CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Jimmie Johnson still doesn’t understand the rule that gave Greg Biffle a victory at Kansas Speedway, even though three other cars crossed the finish line before the race winner.

But with little to gain, the defending Nextel Cup champion isn’t harping on the issue.

“I don’t know how the rule reads, but it looked to me like he was out of gas and couldn’t maintain a reasonable pace,” Johnson said Tuesday. “But it doesn’t impact my situation. It doesn’t put me in Victory Lane. If you are Clint Bowyer, you are probably a little more upset about this.”

Johnson finished third in Sunday’s race at Kansas, and Bowyer came in second in an event that was shortened because of darkness and ended under caution.

Both title contenders crossed the finish line ahead of winner Biffle, who slowed his car coming out of the final turn. Biffle said he was conserving fuel so he could do a celebratory burnout, but other drivers said he came to a full stop and they had no choice but to pass him.

NASCAR does have a rule about maintaining a reasonable pace, but said it doesn’t apply to the leader of the race as he comes to the checkered flag under caution. The field is considered frozen under yellow, and passing is not permitted.

The ruling has opened NASCAR up to criticism over its inconsistency, but Johnson said top competition officials are doing the best they can.

“You know, I have never seen this happen before,” Johnson said.

“I know in some areas, they seem to be inconsistent.

“But I think they are trying hard, and you see the effort to be consistent. I guess we are just real critical of them on a lot of issues, and from time to time, there are things that are questionable or arguable.

“All I am looking for is consistency moving forward from them.”

Johnson’s finish Sunday moved him back on top of the standings, six points ahead of teammate Jeff Gordon.