(PRWEB) April 5, 2006 -- Right now, Fernando Alonso from Formula 1 is the best driver in the world, according to newsweekly National Speed Sport News. In the paper’s Power Rankings, Alonso had the top spot ahead of Sebastien Bourdais from Champ Car and current NASCAR points leader Jimmy Johnson. Each week the paper at http://www.NationalSpeedSportNews.com ranks the Top 10 drivers from all forms of motorsports based on their performance at the track and points standings.

Melanie Troxel, the only female racer ranked, moved up to fifth place ahead of notable names like Steve Kinser and Tony Stewart. NASCAR and NHRA are the only two series represented by more than one driver.

1). Fernando Alonso, Formula 1. Alonso’s triumph in Australia was his second in three races this season. He has also finished second once.
2). Sebastien Bourdais, Champ Car World Series. Bourdais finally gets his season started with this weekend’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
3). Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Nextel Cup. With a third-place finish at Martinsville, Johnson reclaimed the Nextel Cup Series point lead.
4). Dan Wheldon, Indy Racing League. Wheldon was involved in a crash and failed to finish Sunday at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.
5). Melanie Troxel, NHRA Top Fuel. With remarkable consistency Troxel kept the NHRA Top Fuel point lead after making the finals for the fourth time in as many races.
6). Steve Kinser, National Sprint Tour. Kinser took the weekend off while he waits on the NST season to resume April 15.
7). Dave Steele USAC, TBARA. Steele finished third in the TBARA sprint-car event at Citrus County Speedway in Florida.
8). Ron Capps, NHRA Funny Car. Capps continued his early season tear, extending his point lead by winning at Houston Raceway Park.
9). Donny Schatz, World of Outlaws Sprint Series. Schatz gained the WoO point lead after sweeping a pair of events in Arkansas and Missouri.
10). Tony Stewart, NASCAR Nextel Cup. Early season leader Stewart rejoined the top 10 in the Power Rankings after a victory in Martinsville, Virginia.

While Fernando Alonso jumped to the top of the rankings, Ted Musgrave, who has finished in the top four in every Truck race this season, is nearing the top 10.

Nextel Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne, Craftsman Truck Series shoe Todd Bodine and late-model racer Steve Francis dropped from the countdown.

National Speed Sport News has published insider racing news, opinion and exclusive driver interviews since 1934, and covers all types of motorsports. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.NationalSpeedSportNews.com.