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NASCAR Power Rankings |
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The twenty-five best teams in NASCAR Winston Cup racing
The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season is now a month old so we've got enough information to
put together the first power rankings of the young season.
Updated: March 12, 2003
| Rank |
Previous
7/8/02 |
Driver |
Comments |
| 1 |
5 |
Tony Stewart |
The defending NASCAR Winston Cup champ is second in the points and coming on strong |
| 2 |
6 |
Matt Kenseth |
Leading the points and already has a win. Matt is leading the Roush charge |
| 3 |
4 |
Jimmie Johnson |
He's just ALWAYS there. It's spooky how good this sophomore is |
| 4 |
11 |
Dale Jarrett |
There's something different about DJ this year. There's a new fire igniting that RYR team |
| 5 |
7 |
Jeff Gordon |
After a weak 2002 effort (by his standards) he's again a weekly threat |
| 6 |
17 |
Bobby Labonte |
Bobby seems to be liking the new Monte Carlo and it shows in his performance so far |
| 7 |
** |
Michael Waltrip |
Always good at the plate races, but seems to be holding his own on the "real" tracks |
| 8 |
14 |
Jeff Burton |
Improved over last season, but it's time for Jeff to look for another ride |
| 9 |
15 |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
If not for the silly mistakes at Rockingham Junior is having a solid season so far |
| 10 |
14 |
Ryan Newman |
The best of the Penske team, this is another sophomore who has been impressive |
| 11 |
9 |
Kurt Busch |
Not sure yet what Kurt is going to do this season. Are the Ford body and the Roush engines holding him back? |
| 12 |
23 |
Kevin Harvick |
Not much of a factor so far |
| 13 |
19 |
Johnny Benson |
Sure he's 6th in points, but he has no top tens so far in 2003. |
| 14 |
1 |
Sterling Marlin |
20th in points, Sterling's return to Winston Cup is off to a slow start |
| 15 |
** |
Joe Nemechek |
Really off to a good start, moving up fast in the power rankings |
| 16 |
10 |
Rusty Wallace |
Certainly Rusty is better than his 22nd points position |
| 17 |
22 |
Dave Blaney |
Having a very impressive 2003 season. Need to see if he can keep it up |
| 18 |
3 |
Mark Martin |
Two blown motors explain his points, but he hasn't really been a factor so far this year |
| 19 |
12 |
Ricky Craven |
Leading the Pontiac brigade, Ricky could arguably be higher on this list |
| 20 |
2 |
Ricky Rudd |
The Wood Brothers just don't have the equipment that Robert Yates did |
| 21 |
** |
Robby Gordon |
He's had some fast rides but seems to be having trouble with his consistency |
| 22 |
16 |
Jimmy Spencer |
Better than he was in the Target car. Can this team keep the momentum up? |
| 23 |
** |
Jamie McMurray |
Lighting quick rookie still has a lot to learn, but he'll win again soon |
| 24 |
20 |
Eliott Sadler |
Still needs time to develop "chemistry" with the Yates program |
| 25 |
** |
Steve Park |
Trailing his teammates, Park needs to start demonstrating that he deserves the DEI ride |
Other Notables
| Rank |
Previous
7/8/02 |
Driver |
Comments |
| ** |
8 |
Bill Elliott |
36th in points? Bad luck seems to be following him around the track this season |
| ** |
** |
Ward Burton |
Off to a slow start in 2003 but he'll probably make the list next time |
| ** |
24 |
Kyle Petty |
Kyle has had some good runs but hasn't found his way to the top yet |
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