ONMC POWER 10: Wrapup Edition, 2014

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

The 2014 season will go down in history for many data points, not the least of which is the new format designed to make the Chase more of a thriller. It certainly did that, and it produced a first-time champion who happened to win to clinch it.

We'll drill down on the way the first Eliminator Chase worked later, but suffice to say it was pretty spectacular. It ranks right up there with 2011, from here.

So, let's rank the top 10 drivers of Homestead, shall we?

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?

1. Kevin Harvick: Winning two straight, including the finale for all the money, means he's the top dog. Great season, great champion. 'Nuff said. Last week: 1

2. Ryan Newman: Stealth bomber Newman came a half-second from winning the whole thing after not winning a race all season. More than one way to skin a cat...and win a title. Last week: 4

3. Denny Hamlin: If the yellow hankie hadn't waved so many times over the last 17 laps, we might be talking about his first title. Great strategy undone by cautions. Last week: 2

4. Joey Logano: One pit stop wrecked his season title hopes. He was super fast all year, won five races and could have been a champion too. Alas, it was not to be. Last week: 3

5. Jeff Gordon: But for a last-lap pass by Newman at Phoenix, he could have had a shot at No. 5 at Homestead. Still wicked fast and motivated. Last week: 5

6. Brad Keselowski: Bumpy road for the 2012 champ despite winning six races. He still finished fifth in the points. Last week: 7

7. Matt Kenseth: Now that Kenseth and crew chief Jason Ratcliff have figured out the zero-ride-height rule, he might be one of the favorites for 2015. Last week: 6

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Bittersweet finale for Junebug and Steve Letarte, but it was a great season. That gives Jr. Nation hope for '15. Last week: 9

9. Kyle Busch: Not much success for him, given his standards, but he was fun to watch. Better days ahead for this bunch. Last week: 10

10. Carl Edwards: Not the finish he wanted for his last ride in ol' 99, and not the way he wanted to send Jimmy Fennig out, but it was a good year for Cuz. Last week: 8

Close But No Cigar: 

Jamie McMurray, who was a factor in the early going at HMS and at pretty much all the races this year. Of course, he loses Keith Rodden to Kasey Kahne, but still a great season; Kyle Larson, who might have won a few races this year, has great potential for 2015. Runaway Rookie of the Year.