Every week, Suite 101 ranks the top16 NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers based on results and performance.

Clint Bowyer's first NASCAR Nextel Cup victory could not have come at a more opportune time. After a week of being branded the forgotten man, or the guy who has zero wins, Bowyer led 222 of 300 laps in the Sylvania 300 en route to the victory. Bowyer's first win came in his 64th career Nextel Cup start. His first Cup start was at Phoenix in April of 2005.

"Hopefully this proves we earned a spot [in the Chase]. ... It just says a lot about our race team and our chances in this Chase," said Bowyer.

1. (1) 24-Jeff Gordon: Jeff Gordon proved that he still the favorite to win his fifth Cup title.

2. (2) 48-Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie Johnson leads all Nextel Cup drivers with seven wins in the Chase for the Championship races dating back to 2004.

3. (3) 20-Tony Stewart: Tony Stewart only has three wins in the Chase for the Championship, all occurring in 2006, which is ironic considering that was the only season he didn’t compete in the Chase for the Championship.

4. (4) 11-Denny Hamlin: I wonder how Denny Hamlin really feels about the Car of Tomorrow.

5. (5) 99-Carl Edwards: Carl Edwards should be among the contenders at Dover.

6. (8) 5-Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch is hoping to build on his fourth place finish at New Hampshire.

7. (7) 17-Matt Kenseth: Matt Kenseth is steadily improving in the Car of Tomorrow.

8. (12) 07-Clint Bowyer: Clint Bowyer has suddenly emerged at Richard Childress Racing’s top threat to win the Nextel Cup championship. And, what a burnout!

9. (10) 1-Martin Truex Jr: Like Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr is the forgotten man, but the Nextel Cup series is headed to Dover, where Truex Jr downright dominated in June.

10. (6) 2-Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch is down, but not out of the championship hunt.

11. (9) 31-Jeff Burton: Jeff Burton has got to be wondering what setup Clint Bowyer and 07 team used at New Hampshire.

12. (11) 29-Kevin Harvick: Two blown tires in one race is just plain bad racing luck.

13. (13) 12-Ryan Newman: Here is a somewhat bold prediction- Ryan Newman will pass Dale Earnhardt Jr for the 13th spot in the Nextel Cup standings before the season ends.

14. (14) 8-Dale Earnhardt Jr: Dale Earnhardt Jr has never suffered through a winless season in his NASCAR career. Could 2007 be the first?

15. (NR) 25-Casey Mears: Casey Mears was the first of four first-time winners in NASCAR Nextel Cup this season.

16. (16) 9-Kasey Kahne: Kasey Kahne, driving the Budweiser Dodge! In due time, that will sound normal.

autoracing@suite101.com

Past Suite 16 Rankings

Daytona 500, at Daytona

Auto Club 500, at California

UAW Daimler Chrysler 400, at Las Vegas

Kobalt Tools 500, at Atlanta

Food City 500, at Bristol

Goody's Orange Cool 500, at Martinsville

Samsung 500, at Texas

Subway Fresh Fit 500, at Phoenix

Aaron's 499, at Talladega

Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400, at Richmond

Dodge Avenger 500, at Darlington

Coca Cola 600, at Lowe's

Autism Speaks 400, at Dover

Pocono 500, at Pocono

Citizens Bank 400, at Michigan

Toyota Save Mart 350, at Infineon

LENOX Industrial Tools 300, at New Hampshire

Pepsi 400, at Daytona

USG Sheetrock 400, at Chicagoland

All-State 400, at Indianapolis

Pennsylvania 500, at Pocono

Centurion Boats At The Glen, Watkins Glen

3M Performance 400, at Michigan

Sharpie 500, at Bristol

Sharp Aquos 500, at California

Chevy Rock & Roll 400, at Richmond