Logano’s Win Not Enough

Logano’s Win Not Nearly Enough to Crap the Sprint Cup Power Rankings

Joey Logano became the youngest person in NASCAR history to win a Sprint Cup race when the rains began to fall and he finished ahead of some big time, heavy hitters to take the checkered flag.

Good for Logano and the #20 Home Depot car that had been suffering through a series of lackluster finishes this year mainly due to the fact that Tony Stewart, who had driven the Home Depot car to so many notable victories, took off and created his own team.

It doesn’t mean, of course, that Logano is any where close to making the Sprint Cup Chase. Let’s take a look at the power rankings.

NASCAR: Sprint Cup Power Rankings with Odds

1. Tony Stewart +300 - - Smoke had to go his second car because of a crash, but it was all good for the Sprint Cup point’s leader who finished 5th at Loudon. Does Tony are that Logano won in the #20. Heck, no! He’s still the leader for the Sprint Cup Championship.

2. Jeff Gordon +400 - - Bad luck on Gordo’s part as the rains ended the race before he could really kick it into a gear. A second place finish at Loudon keeps him in the Sprint Cup Chase. He might be the best bet on the board right now because his odds are in line with both Jimmie’s and Tony’s and he’s driving much better than in 2008.

3. Jimmie Johnson +300 - - 9th at Loudon was probably good enough for Jimmie who no doubt just wanted to maintain this week after driving well last week at Sonoma. He’s just going to maintain until the real racing starts.

4. Kurt Busch +1000 - - Kurt’s 3rd place finish at Loudon is just another example of why he’s become a better wager in the BetUS online sportsbook than littler brother Kyle. Busch has had success before while Kyle’s success in 2008 looks like it may have gone to his head.

5. Carl Edwards +700 - - Carl went back to his usual disappointing run in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 by crossing the finish line in 19th place. Not cool, Carl. There just hasn’t been the same consistency from Edwards in 2009 as there was in 2008.

6. Ryan Newman +1000 - - Newman switched places in the power rankings with Edwards after finishing 29th at Loudon. It was a terrible run for the usually consistent Newman. A bounce back should happen next week.

7. Denny Hamlin +1800 - - Hamlin’s 15th place finish in the Lenox Industrial Tools might not have looked pretty but he did well enough to get himself up a few spots in the power rankings. He’ll have to continue to excel in order to really challenge for the Cup.

8. Greg Biffle +1000 - - Biffle won a race at Loudon last year but it didn’t show on Sunday as he finished 18th after starting 8th, but he’s the second Roush driver in the top 12. That means that Roush has a chance for the coveted Sprint Cup if they maintain.

9. Kyle Busch +600 - - The 7th place finish at Loudon has to mean a lot to Busch who has just been awful lately. It might not mean enough, though, if he doesn’t begin to improve his position in the Sprint Cup point’s standings. Kyle has to find some of that magic from 2008.