Fox Sports releases NASCAR power rankings after North Wilkesboro All-Star Race

The NASCAR Cup Series took a brief recess from points races over the weekend to enjoy the All-Star Race from historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The event came at the halfway point of the regular season, with 13 races in the books and 13 more to go. And now that we’re prepared to head into the second half of the year, FOX provided an updated look at the power rankings.

NASCAR writer Bob Pockrass ranked the top-10 drivers heading into the second-half of the regular season. He believes these are the guys in the best shape to make a deep playoff run later in the year.

Here’s what Pockrass’s top-10 in the power rankings looks like after Sunday’s All-Star Race:

Kyle LarsonRoss ChastainWilliam ByronChristopher BellMartin Truex Jr.Denny HamlinChase ElliottKyle BuschKevin HarvickTyler Reddick

Larson earned the No. 1 spot after taking home the checkered flag at North Wilkesboro. Byron is in a good spot at No. 3 — fitting as he’s currently the only driver in the Cup Series with three wins.

Chastain comes in at No. 2 despite no trips to Victory Lane just yet.

How do the power rankings compare to the current points standings? Here’s a look at how things stand in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings through 13 races:

Ross Chastain – 429 pointsChristopher Bell – 402 pointsKevin Harvick – 400 pointsDenny Hamlin – 393 pointsWilliam Byron – 387 pointsMartin Truex Jr. – 385 pointsRyan Blaney – 381 pointsBrad Keselowski – 365 pointsKyle Larson – 363 pointsTyler Reddick – 361 points

Dale Jarrett raves about NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro

For the first time since 1996, NASCAR returned to North Wilkesboro. Although it was for the All-Star Race and not a points race, legend Dale Jarrett loved that the sport returned to the historic track.

“Obviously, there was a tremendous amount of hype leading up to it. But, I think it lived up to the hype,” Jarrett told NBC Sports. “It was a huge event. … That’s what you’re looking for — events that make a difference. That’s what people want to be a part of.”

Jarrett loved to seeing the track packed with fans and so much support from the green flag all the way through the checkered.

“North Wilkesboro was a big part of why this sport continued to grow through the 80s and 90s until we quit racing there. It was great to see that,” Jarrett said. “The fan support was just unbelievable … it was a good vibe and a good scene to be part of. … So, I think it was a huge success.”

The next step for NASCAR? Considering a return to the venue for a points race. Does Jarrett believe we’ll see it sometime soon?

“Will we see a race there, a points race? I don’t see why not. … The surface just needs to be redone and I think we’ll see better racing then.”

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