So that should make Kenseth fairly confident going into this weekend's activities at Kansas, which started Thursday with four hours of testing.

Kenseth won the first two Chase races and finished seventh last week at Dover. With an eight-point lead on Jimmie Johnson and a 12-point edge on Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch, he will try to continue his fast start.

"You do what comes naturally; you do what got you there," Kenseth said Tuesday at a breast cancer awareness event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Usually the minute you try to do more than you know you're capable of or you step over that line is when you're inviting disaster and have something bad happen."

Kenseth knows that what worked recently might not work as well Sunday at Kansas Speedway, which was repaved a year ago.

Goodyear has brought its new multi-tread tire for Kansas. It first used the concept at Atlanta, which is designed to give teams more choices as far as setup and camber.

"I'm sure it's going to be different," Kenseth said. "I don't really know how different or how much it's going to change the stuff we do there (with) the setup until we get done with Thursday (and) will have a better idea."

Busch was among those who tested at Kansas in July.

Kenseth will work with Busch on getting a handle on the tire. Busch said the two Gibbs teams still have an "open notebook" and plan through the end of the season.

"It can certainly make for some difficult moments or some team meetings that maybe you don't share everything, but the ethical thing to do is to be complete open book," Busch said. "May the best man and crew chief win."


VICKERS: I STILL BELIEVE IN MWR


Brian Vickers expects Michael Waltrip Racing to persevere as it deals with the fallout from the Chase controversy at Richmond last month.

Vickers will drive MWR's No. 55 car full time in 2014 with sponsorship from Aaron's. With 5-Hour Energy announcing it plans to remain with Clint Bowyer, the organization should have at least two Cup cars next season.

Its third Cup car, with driver Martin Truex Jr., is in limbo after sponsor NAPA opted to severe its relationship after the season after MWR was penalized for attempting to manipulate the finish and the Chase for the Sprint Cup field at the Sept. 7 race.

Vickers was told to pit during the waning laps of the race to give up spots in order to help Joey Logano finish in a higher position, which would have helped Truex make the Chase.

"Personally, I believe in what this team can do," Vickers said. "I believe in Rob (Kaufmann) and Michael (Waltrip) as owners. I believe in the 55 program with Aaron's and what we're capable of next year.

"I'm just as excited for the future as I've ever been. Their leadership is a big part of that. ... We're not going to let this get us down. It's a bump in the road." 	Vickers still doesn't have a crew chief set for next season. Scott Miller, vice president of competition, has been running the No. 55 team with engineer Billy Scott having an expanded role since the departure of Rodney Childers in August.

"There are so many moving parts," Vickers said. "There are a lot of talented guys out there and we're exploring that. One thing I like about MWR, it's they're always, 'Let's see what we have internally, first.'"


BOWYER GETS DISTRACTED IN VIDEO


Clint Bowyer often jokes about his bout with ADD, which often leaves him distracted off the track. 	And other drivers often poke fun at the carefree and fun-loving Bowyer. "He comes across as the guy that can't make it through a cup of coffee without being distracted," friend Kevin Harvick said recently.

Now Bowyer is using his so-called condition to help sell race tickets in a hilarious video for Phoenix International Raceway.

The video shows Bowyer sitting in front of his team hauler using cards to deliver his message.

"I'm supposed to tell you ... that tickets to the Subway Fresh Fit 500 ... ARE NOW ON SALE!" the cards read. "But I get distracted easily ... so instead of a teleprompter ... (crew chief Brian) Pattie gave me these cards."


TWEET OF THE DAY

What sports figures are cramming into 140 characaters or less that you’ve got to hear

"NASCAR is smart... They know everybody wants to go to @blakeshelton concert tonight!! @SpotterBrett: "Track closes at 4. Holla" -- Elliott Sadler


PHOTO OF THE DAY


Clint Bowyer hanging out and guest starring with celebrity chef Guy Fieri:

 

Ty Dillon is ready for the playoff with his Atlanta Braves gear:


VIDEO OF THE DAY


Country star Colt Ford released his video Wednesday starring Danica Patrick and boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr. In Ford's "Drivin' Around Song" video, Stenhouse plays a garage mechanic, while Danica plays a sexy country girl who flirts with him and then steals his golf cart. Take a look:

 

Contributors: Bob Pockrass, Sporting News staff