The Problems Facing Team Penske | Cup Series Power Rankings!

Team Penske’s three-year reign as the modern NASCAR dynasty has officially ended, and the fallout is already sparking questions about Ford’s future. With all Penske cars eliminated before the Championship 4 for the first time in the Next Gen era, the focus now turns to whether the Blue Oval can keep up with the evolving field—especially with a new playoff format on the horizon. And before we get into the power rankings, huge thanks to this week’s sponsor, Opti-Coat. Their Opti-Coat Pro ceramic coating bonds directly to your car’s factory paint, intensifying that glossy finish and protecting it. Visit Opticoat.com to explore their full line of products, including wheel and tire cleaners, and use promo code JEB10 or WARD10 for 10% off. Opti-Coat keeps your car looking like new.

• Has Team Penske’s short-track-focused formula finally run its course?
• Can Ford catch up as Chevrolet preps a new body and Toyota keeps climbing?
• Will a new playoff structure reward the consistency Penske has lacked?
• And which of the four title contenders carries the most momentum into Phoenix?

With William Byron surging to number one in the latest power rankings and Penske’s dominance showing signs of decay, the offseason will be crucial for Ford’s resurgence. From blown tires at intermediates to an all-Chevy-and-Toyota top seven in the standings, the numbers paint a worrying picture. But if any team knows how to rebound, it’s Penske. Watch the full episode for Eric’s complete top ten, his championship outlook, and more analysis on the state of Ford’s future. Drop your thoughts in the comments—has the dynasty truly fallen, or is this just a reset?

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