Denny Hamlin has held onto his No. 1 ranking in the July Power Rankings after a strong month highlighted by a victory and multiple top-five finishes. Demonstrating consistent speed and performance, Hamlin earned the top spot once again by accumulating the highest point total in the series for July.
Performance Highlights That Secured Hamlin’s Ranking
Hamlin’s July was marked by winning the Dover race, finishing third at Indianapolis, and securing fourth place in the Chicago Street Race. He accumulated 155 points over the month, outpacing all other drivers, and earned a series-best 45 stage points. Notably, Hamlin recorded the fastest lap times at both Dover and Indianapolis, including the final lap speed at Dover despite running older tires.
Other Leading Drivers Make Impactful Showing
Chase Briscoe impressed with two second-place finishes at Sonoma and Dover and thrilling runs that included winning the pole at Indianapolis. Briscoe tallied 147 points in July, second only to Hamlin, and earned 44 stage points including a stage win. He consistently scored in seven of the eight stages during the month.
Shane van Gisbergen captured race victories at the Chicago Street Race and Sonoma but struggled on ovals, finishing 30th at Dover and 19th at Indianapolis. His 124 points kept him in third place for the month despite showing strong road course performances. Chase Elliott remained steady, ranking fourth with 132 points and leading 238 laps, primarily at Dover. Elliott earned a stage win and consistently placed high in finishing positions.
Bubba Wallace claimed his first victory of the season at the Brickyard 400, holding off Kyle Larson on two overtime restarts. Wallace’s triumph was a milestone for 23XI Racing and pushed him off the playoff cutline. He finished the month with a seventh-place finish at Dover and a first at Indianapolis, contributing to his standing among the top five in the rankings.
Notable Drivers Just Outside the Top Five
Alex Bowman had a strong month with 136 points, posting three top-10 finishes, including third place at Dover and ninth at Indianapolis, his best result at the track yet. Kyle Larson earned 122 points with back-to-back top-five results, placing fourth at Dover and second at Indianapolis. Both drivers demonstrated consistency and strong performances on multiple tracks.
Scoring Breakdown for July
The points leaders for July featured a mix of consistent frontrunners and multiple race winners. Hamlin led with 155 points, followed closely by Chase Briscoe with 147, and Alex Bowman with 136 points. Further down, Shane van Gisbergen scored 124 points thanks to two wins, while Chase Elliott gathered 132 points from strong finishes and extensive laps led.
Drivers scoring 122 points included Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Ty Gibbs, showing depth in competition across the field.
Stage Points Reveal Battle for Dominance
Stage points, critical for overall rankings, showcased Hamlin’s ability to dominate mid-race performance, as he earned 45 stage points during July—the highest total among all drivers. Chase Briscoe was a close second with 44 points and a stage win. William Byron, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Larson also featured prominently in stage points, reflecting their competitive consistency throughout race events.
Leadership During Laps Underlines Racer Influence
Chase Elliott led the most laps in July at 238, indicating his strength in race control, particularly during the Dover event. Shane van Gisbergen followed with 123 laps led, benefiting from strong road course races. Hamlin led 68 laps, demonstrating his championship-caliber presence on multiple tracks. Other drivers such as Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe also posted significant laps led, illustrating varied team strategies and strong on-track performances.
Implications of July’s Results on Season Outlook
Denny Hamlin’s continued dominance in the July Power Rankings cements his position as a championship contender, especially with his blend of race wins and stage consistency. The performances of emerging contenders like Chase Briscoe and Shane van Gisbergen suggest a competitive battle ahead in the remaining season.
Bubba Wallace’s breakthrough win at the Brickyard 400 and his climb out of the playoff danger zone signal that 23XI Racing can be a formidable force moving forward. Meanwhile, the consistency of drivers such as Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson provides an exciting dynamic in the championship fight.
As the season progresses, maintaining high finishes and accumulating stage points will remain key factors for drivers aiming to secure playoff berths and ultimately compete for the title. The July Power Rankings reflect both the excitement and complexity of the ongoing competition across diverse tracks and conditions.
