Stewart: I won't back off

Stewart has vowed not to back off with the title in sight, making the 'crazy' suggestions that he will try and win the race instead.

The 2002 champion took the lead after UAW Ford 500 at Talladega last month and holds a 52-point championship lead over Jimmie Johnson.

"It is as simple as this, so everybody pay attention one more time, because nobody's paid attention or doesn't understand," Stewart said. "We are going to go out and practice like we always do and try to get the car driving good.

"Then, we're going to go out for qualifying and we're going to get the best starting spot we can qualify. And then when the race starts and they drop the green flag, we're actually going to go out and, as odd as it's going to sound, we're actually going to go out and try to win the race.

"I know that sounds crazy, but that's really what we're going to do. The last time I checked in my contract, that's what I get paid to do.

"And that's what we're going to do. And if we don't win the race, we want to make sure ahead of the guys and get enough points to win the championship. If we win the race, we win the championship, right?

"Really, guys, it's really simple with the philosophy. There's nothing going to be changed for this weekend. Nothing special with motors.

"If we can't go out there and win, if we can't win, we're going to try to get second. If we can't get second, we're trying for third. If not, we'll take what we can get. That's as simple as it's going to be for the next seven days."