Running Wide Open

Nothing like a rain-shortened race to bring about some moving and shaking in the Power Rankings. Tony Stewart stays on top, but the real estate below switched hands faster than on “Flip this House.”

New this week: Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and David Reutimann

Dropped out: Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth and Clint Bowyer

1. Tony Stewart — Last week No. 1

I wonder if Tony Stewart gets bored or lonely at the top of these rankings every week. I’m sure just dropping the fact that he’s led the Running Wide Open rankings for over a month could attract a lady or two.

2. Jeff Gordon — Last week No. 3

He killed everyone on every restart on Sunday. Even his teammates. If I were his crew chief, I’d put a star next to those gear ratios he was running.

3. Jimmie Johnson — Last week No. 2

He very well could have won on Sunday had it not been for the rain. Hence, a “Blame it on the Rain” reference fits well here. A special mention is in order for the first person who sends me the artist of that song. Head to the Contact page.

4. Kasey Kahne — Last week No. 7

This ranking may be a little high. Then again, the University of Tennessee will start out the year ranked in college football, and that doesn’t make any sense either.

5. Juan Pablo Montoya — Last week No. 5

He had another good run on Sunday, which completed a very good month for him. July will make or break him, however.

6. Carl Edwards — Last week No. 4

He just wasn’t a factor at Loudon. His Daytona chances don’t seem much better.

7.  Mark Martin — Last week No. 11

He may have had a winning car on Sunday, but he was another driver who ran better than he finished. I see a trend here.

8. Denny Hamlin — Last week No. 9

Going into Loudon, he had the best average finish there of any active driver. So, yes, the weekend was a total disappointment.

9. Kurt Busch — Last week NR

The Blue Deuce was stupid fast on Sunday, fast enough to punt Jimmie Johnson. Wasn’t that the guy who spun Kurt at Infineon last week? Hmmm…

10. Kyle Busch — Last week NR

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the winner of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.

11. David Reutimann — Last week NR

Just when he looked out of the Chase for good, he comes through with a top-5. And that was after spinning during the race. He’s still a contender.

12. Greg Biffle — Last week No. 10

His car was as loose as the slot machines on board a Carnival cruise ship on Sunday. He looked like he may actually spin the car right out, but nothing ever became of it. Just like my $50.