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Full Throttle Media NASCAR Power Rankings – Post COTA

The NASCAR Cup Series rolled into Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for its first road course test of the season, and the results have shaken up the pecking order. With Christopher Bell emerging victorious and several drivers making big gains, it’s time to take a look at where the top contenders stand in the latest Full Throttle Media Power Rankings.

1. Christopher Bell (No Change)

Bell keeps his hold on the top spot after a dominant showing at COTA. His second road course win in the Cup Series proves he’s a well-rounded driver, and his early-season form suggests he’s a serious championship contender.

2. William Byron (No Change)

Byron remains right behind Bell, continuing to show consistency. While he didn’t break through for the win, he was competitive all day and continues to be a weekly threat.

3. Chase Elliott (+3)

This is the kind of run Elliott needed. A third-place finish at COTA puts him back into the mix as a title contender, and he’s finally showing signs of the form that made him the sport’s top road course racer in past seasons.

4. Tyler Reddick (+5)

Reddick is another driver who thrives on road courses, and COTA was no exception. His aggressive yet controlled driving allowed him to move up five spots in our rankings, and he’s making a case as the guy to beat on these types of tracks.

5. Ryan Blaney (-2)

The reigning champ drops two spots after a quiet day at COTA. He’s still in the top five, but he’ll need to step up on road courses if he wants to keep pace with the likes of Bell, Byron, and Elliott.

6-10: Larson and Hamlin Slip, Kyle Busch Returns

6. Kyle Larson (-2) – Larson’s COTA race wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. He’s still a top-tier driver, but he needs a standout performance soon to climb back up.

7. Denny Hamlin (-2) – Like Larson, Hamlin had an average day, resulting in a slight drop. He’s still one of the most experienced drivers in the field and is a lock for playoff contention.

8. Kyle Busch (NR) – He’s back. Busch returns to the rankings after a solid COTA effort. He hasn’t been a dominant force this season, but he’s still capable of strong results.

9. Chris Buescher (NR) – Buescher continues to fly under the radar, but he’s earning his spot in the top 10. RFK Racing remains competitive, and Buescher is proving to be one of the most consistent drivers in the garage.

10. Alex Bowman (NR) – Bowman sneaks back into the top 10 after another strong performance. He’s not making headlines, but he’s racking up the kind of results that make a difference come playoff time.

Who Dropped Out?

Notably missing from this week’s rankings are Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, and Bubba Wallace. None of them had a particularly strong showing at COTA, and with other drivers stepping up, they find themselves on the outside looking in.

Looking Ahead

With another race in the books, the Cup Series season is heating up. Can Bell continue to build momentum, or will Byron, Elliott, and Reddick challenge him for the top spot? And will Kyle Busch’s return to the rankings be short-lived, or is he on the comeback trail?

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

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