Alexander Rossi may continue to lead the INDYCAR Power Rankings, but his teammate is charging up fast from behind.
Ryan Hunter-Reay made the biggest move in this week’s driver rating following an impressive run in Saturday’s DXC Technology 600 that became overshadowed by a late crash involving frontrunners Scott Dixon and Colton Herta, followed by a thrilling duel between Josef Newgarden and Andretti Autosport teammate Rossi to the finish.
The Power Rankings are determined using INDYCAR’s advanced statistics and data with a weighted formula to rate the NTT IndyCar Series drivers after each race this season. We look at more than just the results of the event, also factoring in qualifying results, on-track passes, on-track position passes and average running position to come up with each driver’s rating for that race.
The rankings are based on the four most recent races. The most recent race (the DXC Technology 600) is weighted the most in the rating and the oldest race (the Indianapolis 500 on May 26) the least.
So, following Texas and heading to Road America, here’s a look at the top NTT IndyCar Series drivers:
STILL NO. 1
Alexander Rossi – The only driver to finish in the top five in the last four races is the top-rated driver for the second week in a row. Rossi may have finished second in Texas, but he’s No. 1 in the Power Rankings.
ON THE RISE
Ryan Hunter-Reay – The same 10 drivers that were ranked after Detroit are ranked in the top 10 this week. Hunter-Reay is the biggest gainer after a fifth-place Texas finish while leading the most laps (90).
LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK
Scott Dixon – While Hunter-Reay is biggest riser, Dixon fell the most. Another crash at Texas sends the five-time champion to P10 in the ranking.
THE TOP 10 (previous ranking in parentheses)
1. Alexander Rossi (1) – See above
2. Ryan Hunter-Reay (7) – See above
3. Josef Newgarden (2) – Hard to explain how Newgarden drops a spot in the ranking after winning two of the last three races, but it happened.
4. Santino Ferrucci (9) – The rookie is running well, following up a strong weekend in Detroit with his first top-five at Texas.
5. Will Power (3) – Finished ninth despite an ill-handling car early. Passing cars helps Power maintain a top-five ranking.
6. Marcus Ericsson (8) – Another top-10 finish for the impressive Swedish rookie.
7. Graham Rahal (10) – First podium finish of the season for Rahal at Texas.
8. Simon Pagenaud (4) – The Indy 500 winner wasn’t as spectacular at Texas as he was in the first oval of the year.
9. Takuma Sato (6) – The Texas pole sitter saw his race go wrong on his first pit stop.
10. Scott Dixon (4) – See above
Dropped out: No one