NASCAR Top 10 Power Rankings: Week 17

Note: the quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Jimmie Johnson — Johnson led 21 laps at Kentucky and finished sixth in the Quaker State 400, as Hendrick Motorsports drivers claimed four of the top six positions, led by Kasey Kahne's second. Johnson is now third in the Sprint Cup point standings, 23 out of first.

"Brad Keselowski's No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge was the car to beat," Johnson said. "Would I go so far as to say Keselowski is a legitimate threat for the championship? Let me put it this way: despite my five Sprint Cup championships, I don't necessarily 'champion' that belief.

"Try as we might, no Hendrick cars could catch Brad Keselowski. He was just too fast, and beat the field by such a margin that he was able to Tweet his win before it happened, which is the perfect argument for banning texting while driving."

2. Matt Kenseth — Kenseth, who announced his departure from Roush Fenway Racing last week, posted a seventh in the Quaker State 400, his 12th top-10 of the year. He remained on top of the point standings with an 11-point lead over Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

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