Relax, Ryan. You don't have to push that red button just yet. (Photo: Getty Images)

HAMPTON, Ga. - Remain calm. All is well.

That's the gospel being preached by those for whom the first three Sprint Cup races have not gone so well. Their words are strung together by lots of "ifs," "ands" and "buts."

They're right, of course. The Kobalt Tools 500, at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, is only the season's four Sprint Cup race. A year ago at this point, Bobby Labonte was 10th in points.

Here's what gets lost by those who prematurely panic. From now through the season's 26th race, the point system governing the strategy in Cup isn't one designed to be in first place. First place doesn't matter until the Chase. The regular season is about being 12th because the top 12 make the Chase.

So, in other words, the standings list Ryan Newman as being in 32nd place, 281 points behind leader Kevin Harvick. That's a lot, even now. Kyle Busch is in 12th place. Newman's only 150 points behind him.

"I think it's real early to be talking about a comeback," said Newman.

Jeff Gordon is two points out of 12th. Jamie McMurray trails Busch by 13. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 18 shy of the top 12.

Oh, my gosh. That means that, over the next 23 races, Jeff Gordon won't make the Chase unless he can keep up a pace of gaining .087 of a point in each and every race. OK, that's a joke, but for 32nd place Ryan Newman, the math says he can make the Chase if he gains an average of 6.6 points on 12th place, whomever happens to occupy it at any given time.

They hand out five points for leading one lap under caution.

Drivers don't like to get off to a slow start. Their fans don't like to see it.

However ... a year ago at this point, Newman, who is now 32nd, was 33rd. He made the Chase.

"We rebounded pretty quickly last year," he recalled. "I don't know when we were first in the top 12 after being 33rd three races in. (He reached the top 12 after the 10th race). I know there's plenty of potential, and there's a lot of the season left.

"The law of averages works out for everybody except Jimmie Johnson."

The winner of four straight championships is apparently above the law.