With only ten races remaining before the end of the 2008 season, most eyes are focused on the battle for the Chase. While that steals the headlines, another battle that continues to rage on and carries an immense amount of significance looking ahead to the 2009 season - the fight to make the top-35.

Once the season ends, the top-35 teams in owner points are locked in and guaranteed a spot in the season-opening Daytona 500. Those outside are forced to not only qualify for the show on time, but also race their way into position in the Gatorade Duels. While each team wishes they could be competing for the championship, earning that guaranteed spot in next year's Daytona 500 is a reward worth fighting for.

Leaving Richmond, four spots around the top-35 changed hands after Sunday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Robby Gordon and Sam Hornish Jr. both lost a spot in the standing after disappointing runs in Richmond. Gordon dropped outside the top-35 after a 42nd-place finish, while Hornish drops to 37th following his 38th.

The biggest loser of the weekend had to be Red Bull Racing Team's AJ Allmendinger. The rookie driver encountered early mechanical issues and was forced to settle with a 43rd-place finish. Allmendinger dropped three spots in the owner points to 34th, just ten points ahead of Michael Waltrip Racing's Michael McDowell.

McDowell was able to climb two spots, back into the top-35, by recording a 20th-place finish at Richmond. At one point running in the top-10, McDowell proved he could get the job done after sitting out a few weeks.

Only 129 points separate 30th-place Reed Sorenson from 37th-place Sam Hornish Jr. in the owner standings, too close for comfort. Anything can happen over the next ten weeks and, with that said, it probably will. Each week positions will change hands and the battle will rage on until the checkered flag falls in Homestead.