Jeff Gordon's runner-up finish last weekend at Darlington left him wanting more.

"I think that with the last couple of weeks and the way they've gone, a top-five is fantastic for us but when you're that close to the win you want it really bad," Gordon said. "It's not about needing it, it's about wanting it and the fact that the team put out the effort that was capable of a win."

Gordon's run elevated him three spots in the standings to sixth. Although winless this season, he's only 47 points behind where he was at this time last season.

It was about this point last year when Gordon began a free fall that kept him out of the championship chase, led to several team changes, including replacing the crew chief.

Gordon struggled last year trying to make the car better during the race. Saturday at Darlington, he and crew chief Steve Letarte worked through early race woes to give Gordon a car that was strong late.

Since finishing second in Martinsville on April 2, Gordon has had his ups and downs.

At Phoenix, he admits they were "hit or miss" on the setup all race. Gordon wasn't much of a factor at Texas. He was strong all day at Talladega, so adjustments weren't as big a factor. Gordon started strong but didn't finish at Richmond.

Gordon admits his success at Darlington won't translate to other tracks because the setup is unique to the egg-shaped oval.

"We've got to figure out what we need at these other tracks," Gordon said. "We're trying awfully hard."

The series races at Lowe's Motor Speedway the next two weeks. This week it's the all-star race, with the Coca-Cola 600 next week.

Expanding plans?

Michael Waltrip says he could expand his Toyota Cup operation to three teams next season. Waltrip is set for at least two teams. He and Dale Jarrett will be the drivers.

"We'd like to have three teams," Waltrip said at Darlington. "We think that'll give us the best chance to compete against the guys who are winning races now. There's a timetable that will come into play. ... We could start a third team if we could get another sponsor."

Need help

Jarrett says that Robert Yates Racing needs more engineering help. Without it, the team's struggles on tracks more than a mile long could continue.

Jarrett has four top-10 finishes, including a win at Talladega, in his last 23 races at ovals 1 mile or longer -- tracks where aerodynamics play a greater role. Teammate Elliott Sadler also has four top-10s in his last 23 races at those tracks.

"I think we have to step that up," Jarrett said of the team's engineering department. "That's something that is being talked about. It's not like they're a dime a dozen. Finding the right people, it's what it's all about."

Pit stops

The last time the all-star winner went on to win the series title was 2001 with Jeff Gordon. ... The pit crew challenge takes place tonight in Charlotte. Kasey Kahne's team won last year's title. ... Humpy Wheeler, president of Lowe's Motor Speedway, picked Carl Edwards to win Saturday night's all-star race. ... Tickets remain for the all-star race at lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-3267.