Chris Buescher, driver of the No. 17 NASCAR Ford Mustang Dark Horse, prevailed to win at Watkins Glen on September 15th, 2024, even though he’s not eligible for the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs. The performance was a major boon for The Blue Oval, who are on the rise in this week’s Power Rankings between the Glen and the forthcoming race at Bristol.
The latest Power Rankings on NASCAR.com – which only focus on the 16 Playoffs drivers – put No. 22 NASCAR Ford driver Joey Logano in second place, the best of The Blue Oval’s competitors. That represents a two-position improvement over last week despite a lackluster performance at the Glen, but since Logano already has a win under his belt and a guaranteed pass into the Round of 12, he’s the only Ford driver sitting pretty.
Ryan Blaney is next in third. He suffered a hit in the standings at the Glen when he wrecked out on the opening lap, but his No. 12 Mustang is 29 points ahead of the cutline. Even so, that’s not an excuse to slack off at Bristol, as anything can happen at the short track.
Austin Cindric’s No. 2 Mustang is currently ranked sixth. While he’s had encouraging runs so far in the Playoffs, Bristol could be his kryptonite. He’s never led a lap there and has yet to finish better than 20th. Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Mustang, meanwhile, is ranked ninth, but he hasn’t ever finished in the top 10 at Bristol, which could prove a challenge to his title hopes.
Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 6 Mustang, isn’t doing so hot, either. He’s currently behind the Playoffs cutoff for the Round of 12, putting him in a tough spot ahead of Bristol, but he’s been decent at the track in the past, and is currently ranked 15th.
Young Harrison Burton, meanwhile, is the worst-ranked NASCAR Ford driver on this week’s list in 16th. He failed to put the No. 21 Mustang across the line inside the top 20 at the Glen, and will likely be eliminated after Bristol unless he manages to pull off another upset win like he did at Daytona a few weeks ago.
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