NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 10 drivers after Coca-Cola 600. Kyle Larson spins off top spot
Kyle Larson visited spin class and spun out.
Twice.
In Kyle's world, one bad day (and night) constitutes a slump. Generally, we're a forgiving bunch at the Rankings Ranch, and one bad Sunday doesn't normally have us grabbing the hook. But this "one bad Sunday" came with a glaring spotlight.
Advertisement
And it came during a weekend in which Billy the Kid — William Byron — was giving a master class in how to race an automobile at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Consider his dominance over the course of about 30 hours.
Byron not only won Saturday's Xfinity Series race, he swept all three stages. Sunday night, he won all three stages again, but this time, there was a fourth stage, thanks to the 600 miles that make up the Coke 600. Late in Stage 4, his tires began to go night-night, allowing Ross "The Boss" Chastain to pass for the win.
It was very similar to what happened to Willy B last month at Darlington.
Advertisement
Not that he'll care, but Byron's near-sweep at Charlotte did bump him to first place in our weekly power rankings. He'll surely sleep better knowing that.
1. William Byron
A near Charlotte sweep has him atop our heap.
2. Christopher Bell
He just doesn't have bad weeks. Sunday's eighth-place finish was about as bad as it gets.
3. Kyle Larson
May ends soon and we turn to June. Bet he can't wait.
4. Ross Chastain
Win a race, smash a watermelon, scoop up watermelon, eat some. Maybe not appetizing to some, but Ross likes it.
That watermelon was getting ripe.
5. Joey Logano
Won last year's race at Nashville. Might mean something, might not.
6. Chase Elliott
Just filling his points basket. Ex-Hendrick champ Terry Labonte would be proud.
7. Ryan Blaney
Mixes in too many crashes. Has four finishes of 35th or worse.
8. Denny Hamlin
Got back in the mix Sunday before an unfulfilling pit stop.
9. Chase Briscoe
Snuck out a third at Charlotte. Continues to run well most weeks.
10. Alex Bowman
Came down to him or Tyler Reddick for 10th. It's the Showman. For now.
Advertisement
— Email Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Kyle Larson spins from top of NASCAR Power Rankings. Who's No. 1 now?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rick Pitino doesn't want to replace Tom Thibodeau as the next Knicks head coach: 'Absolutely not'
Rick Pitino won't be returning to the New York Knicks. 'Absolutely not,' he said Wednesday night during the New York Yankees' matchup with the Cleveland Guardians, where he threw out the first pitch. While there are a number of reasons why he might be a great fit, Pitino is now officially out of the running. Advertisement The Knicks fired coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday after five seasons with the franchise. Thibodeau was fresh off a trip to the Eastern Conference finals, too, which is a place the Knicks hadn't been since 2000. By all accounts, Thibodeau's time with the Knicks was a success. He just couldn't get them over the final hump and into the Finals. 'I feel bad for Thibs because I think he captured all of New York and built something very, very special,' Pitino said, via SNY. 'A lot of us don't comprehend what happened, but Thibs is going to be well taken care of and he'll move on to other pastures.' Naturally, the move has led to plenty of speculation as to whom the Knicks will hire to replace him. The team is now the only franchise without a head coach, after the Phoenix Suns moved to hire Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott on Wednesday. There are plenty of solid names available, like former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone or ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, for example. But others, like Pitino, have also been floated. Advertisement Pitino already worked for the Knicks early on in his career. He was an assistant there for two seasons before jumping into the head job in 1987. He returned to the league nearly a decade later for a short stint with the Boston Celtics. Pitino is now with St. John's, where he's fresh off an NCAA tournament trip and in the midst of a career revival following his tumultuous exit from Louisville. Pitino wouldn't necessarily be a long-term play for the Knicks, considering his age and where he's at in his career, but he's more than proved he's capable of the job throughout his decades in the sport. And, with him right across the river in Queens and the Red Storm already playing their home games in Madison Square Garden, he'd be an easy call to make. But, it sounds like Pitino, 72, is more than happy where he is. 'As long as you're mentally and physically sharp, you do it as long as you can, because coaching is a blessing,' Pitino said, via SNY. 'It's the second best thing to playing. I've been blessed with over 50 years of coaching, and I hope it continues as long as I can do it.' The Knicks will have to look elsewhere.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
