The latest edition of the IndyCar Power Rankings came out a bit like a jumbled mess, but that’s a reflection of the racing and performances of a few drivers over the last month of action.
Once again, there’s plenty of shuffling, with some new names appearing on the final list. And with a mix of big and small ovals along with temporary streets circuits and road courses ahead, I’m sure there will be more shuffling as the season goes along.
1. Will Power, Team Penske
Previous ranking: 1
The Aussie holds onto the top spot based on overall season performance, but it is a very narrow margin and, like the championship points battle, should be fun to watch the rest of the way.
2. Simon Pagenaud, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
Previous ranking: 4
Continuing his upward trajectory, he jumps right in behind Power after scoring his second victory of the season in Houston. This team is getting better as the year moves on.
3. Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport
Previous ranking: 2
RHR is hanging on to third spot after scoring top-10 results in both Houston races to help recover from his difficult June.
4. Juan Pablo Montoya, Team Penske
Previous ranking: 9
I was a little skeptical of how Montoya would perform in his return to open-wheel racing but he’s shown steady improvement. After back-to-back podium results in Texas and Houston (Race 1), he gained seven spots in Race 2 of the Houston double to collect a top-10 result.
5. Tony Kanaan, Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Previous ranking: 10
After some struggles adjusting to his new team, TK has been moving in the right direction. If not for the Graham Rahal brain cramp & resulting contact, Kanaan would have collected a podium result in Houston.
6. Scott Dixon, Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Previous ranking: 5
What has happened to last year’s series champion? He recorded a top-five finish at Texas but had a brutal weekend in Houston.
7. Carlos Munoz, Andretti Autosport – HVM Racing
Previous ranking: 6
Fast but inconsistent results drop him down … but he sure is fun to watch.
8. Ryan Briscoe, NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing
Previous ranking: —
Another driver and team that’s been moving in the right direction lately after signing on full time this year with Ganassi.
9. Justin Wilson, Dale Coyne Racing
Previous ranking: 7
As calm and consistent a driver as you’ll find, but down a little in the rankings due to his finishing results.
10. Jack Hawksworth, BHA / BBM with Curb-Agajanian
Previous ranking: —
Another rookie makes the cut because he’s been fast all year. He put on a couple of great charges in Houston and netted his first podium finish of the season. I mentioned him at the start of the season as one to watch, and he’s proving to be a real talent.
Some other drivers who showed flashes of success, but have been too inconsistent overall are James Hinchcliffe, Mikhail Aleshin and Helio Castroneves.