William Byron avoids the big one to win at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 on Sunday.
The NASCAR Cup Series had one week remaining before the All-Star break. This weekend was spent at Darlington Raceway for a throwback-themed race. Many drivers sported throwback paint schemes to honor racing legends that came before. However, a paint scheme never stays fresh for long when racing at Darlington. This tough racetrack is known for leaving its mark on those who wish to conquer it.
DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 14: William Byron, the driver of the #24 Axalta Throwback Chevrolet, celebrates with the trophy after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023, in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
On Sunday afternoon, William Byron scores his third NASCAR Cup Series win of 2023 at Darlington Raceway in the Goodyear 400.
William Byron took full advantage of a late on-track incident between Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson to triumph in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway and become the first three-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series this season.
The NASCAR Cup Series Power Ranking after Talladega is presented before they race at Dover Motor Speedway this weekend.
Drivers and fans were able to experience both ends of the NASCAR spectrum over the past two weeks. First, the Cup Series headed to Martinsville, the series’ shortest track at just half a mile in length. The ‘Paper Clip’ was very track position-oriented, as drivers struggled to pass for much of the race. The Stewart-Haas Cars were strong early, but drivers such as Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece managed to hang on to the lead, and Kyle Larson spoiled the party with a late pit strategy move to take his second win of the season.
This past weekend, the Cup Series headed further south to Talladega, the series’ longest track at 2.67 miles. As usual, the race was filled with plenty of lead changes and plenty of action. Bubba Wallace led at the white flag but wrecked while trying to block Ryan Blaney. Kyle Busch, of all people, made it through the carnage first, claiming his second win of the year.
These two races brought mixed results for many drivers so the power ranking will have a few small movements throughout.
The NASCAR Cup Series Power Ranking after Richmond Raceway’s Toyota Owners 400 is presented as teams now head to Bristol for racing on Dirt.
After a brief hiatus, the power ranking is back following the seventh race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. Over the past couple of weeks, we saw Tyler Reddick emerge from the craziness to claim a checkered flag at COTA, and Kyle Larson outlasted teammate William Byron to grab his first win of the season at Richmond. With two races to consider, there is some movement in the Power Ranking this week, including another new No. 1.
