5 races have been completed now in the Cup series which means we now use this year's points. The salaries have been adjusted giving everything a much different look. These are unofficial until next week since its possible a few points swaps could take place.

They were mentioning during the race that the #17 and #26 points could be switched since McMurray is now out of the top 35. Kenseth could use his championship provisionals if needed. I would really be surprised if this took place, but if it does, Matt Kenseth would become the greatest valued driver ever in the league at $5,000.

Personally I don't think owners points should be able to be switched during the season unless the drivers actually switched cars.

At any rate, the salaries on the picks form have been updated even though it is still unofficial.

Here are some interesting changes:

Kyle Busch is the points leader and for the first time, has the highest salary at 50k.

6 new drivers are in the A class.... Busch, Greg Biffle with the 2nd highest salary, Dale Jr, Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch (although Busch ended the 2007 season in the A class).

The most surprising thing is that both Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon are out of the A class for the first time since the league began. Johnson's salary is now 34k and Gordon's salary is 33k.

The other Hendrick driver, Casey Mears, takes a huge hit and is down from a 46k salary to a 10k salary, just barely in the top 35.  Looks like Hendrick got rid of the wrong driver! Speaking of which.... can Mears' ride now be in jeopardy??

They were outside the top 35 all of last year, but now locking themselves in are Brian Vickers, Michael McDowell who starts in the #00 car, Michael Waltrip, and David Reutimann now in the #44 car. 

Now looking from the outside in.... out of the top 35 - A somewhat surprising Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney, Dario Franchitti, Regan Smith and Kyle Petty.... all with 5k salaries.