Penske backs points change

The new scheme will see the leading drivers' points totals altered with 10 races remaining to guarantee a showdown for the title in the closing rounds. The driver leading the championship will have his advantage cut to just five points. NASCAR president Mike Helton said that the changes were designed to put more emphasis on winning races.

"I'm not on the side of the drivers on this one," said Penske, who owns three cars in the Nextel Cup series. "I think it'll only make the sport better. I think change is great. NASCAR has brought us to where we are today, and I think we need to follow them. It's going to change the strategy. Good drivers, reliable teams are going to be in the running for the championship.

"Just think if you were 400 points out and 12th or 13th and you had a chance to pop up there and be 65 points behind and run for that championship, it's going to be exciting. Our strategy is going to be to win races and stay in these races and gain points. We're not going to worry if we're 12th or 13th. We want to be in the top 10 when the bell goes off for the final play-off."