2016 NASCAR Pit Road: Preseason

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Preseason

(Photo Credit: AP Photo: Terry Renna)

By Richard Tix

NASCAR Behind the Wall's Power Rankings are back. I know that is what you have all been waiting for, right? Oh, you've actually been waiting for NASCAR to be back? Well, I guess I can live with that.

Since NASCAR is back and on the track I think it is time to get the Preseason Power Rankings and season hype going. Coming up will be Chase Predictions and Champion Predictions, but until those are released check out the Power Rankings as we head into a new season. 

Last season's Cup Champions (Kyle Busch) started the year out in 10th in 2015 (Check out last years Preseason Power Rankings). Meanwhile, some of the other strong cars started on top (Harvick 1st and Logano 3rd). Don't forget, last years final four driver Martin Truex Jr wasn't even on the preseason list.

So, a 2016 contender might not even make this list, but that is what make preseason forecasts, predictions, and rankings so much fun.

Pit Road Power Rankings: Preseason

1. Kyle Busch- The 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion keeps his spot. He is not only healthy, but shouldn't have as much trouble going through metal detectors in 2016.
2. Joey Logano- "Sliced Bread" gets to try and redeem his season after becoming squished bread via Matt Kenseth last in 2015. He was one of the strongest cars all last year.
3. Kevin Harvick- Havrick has proven he will continue to be a force while at SHR. As expected last year, he should again be a tough guy to beat in 2016. 
4. Jimmie Johnson- 5 more wins in 2015, one of these seasons he will put it together in the Chase and be a tough out. Is 2016 the year?
5. Brad Keselowski- Only one win in 2015, seems crazy when you think about that white #2 being up front a ton. He should notch multiple this season.
6. Denny Hamlin- I am pretty high on Denny and most of JGR this season, but even I will admit it is a toss up which JGR car will finish the highest. 
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr- Junior has been on an impressive stretch in his career and it doesn't seem like it will slow down heading into 2016. Will he finally make the final four in year three?
8. Kurt Busch- Last year I doubted the comeback (it was hard not to with everything that was going on). This year it is safe to say he will be a contender.
9. Carl Edwards- This might be low, but I have no idea which talented JGR driver will finish the highest, so for now Carl has to settle for the back half of the top 10.
10. Martin Truex Jr- Moving from Chevy to Toyota shouldn't be a tough move, but it is enough to move him back a bit to start 2016.
11. Matt Kenseth- For some reason I am low on Kenseth. Do I have him winning and making the Chase? Heck yes, but I have a weird feeling it might be a bit of a low season for him. Then again, he is with JGR and I could be totally off.
12. Ryan Newman- Rounding out the top 12 is Mr. Consistent. He is a guy in and out of the bubble spot so why not start there in 2016?

Just Missed: Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Jamie McMurray

Just Missed the Just Missed: Kasey Kahne, Paul Menard, Ryan Blaney, and Clint Bowyer

Missing Out on the Just Missed: Aric Almirola, Danica Patrick, Chris Buescher, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and Tony Stewart