NASCAR Power Rankings: Kansas

What you see here is a preview of what I write at onpitrow.com . I would like to invite you to go view my Power Rankings there because they look a lot better there. Here’s a preview of it though.

1. Mark Martin- 5 Wins, 16 Top Tens

Will Martin be the man who finally dethrones Jimmie Johnson? He’s known for finishing second and being unlucky but Martin and the 5 team are capable of going toe to toe with Johnson.

2. Jimmie Johnson- 4 Wins, 17 Top Tens

Johnson had a statement victory at Dover but in order to win the 2009 championship the 48 will need to have the same type of day at Kansas where they are the defending champions.

3. Kurt Busch- 1 Win, 16 Top Tens

The 2 car team is a real sleeper for the championship but they are definitely an elite team this year. They don’t get much attention but they are lurking and are in position to strike if the opportunity arises.

4. Juan Pablo Montoya- 4 Top Fives, 14 Top Tens

Ever since Montoya was let off the leash for the Chase this team has been incredible. Before the Chase they were very consistent but in the Chase they are now competitive and consistent. Those two things are what win drivers championships.

5. Jeff Gordon- 1 Win, 19 Top Tens

Jeff Gordon was my pre-Chase championship pick and they still have plenty of time to make their move however they’re already 122 points behind Martin. That’s almost a full race behind and they haven’t even had real problems yet

6. Tony Stewart- 3 Wins, 19 Top Tens

At Dover this team finally was able to avoid problems and get their first solid finish since Watkins Glen. My opinion about this team is that their still in trouble. The 14 isn’t on par with some of the other elite teams at the intermediate tracks.

7. Denny Hamlin- 2 Wins, 15 Top Tens

Denny finally snapped his horrible finish streak at Dover and instead replaced it with a new uncompetitive streak that now stands at 1. Teams in the Chase simply can’t have this type of uncompetitive day in the Chase.

8. Greg Biffle- 8 Top Fives, 13 Top Tens

With how uncompetitive the Fords have been lately if they ever get into the lead at Kansas I think NASCAR should just call it race and say its to dark outside. In 2007 Biffle didn’t even need to cross the line first and he still won.

9. Ryan Newman- 5 Top Fives, 14 Top Tens

Ryan Newman now has 5 top tens in row. Don’t get to excited because I don’t think Kansas, California, and Lowes will be kind to the 39 in the upcoming weeks.

10. Kasey Kahne- 2 Wins, 11 Top Tens

I’m amazed that Kahne first used the R6 motor at Dover in June and now in September they are back to the old R5 motor. What’s next, will they bring back the Intrepid too?

11. Brian Vickers- 1 Win, 13 Top Tens

The 83 can’t use their excuse that Dover and New Hampshire are bad tracks for them anymore. If they’re going to make some noise in the Chase the time is now.

12. Carl Edwards- 7 Top Fives, 11 Top Tens

I’m shocked at how uncompetitive this team was at Dover. Their average finish over the last 5 races is now a very uncompetitive 19.2. This team needs to start experimenting for next year because their finished.