4 Free Agent Defenders Yzerman Has To Actually Avoid
The shiny new object is not always the best one. Free agency often gives NHL GMs a major case of FOMO – the fear of missing out on older veteran players who don't move the needle as much as they need them to. Advertisement Enter Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. The Red Wings made some questionable signings last summer and should not repeat those mistakes this summer. This offseason should not be used to hand out favors to aging veterans, but rather to add key players who can help the team win. With that in mind, here are four unrestricted free agent defenders that Yzerman needs to steer clear of. Trending Red Wings Stories Could Jonathan Toews Become Latest Ex-Blackhawk to Jump to Detroit? Could Jonathan Toews Become Latest Ex-Blackhawk to Jump to Detroit? Acrimonious though the long history between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks may be, the two rivals have a rather extensive tradition of sharing players. And not just role players either. Chris Chelios. Bob Probert. Marian Hossa. And, to the recent satisfaction of Red Wings fans and ire of Hawks supporters, Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. With longtime Chicago captain Jonathan Toews now eyeing an NHL comeback after two seasons recovering from the effects of Long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, could he be the latest former Hawk to jump across the rivalry's dividing line and up I-94 to join the Red Wings? Advertisement 3 Red Wings Prospects Ready For The Big Leagues Red Wings Coach Gets High Praise From Oilers' Star Ex-Red Wing Jake Walman Perfect Fit With New Team 3 Special Red Wings Prospects That Are Untouchable Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland Former Detroit Red Wing Tomas Tatar has inked a two-year contract with EV Zug of the Swiss National League, seemingly signaling the end of a 14-year NHL career for the Czech scoring forward. Aaron Ekblad Yes, Aaron Ekblad is a Stanley Cup Champion. And yes, he has good two-way ability. The main concern with the Florida Panthers defender is his durability and injury history. Advertisement He hasn't played a full season over the past six seasons because of injuries. The best way a player can improve a team is by actually playing. That's not a guarantee with Ekblad. Brent Burns Brent Burns is a 40-year-old right-handed defender who has significant offensive ability. However, because of his age (and the high likelihood he stays with the Carolina Hurricanes), you can cross off Burns' name on the Yzerman free agent targets list. Cody Ceci Cody Ceci is not a bad defender. In recent years, he has been overutilized in situations for which he's not suitable. He had a busy season, first being traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the San Jose Sharks and then traded again to the Dallas Stars. Advertisement He's similar to Justin Holl in some respects (and the Red Wings don't need another Holl), so it would be best to avoid him entirely. Tony DeAngelo Tony DeAngelo is an offensive-minded defenseman who has no clear idea on how to play defense. If the Red Wings want to deploy a defender as an offensive weapon, they have a prospect who can fill the role better than DeAngelo can. These available defenders are either too old or don't move the needle in a meaningful capacity to warrant an NHL contract. They might be helpful for other teams, but they aren't the right fit for the Red Wings. Yzerman, grab your shades, these shiny objects aren't worth it. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM's Cubs-Pirates hypothetical
