The Balance of Power Is Shifting

Well, not really, just the make up of the bottom part of the top 35 in owners' points.

28. David Gilliland 352
29. Travis Kvapil 346
30. Casey Mears 331
31. Jamie McMurray 318
32. Dale Jarrett 315
33. Michael Waltrip 303
34. Jeremy Mayfield 301
35. J.J. Yeley 298
36. Sam Hornish Jr. 280
37. Dave Blaney 273
38. Dario Franchitti 264
39. Regan Smith 232
40. Kyle Petty 217

As you all know, the top 35 are guaranteed into the field. Petty, Blaney, Franchitti and Smith (and in the case of Smith and Franchitti, their cars) were locked in last year. Hornish just has Kurt Busch's points.

Of course, this is very likely to change after next week, when this year's owner points starts to take effect. If I had to bet on one driver jumping into the top 35, I'd pick Blaney, and I wouldn't be surprised if Waltrip or Jarrett fell out.

To me, the race to get locked into the field is just as interesting as the Chase. And unlike last year, we're staring at established teams being forced to qualify on time (Ganassi, DEI, Penske, Petty). Blaney has had bad luck this year, Kyle Petty neds to hang them up and move to the television booth full time, Dario and Sam need more seasoning, and I think Regan Smith is only there because he has a contract.

So while the list is certainly different, I can't say I'm surprised.

(note: those are all just drivers that have made every race.)