Chasing a turnaround

What a difference a couple of weeks on the Sprint Cup trail can make, especially when the points are reset to start the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Two weeks ago, all the talk was about the Chase being a three-driver contest between the regular season's three big winners — Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson.

As the circuit heads to Kansas Speedway for the Camping World RV 400, it's still a three-driver contest at the top of the standing. But Greg Biffle, on the strength of back-to-back victories, has taken Busch's place in the elite three, while Busch, who dominated the regular season, is rapidly tumbling out of title contention after consecutive finishes of 34th and 43rd, both because of mechanical failures beyond his control.

Edwards, the new points leader, told reporters at Dover that NASCAR fans could be sizing up an even different scenario a few weeks down the road.

"I think that this thing could be so different in a month from now," he said. "Kyle could be leading the points a month from now. He could win all the races, and a few guys could have some bad luck. I still think it's too early to speculate. It just doesn't matter right now."

NASCAR adopts drug-testing policy

NASCAR has announced a new drug-testing policy, one that calls for random testing of drivers, crew members and officials. It's more stringent than the old policy, which called for testing when there was reasonable suspicion that drugs were being abused. The new policy is more in line with other professional sports.

The new rules, which take effect next year, also call for a preseason baseline test for drivers. Crew members will be tested by their employers, with a requirement that the owners have their test certified by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lab.

Penalties essentially will be the same as before, with a single positive test possibly bringing a lifetime ban from the sport and three positive tests being an automatic lifetime ban.

Driver Bobby Labonte said in a statement that he supports the new policy.

"NASCAR has taken a lot of steps to elevate our sport to the level of the 'Big Four' leagues," he said. "We've entered new markets. We draw hundreds of thousands of fans each weekend, so it's time that we police ourselves as one of the biggest sports leagues in the country.

"The new drug policy is another step in the evolution of NASCAR and the safety of the sport. We need to make certain that the competitors are clean when they hit the race track."

Ragan looking for attention

It takes a lot for a driver outside the elite 12 to get much attention during the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup, but David Ragan insists that's what he's going to do.

Despite missing the cut for the Chase after contending for a spot all the way until the final race of the regular season, Ragan said he's not done this year.

The sophomore driver spoke with reporters during a break in a Goodyear tire test at Daytona International Speedway last week, saying he plans to make some headlines in the final races.

"I want to be a spoiler and make a lot of noise during the Chase," Ragan said. "We've got some good tracks coming up. We've got a lot of desire and heart on our team to go out and get the job done and make things exciting the last [nine] weeks. We're in a position where we don't have a lot to lose but a lot to gain. ... We're going to finish in the top 13 or 14 in points, but we want to go out and learn a few things and end the season on a good note."

SPRINT CUP STANDINGS

1. Carl Edwards 5,390; leader 2. Jimmie Johnson 5,380; behind: -10 3. Greg Biffle 5,380; behind: -10 4. Jeff Burton 5,308; behind: -82 5. Kevin Harvick 5,289; behind: -101 6. Clint Bowyer 5,284; behind: -106 7. Tony Stewart 5,277; behind: -113 8. Jeff Gordon 5,272; behind: -118 9. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5,561; behind: -129 10. Matt Kenseth 5,223; behind: -167 11. Denny Hamlin 5,197; behind: -193 12. Kyle Busch 5,180; behind: -210