The post Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM's Cubs-Pirates hypothetical appeared first on ClutchPoints. Paul Skenes broke onto the scene in 2024 when the Pittsburgh Pirates brought him up to the major leagues in 2024. He went 11-3 en route to starting in the All-Star game, making Skenes the first Pirates pitcher to do so in 50 years. In 2025, Skenes has shone as an individual, but the team around him has faltered. The Cubs could be a dark horse team to entice Pittsburgh to give him up this summer. Advertisement Former Major League Baseball general manager Jim Bowden put together deals from every team for Skenes, and the Chicago Cubs' package features top prospects like Matt Shaw and Cade Horton. Almost every potential deal for the 23-year-old would require a team's best young players. The Cubs are one of the more interesting packages in the league; their top two prospects are already playing in the majors. Skenes and the Pirates have been fighting trade rumors since they started after the team's slow start. However, experts like Bowden continue to explore the possibilities. According to him, the Chicago Cubs' players provide the most immediate upgrades to the Pittsburgh. Proposed package: RHP Cade Horton, 3B Matt Shaw, OF Kevin Alcántara, SS Juan Tomas 'The Pirates would acquire Horton, the Cubs' top pitching prospect, who could immediately go into their rotation, and he'd come with an extra year of control than they have with Skenes,' Bowden. 'Shaw could be moved to second base. Alcántara could be promoted to the majors to play left field, and he'd be an instant upgrade in the Pirates' lineup. Tomas, 17, is a solid prospect who could develop into their long-term solution at shortstop. Meanwhile, Skenes would make the first-place Cubs a real October threat.' Why the Chicago Cubs should make the trade Adding Skenes would take teams from the fringe of contention to serious World Series consideration. The Cubs' rotation is led by Shota Imanaga, who would be in All-Star consideration if he wasn't on Chicago's injury list. Behind him, Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have been serviceable, but Craig Counsell is in need of a second star. Skenes fills that hole emphatically and could be the team's ace for the next decade if they can keep him in a Cubs uniform. Advertisement Both Imanaga and Skenes have ERAs less than 2.90. If they joined forces, they would be one of best pitching duos the league has to offer. For a team that is always done in by their pitching in the postseason, bringing in the young ace would give the Cubs peace of mind in tense playoff matchups. Skenes has yet to pitch in the playoffs, but odds of him translating poorly from the regular season to the playoffs are slim considering just how dominant he has been so far in his career. Shaw and Horton recently made their MLB debuts for Chicago and have impressed so far. Giving them up leaves some immediate holes in the Cubs' roster, but it is well worth the price to bring in Skenes. However, losing both of them, along with two promising prospects still in the minor leagues is enough to give Chicago's front office a reason to step back and look at the deal closely. Many of the Cubs' concerns would go away if they sign Pete Crow-Armstrong to a long-term deal. Doing so would secure their star of the future and allow them to be more aggressive. The move guts the top of their farm system, but Chicago is capable of developing talent as well as most other teams in the league. Cubs Trade Grade: B+ Why the Pittsburgh Pirates should make the trade Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke'Bryan Hayes are the leaders of the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense. However, Cruz and Skenes have both been thrown out as potential trade candidates. The future of the Pirates cannot be carried by just their ace, no matter how good he is. For that reason, Pittsburgh could make the tough call to bring in a variety of players instead of putting all their hopes into one. Advertisement The Pirates moved on from Derek Shelton, a sign that more changes are coming. Things around Pittsburgh are in a state of flux, including the roster. However, losing so many games makes it difficult for the organization to determine which players are worth keeping. Because of that, the Pirates could chose to stand still at the deadline. If they do make a deal, they need to make sure it is the right one for their future. Pittsburgh needs a miraculous turnaround to return to contention. Despite losing so many games, fans expect improvement from a roster that surprised the league in the second half of last season. Bringing in prospects would definitely give the team a different look. Horton would immediately have a spot in the rotation. Straw would move from third base, but the Pirates' infield is in need of an upgrade as well. Alcántara is a bigger question mark. With Andrew McCutchen mentoring him, though, he could turn into an asset in the field. The Pirates struck gold when they picked Skenes in the 2023 draft. However, if they team can't pay him what he will want in free agency, the best move could be a trade. The Cubs give them players to build around, but it is a tough sell to their fans. However, big risks are necessary for the Pirates to eventually get over the hump. Pirates Trade Grade: B
