Back by popular demand: ITA Top Alcohol Power Rankings

I kind of got out of doing the power rankings since I race in one or both of the categories. I have had a lot of requests to bring it back over the years, so why the hell not? I have never let pissing someone off stop me in the past...

So with that out of the way...

Power Rankings

TAD

1. Jim Whiteley - Proudly wears the No. 1 on the wing and the favorite to win when he rolls through the gate. When they are on their game, very hard to beat. They run very strong on both national event and regional surfaces. Still the favorite in the clubhouse.

2. Chris Demke - "The Sheriff" is always a threat to step up and run with Whiteley or anyone else in the other lane, but at times is just a step behind Whiteley. Never to be counted out.

3. Brandon Booher - AB Construction team has really made a statement with their performance this year, and proved they are the real deal with a win at Charlotte and strong qualifying performance in Indy. If he wins another national event, will become a national title contender.

4. Gord Gingles - Doesn't make many national events, but when they do, look out. Showed what they are capable of with a win over Jim Whiteley at the Brainerd national event. A threat to win anywhere they go.

5. Bill Reichert - Been off his normal pace and struggled with consistency. When he gets it right, it's a rocket ship. A recent 5.25 in Charlotte shows they may be back on track. Don't count them out just yet.

6. Alan Bradshaw - The Canadian Doucette Racing A/FD has run some very impressive numbers at several races. They don't race often, but when they do, look out. Wheelman Bradshaw has always been good at the tree.

7. Shawn Cowie - Has come back after a miraculous recovery from his off-track accident to regain the form he was in before the accident. This team will only get stronger as they make more runs down the track.

8. Ray Martin - Hugh Ridley owned team seems to always find itself solidly in the top half of the field if not better when they show up. Never to be counted out.

9. Rich McPhillips - Wiley veteran has a way of getting to the late rounds. Has the potential to run the big numbers. If they can find a bit of consistency, will have a strong case for moving up the rankings.

10. Mark Taliaferro - The rumor mill puts Norm Grimes moving to this team next year, and from all indications, has assisted the team this year. Ran near identical numbers to Whiteley in Brainerd. Once he gets the hang of driving a blown car again, will be very tough to beat.

On the bubble: 11. Dan Page, 12. Ken Perry, 13. Randy Meyer, 14. Marty Thacker, 15. Don St. Arnaud

TAFC

1. Frank Manzo - After struggling early in the year, looks to be back to his old ways - winning that is. Back on top of the points, and the car to beat right now, as if that was a surprise.

2. Annie Whiteley - After a very impressive showing in Indy, looks to be back to the form they were in late last year. Definitely not a car to be counted out.

3. John Lombardo - Makes big power and can throw down the big numbers with the best of them. Still has a shot at the title.

4. Tony Bartone/Mickey Ferro - Was the early season favorite to win the title. Will the mid season split with Rick Jackson come back to haunt Bartone? With a few races under his belt tuning Ferro's car, it looks like tuner Steve Boggs is very close to finding the sweet spot. Both drivers are experienced vets that can drive the wheels off and saw down the tree. Still has a legitimate shot at the title.

5. Dale Brand - Doesn't get out much, but a bonafide contender when they do. A great driver at the tree and a fast race car anywhere they go.

6. Shane Westerfield - One of the best drivers at the tree, in fact too good at times. Car has shown the ability to run at the front of the pack.

7. Jay Payne - Thunderslug seems to go deep into Sunday wherever they show up. It's no surprise when they run a big number, either.

8. Clint Thompson - After being sidelined for much of the season due to a snowmobiling accident, Thompson returned right to form with a strong win in Seattle. Can definitely throw down with the best of them.

9. Kris Hool - A team that has always been a solid middle of the pack car has really stepped their game up lately and has a car is getting closer to the front of the pack. Norwalk win showed that.

10. Dan Pomponio - A strong car and a veteran driver that can get it done on the tree. Struggled some with the warm weather months, but should return to early season form as fall returns.

On the bubble: 11. Andy Bohl, 12. Todd Veney, 13. Chris Foster, 14. Steve Gasparrelli, 15. Cassie Simonton