Wednesday, July 7, 2021
NASCAR Top 10 Power Rankings: Road America
Note: the quotes in this article are fictional.
1. Kyle Larson — Larson contended all day at Road America, but was spun out late by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman. Larson eventually finished 16th.
"Alex apologized," Larson said. "It was a sincere apology, so Alex, much like his braking into that corner, was 'truly sorry.'"
2. Denny Hamlin — Hamlin overcame early brake issues to post a 5th in the Jockey Made In America 250.
"Kyle Busch had a clutch problem last week at Pocono," Hamlin said. "I can certainly empathize, because I myself have 'clutch' problems, most often in the final race of the season."
3. Chase Elliott — Elliott started 34th after failing to post a qualifying time, but methodically worked his way into the lead, passing Matt DiBenedetto on lap 38, and then overtaking Kyle Busch with 17 to go. Elliott then cruised to victory.
"I wasn't able to complete a full qualifying lap," Elliott said. "So, I didn't even register a lap time, which has to be the ultimate in 'bad timing.'"
4. Kyle Busch — Busch started 40th, but quickly found his way to the front and eventually finished 3rd at Road America.
"I made my way to the front of the field so fast," Busch said, "even troopers in Mooresville, North Carolina had to take notice."
5. Alex Bowman — Bowman finished 22nd at Road America.
"I made a crucial error and wrecked Kyle Larson late in the race," Bowman said. "What do you say to a teammate whom you just wrecked? Oddly enough, it's the same thing you say to your team after a win — 'I did it!' But maybe leave off the exclamation point."
6. Joey Logano — Logano finished 15th in the Jockey Made in America 250.
"As is typical on a road course." Logano said, "there was a lot of passing. Obviously, a better name for this race would have been the 'Jockey For Position 250.'"
7. Martin Truex, Jr. — Truex overcame a pit road speeding penalty to record a 9th at Road America.
"NASCAR raced at Road America for the first time in 65 years," Truex said. "It's awesome to be racing here, and in the great state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is considered part of the 'heart of America'; with NASCAR fans here, it's considered, at least for three days, the 'heart attack of America.'"
8. Kevin Harvick — Harvick finished 27th at Road America.
"The No. 4 Chevrolet sported the Busch Light Apple paint scheme," Harvick said. "If I'm reluctant to give you my honest opinion of the taste of Busch Light Apple, just tell me to 'spit it out,' and I'll happily oblige."
9. William Byron — Byron started on the pole at Road America and was in contention until a late mistake sent him off course. Byron finished a disappointing 33rd.
"I just made a stupid error," Byron said, "and it cost me a top-five finish. My No. 24 Liberty University Chevy was set up perfectly. It handled like a dream. Despite having the word 'Liberty' on it, the car was anything but 'free.'"
10. Brad Keselowski — Keselowski finished 13th in the Jockey Made in America 250.
"A driver named Kyle Tilley drove the No. 78 car," Keselowski said. "Tilley is from a place called Bath, England. From what I hear, it's a great place for any NASCAR fans to visit. But first, I suggest they visit Bath, America."