Gordon wants bonus for points lead

A week ago, Gordon enjoyed a healthy lead in the points, which in the old points system would have probably allowed him to cruise to a fifth Nextel Cup title.

And under the old Chase format, he would've led the standings going into this weekend.

However, under the new Chase points scheme his healthy lead in the points has served him little, as he currently ranks 20 points behind Hendrick teammate Jimmie Johnson, despite having led the standings since the first race of the year at Bristol in March.

"If I didn't know what the rules were going into the season, I'd say we got the shaft," said Gordon. "But that's not the case.

"Ever since they've had the Chase, they've said what it is. This year they made the change to the 10 bonus points. It made the regular season more exciting.

"But I do think they're going to have to revisit now, going back. If you're going to have incentives for guys to win races, you have to have some kind of incentive for a guy to go out there and be the points leader at that point. I wouldn't be surprised if they revisit that a little bit."

Gordon has been arguably the most consistent driver of year and is seeking his first Nextel Cup title under the Chase format.

He believes the same kind of consistency he showed in the first 26 races and staying away from trouble, could well earn him his first championship since 2001.

"Nobody knows what it's going to take each year, it's always something different," Gordon added. "I think consistency is the most important thing and not having the big mistakes or one bad finish.

"And I think if somebody stays consistent, they're going to win it no matter what the other guys do."

The Hendrick Motorsports driver will be achieving a milestone at New Hampshire on Sunday, as he makes his 500th consecutive start.

Gordon's first ever Nextel Cup race was at Atlanta in 1992 for Hendrick Motorsports, and was also the last for NASCAR legend Richard Petty.