Using INDYCAR’s advanced statistics and data, we’ve developed a weighted formula to rate the NTT IndyCar Series drivers after each race this season. Welcome to the Power Rankings – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Will Power is always No. 1.
How does it work? We look beyond the results of the event, also factoring in qualifying results, on-track passes, on-track position passes and average running position throughout the race to come up with each driver’s unique rating.
The rankings are based on the four most recent races. The most recent race (ABC Supply 500 at Pocono) is weighted the most in the rating and the oldest race (Honda Indy 200 in Toronto) the least.
So, following Pocono and heading to this weekend's Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, here’s a look at the top NTT IndyCar Series drivers:
Who’s No. 1:
Simon Pagenaud – Sometimes consistency is key and that’s what Simon Pagenaud has been since his win in the Indianapolis 500. The Team Penske scored another podium finish at Pocono and led the most laps. That keeps the Frenchman No. 1 this week.
On the Rise
Will Power – The Pocono race winner scored his 100th top-five finish and extended his streak of consecutive seasons with at least one win to 13. He also keeps Team Penske’s winning streak on ovals intact.
Looking to Bounce Back
Alexander Rossi – For the second time this season, Rossi’s race ended before it really ever began. A first lap crash damaged Rossi’s car early and he never had a chance to defend his win for 2018. It also was a big hit in the ratings.
The Top 10
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Simon Pagenaud (Last Rating: 1) – See above.
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Scott Dixon (Last Rating: 2) – Dixon’s last five races are all in the top-five. His last four are top-two finishes. The Iceman is coming.
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Power (Last Rating: 6) – See above.
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Josef Newgarden (Last Rating: 4) – A quiet weekend for the points leader at Pocono. Still he increased his point lead to 35.
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Santino Ferrucci (Unranked) – Ovals seems to suit the rookie driver, who has scored the fifth-most points on ovals this season.
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Sebastien Bourdais (Last Rating: 8) – Could have finished on the podium, but got jumped on the last restart and only could get one of the positions back.
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Rossi (Last Rating: 3) – See above.
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Graham Rahal (Last Rating: 9) – Consistency has been his calling card. Rahal finished in the top 10, in every race since Indianapolis, but only inside the top five twice in that span.
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Spencer Pigot (Last Rating: 7) – Was running well before a crash after his first pit stop.
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Felix Rosenqvist (Last Rating: 5) – Like Rossi, Rosenqvist’s race was ended in the Lap 1 crash.
Dropped out: James Hinchcliffe (10)