Jeff Gordon at Indy earlier this year. photo: Getty Images

The Chase for the Sprint Cup is three races away. In the remaining two regular-season races, everyone likely to make the Chase - and there isn't much likelihood of a change in the top 12 in points - is concentrating on the 10 bonus points awarded to race winners.

Once the Chase starts, it's all about points again.

"Consistency is still key, but I'm almost wondering right now if it's more important to win during the regular season than it is in the Chase," said Jeff Gordon. "Get the bonus points to get yourself eeded where you really need to, to get that advantage going into the Chase, and then knock out your top fives throughout the Chase and win it that way."

It's unlikely that anyone is going to win the championship without winning any races, but six of the 12 likely qualifiers are winless at the moment.

"I think the guy who wins the championship is going to at least have one win this season and, more than likely, in the Chase," said Gordon.

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GOOD AND BAD--As presently configured, the Chase would consist of six teams: three from Richard Childress Racing and Roush Fenway, two from Hendrick and Gibbs, and one each from Penske and Stewart Haas.

Most consider having teammates in the Chase an advantage, but Gibbs' Denny Hamlin isn't so sure.

"It's good and bad," he said. "One, it's another guy that you've got to beat for the championship. In-house, anytime you have a teammate in the Chase or around you in points, you're always wanting to one-up them.

"I think it's important for team competition and keeping everyone fired up. The only benefit to not having one is maybe some of the resources get pulled more toward your way."

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JUMP STREET--A victory in a Camping World Truck Series race may not have been the most exciting night for Kyle Busch during the past week.

The driver who has won the last four NASCAR races he's entered tried his hand - and apparently took his lumps - in off-road racing, competing at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., in the TORC (The Off Road Championship) series.

Busch liked his new experience.

"Any time you can put a big heavy vehicle up in the air like that, it's always cool," he said.

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WELCOME BACK--NASCAR officials have reinstated Randy LaJoie's license. The 1996 Busch (now Nationwide) Series champion was suspended on June 22 for violating drug policies.

LaJoie completed a NASCAR-approved treatment program. He has been a pioneer in the construction of safe racing seats through his Joie of Seating business.