NASCAR Power Rankings: Post-Daytona 500

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Feb 21, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) and Kurt Busch (41) during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

No.’s 12 – 9

No. 12 – Ryan Newman

For most of the day, Newman was having a rather mediocre run, but he ended up battling back from the back to finish in the No. 11 spot in the race. He’s a veteran driver and he kept it smooth and didn’t press too hard. For the way it started out, he’ll take it.

No. 11 – Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch kept trying to move out of that second-tier of drivers and get up to the top-tier. He was never able to do it, but he still put a nice run together. He finished with a top-10 finish and has a lot to like about his race heading into Atlanta next week.

No. 10 – Regan Smith

Regan Smith had a really nice run at the Daytona 500. He finished in the No. 8 spot and well above expectations. It’s a great momentum boost for Smith and his team to start the year.

No. 9 – Austin Dillon

Austin Dillon was in the conversation at the end of the race. He was trying to get a partner to go with him and make a run at the front, but he just couldn’t make anything work out. Still, it was a solid day for Dillon and his crew, as he finished in the No. 9 spot and had a top-10 finish.

Next: No. 8 - No. 5

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