It’s time for a new edition of SPEED SPORT Power Rankings. Who will be on top this week?
1. William Byron
William Byron is the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series with three victories this season. The Hendrick Motorsports driver finished third in Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. Not only is Byron winning, he’s now showing consistency. Last Week: 1
2. Max Verstappen
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen cruised to his third victory in four races this season, claiming the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The Chinese Grand Prix is this weekend. No competitor has shown the ability to outrun Verstappen on the track so far this season. Last Week: 2
3. David Gravel
David Gravel grabbed his third victory of the season Friday night at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 and became the first World of Outlaws driver to add a three to his win column this season. As he’s still chasing his first series title, it’s a promising sign for the No. 2 Big Game Motorsports driver. Last Week: 8
4. Doug Kalitta
Doug Kalitta picked up his first NHRA victory of the season Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After being outperformed by teammate Shawn Langdon early on in the season, it was important for the reigning Top Fuel champion to remind his competitors why the No. 1 sticker is on his dragster. Last Week: Not ranked.
5. Cooper Webb
Cooper Webb grabbed his fourth Monster Energy AMA Supercross triumph of the season and jumped into a tie with Jett Lawrence at the top of the standings with four races remaining. Last Week: Not ranked.
6. Alex Palou
Reigning NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou turned in a dominant performance to win the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club, earning the $500,000 top prize for his Chip Ganassi Racing team. Last Week: 4.
7. Bobby Pierce
Bobby Pierce won Saturday night’s World of Outlaws CASE Construction Late Model Series feature at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway. Though he has an average finish of 3.2 in six starts this year, the reigning champion has a considerable points hole to dig himself out of if he wants to defend his title, due to a penalty he was dealt after failing a tire test in mid-March. Last Week: Not ranked.
8. Josef Newgarden
Having won the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, Josef Newgarden turned in a dominant performance to win the NTT IndyCar Series opener at St. Petersburg, Fla. Last Week: 7.Â
9. Anthony Macri
Pennsylvania traveler Anthony Macri topped Saturday night’s High Limit Racing sprint car feature at Texas Motor Speedway. It was Macri’s national-best fourth win of the season. Last Week: Not ranked.
10. Jonathan Davenport
Jonathan Davenport swept a pair of MLRA late model features at Lucas Oil Speedway in Missouri. Last Week: Not ranked.
On The Rise
Supercross star Cooper Webb rallied from outside the top 10 in the power rankings to sit fifth on this week’s list.
Free Falling
Shawn Langdon, Jett Lawrence, Denny Hamlin, Mike Marlar and Kyle Larson dropped from the top 10.
One To Watch
Kevin Thomas Jr. won Saturday’s USAC sprint car feature at Lawrenceburg Speedway and with the USAC season gaining steam, he’s one to watch.