NASCAR Power Rankings: New Hampshire

(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Note: the quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Tony Stewart

Stewart's No. 14 Toyota was strong out front, opening a sizable lead during his long, 40-lap stint in the lead from laps 196-235.

However, rain shot down Stewart's chance at the win, as Joey Logano, who took over the No. 20 Home Depot car when Stewart departed Joe Gibbs Racing, took the win. Stewart finished fifth, his series-best 13th top-10 finish of the year.

"It's ironic," Stewart said. "Some of my best memories took place in that No. 20 Home Depot car, with 19-year-olds."

"Once again, though, fans were robbed of an exciting finish by rain. I think Michael Jackson would agree that the end of this race was anything but a 'Thriller.'"

"But I'm extremely happy for Joey. I think I left him with a good program over at Gibbs, and I hope I've been a good role model for him. With a few more wins and pounds under his belt, I'm confident he'll soon become a racing 'heavy' just like me."

2. Jeff Gordon

Gordon finished second in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, settling for the runner-up position behind Joey Logano, who, at age 19, became the youngest driver ever to win a Sprint Cup race.

Logano gambled successfully that rain was imminent, staying on the track while others pitted and conserving enough fuel until the rain arrived. Gordon's second place was his ninth top-five of the year, and he now trails Tony Stewart by 69 in the point standings.

"Heck, I didn't even know Logano was old enough togamble," Gordon said. "In addition, he's not old enough to remember Michael Jackson's best work, but he's still young enough to be invited to Neverland Ranch."

"Logano has to be incredibly lucky to come away with a win after a spin which left him with two flat tires. Talk about 'wheels of fortune.'"

3. Jimmie Johnson

Johnson led a race-high 93 of 273 laps at New Hampshire, but his charge for the win was waylaid on lap 188 when contact from Kurt Busch knocked Johnson from third to ninth.

It was a setback that Johnson couldn't overcome, and he settled for a ninth-place finish when rain forced an early end.

"Kurt and I have certainly had our run-ins the last few weeks," Johnson said. "I'm not sure if Kurt was retaliating for last week's incident at Sonoma. In any case, I think jealously plays a role.

"I'm a three-time Cup champion, while Kurt is a mere one-time champ. So, with the knowledge of the 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson's untimely passing, you could say Kurt is a 'Wanna-be' starting something."

"And, with that being said, there are two schools of thought on Chad Knaus' prowess as a crew chief. Either he's 'The Wiz,' or he's a 'Smooth Criminal.'"

4. Kurt Busch

Busch led 28 laps on the day, and was one of a handful of cars that would have likely been involved in an exciting race to the checkered flag had rain held off, allowing the race to go the distance.

As it was, Joey Logano had luck on his side, and was the leader as the cars sat parked on pit lane when NASCAR officially called the race after 273 laps.

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