him, and he remains a strong contender with wins at Talladega and Martinsville under his belt.
The Top 5 Powerhouses:
Kyle Larson has been on a tear with four straight top-ten finishes. He's entered the playoffs with momentum, and his solid points cushion has Lady Luck on his side... for now.
Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell are leading the way with impressive playoff average finishes of 6.3 and 7.4, respectively. They've been consistently performing well, keeping the pressure on their competitors.
Ryan Blaney's win at the start of the round of twelve was crucial. Despite some setbacks, he's shown consistency throughout the year and has the potential to win one of the remaining races.
Christopher Bell is on fire, entering Talladega with a significant playoff cut line buffer. His recent wins and top finishes have him poised to make a statement.
Denny Hamlin is the happiest and most relaxed driver heading into Talladega. Securing his spot in the championship four with a win in Vegas, he's driven by the motivation to win the title before his father's health becomes a concern.
As we approach the white flag lap, the question remains: Are your favorite drivers where you expected them to be? Should they be higher? And is there an unsung hero missing from these rankings? Let us know your thoughts, and get ready for the thrilling race at Talladega!
