ONMC POWER 10: Fight Club

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

One wonders, after the events of Sunday night, whether we ought to be ranking the top 10 power punchers in NASCAR rather than the top 10 drivers.

Well, of course we're not going to do that, but it's something to think about with the potential for payback at Phoenix this weekend. It's crucial that the top eight have their best days, and the races are tight enough to make it even more exciting.

Non-Chaser Jimmie Johnson won the race at Texas, over Chase contender Kevin Harvick and Brad "The Detroit Kid" Keselowski. Keselowski battled to a draw after the race with what seemed like half the garage, including Jeff Gordon, who saw his clinch scenario go from golden to dim in one fell swoop.

So who was the best of the past week? Let's find out!

How it works is simple: we tell you who the 10 best drivers are after each race this season, and you can agree, disagree or improve on them by commenting on the article itself. Remember, this is a family ranking, so keep that in mind.

Sound good?

Let's go to the rankings.

1. Jimmie Johnson: After being eliminated at Talladega, Six-Time needed to flex a little muscle so everyone would remember he's still out there. He did, and he won. He also will be back next year with Chad Knaus. Be afraid, very afraid. Last week: not ranked

2. Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he finished 29th after a cut tire on a late restart. But prior to that he was the man with the plan and could have been 30 points clear and into the final round. That counts. Last week: 2

3. Kevin Harvick: Found his stride late in the race and finished second, polishing off Brad Keselowski on the green-white-checkered to finish behind Johnson. Then he pushed Keselowski into the brewing melee as an object lesson. He's great at Phoenix too. Last week: 9

4. Joey Logano: He's been stout all year and is the co-leader headed to Phoenix. You want to bet against him? I'd think about that. Last week: 5

5. Denny Hamlin: Good at Texas, pretty good at Phoenix. Given new life by Gordon's spat with BK, he's a mortal lock to advance. Last week: 6

6. Ryan Newman: Captain Top-10 did it again at Texas, and he's nearly clinched a spot for the finale. Last week: 3

7. Matt Kenseth: Had a shot at winning, but didn't at Texas. What the heck, he hasn't won all year. Still stout and good at Phoenix. Last week: 4

8. Carl Edwards: Tied with Kenseth in the first spot out of the finals, he has work to do at Phoenix. In reality, he had to win at Texas to advance. Last week: 7

9. Brad Keselowski: He's 17 points out heading to the desert. Has to win to guarantee advancement. Have we heard this before? I think he might be driving the Target car this weekend, if you get my drift. Last week: 8

10. Kurt Busch: Was very strong in parts of the race, and he gets the 10th spot because he's still mashing the button and competing hard. Last week: not ranked

Dropped out: Tony Stewart

Close But No Cigar: 

Stewart, for qualifying sixth and setting a 200-mph lap in qualifying; TMS General Manager Eddie Gossage, because he'll market this Fight in Fort Worth in unique ways all through the winter.