Five weeks into the NASCAR season, it's becoming clear who the top contenders are at the Cup series level, and it's also clear what teams are in for a tough year.

Here are a few key points for those trying to keep score:

HOT: Chevy
Chevy competitors, particularly Kevin Harvick but also Hendrick drivers Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., have been dominant this year. If a car is leading in 2015 it's probably a Chevy. That bodes well for the bowtie's chances of claiming another championship in 2015.

Put down the tinfoil hats, NASCAR fans.

Conspiracy theories are abundant in the wake of Brad Keselowski's surprise win out in Fontana on Sunday, after the race was dominated by Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Kevin Harvick (who nearly won his third straight race) and Kurt Busch (who almost won in just his second race of the season after being suspended for the first three races).

What are you thinking, NASCAR?

Seriously: What possible rationale could there be for you allowing a waiver to Kurt Busch that allows him to be Chase eligible if he wins a race and ends the regular season in the top-30 in points?

Jimmie Johnson tends to promote extreme reactions.

You either love him or you hate him. And it's usually a case of really, really loving him or really, really hating him.
That's what happens when you are a whirlwind success in Cup and threaten the titles records of Earnhardt and Petty. There are few fans without a strong opinion.

Ryan Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team are upbeat going into this weekend’s Kobalt 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Despite brushing the wall early in the season-opening Daytona 500, driver and crew had the iconic Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Ford Fusion poisedto contend for a Top 10 finish or better when the engine let go late in the race, leading to optimism about the future.