NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (No. 18) missed this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup. While this crash during the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway in February didn't hurt him in the points race, it was certainly a sign of things to come one of NASCAR's lightning rods. See why other top NASCAR drivers also missed out on the 2012 Chase. — Lee Spencer

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

Points position: 13th

Key setbacks to making Chase: Busch’s season was rife with missed opportunities including two engine failures, defective brakes at Pocono, getting nailed by Brad Keselowski on the final lap at an oil-soaked Watkins Glen and a poor pit strategy — and performance — at Richmond, which deflated the driver during the course of the race.

What now?: Busch must take one for the Joe Gibbs Racing team and help Denny Hamlin in his quest for the Sprint Cup championship. Although Busch has been an ardent supporter of his crew chief Dave Rogers, the trust between the pair might have been irreparably damaged following the crucial calls on Saturday night.

Team: Roush Fenway Racing

Points position: 14th

Key setbacks to making Chase: Edwards was completely tapped out after losing the title to Tony Stewart in a tiebreaker last year. The stress not only took its toll on the driver, but sidelined his longtime crew chief Bob Osborne at the end of July and aligned Edwards with Chad Norris with only seven races to decide the Chase field. Did an inflated contract contribute to the driver’s lethargy?

What now?: Edwards must learn how to win again. At the Sprint Cup level, the No. 99 Ford has posted just three victories since the 2008 season finale at Miami Homestead. Certainly, Edwards can contribute to his two Roush Fenway Racing’s teammates' pursuit for the title, but it’s time for the driver to put his professional priorities in order.

Team: Richard Petty Motorsports

Points position: 15th

Key setbacks to making Chase: In the ultracompetitive Sprint Cup environment, a turn-key operation such as RPM is not going to stand a shot of making the Chase without slipping into a wild-card position with multiple wins. The team suffered through an engine failure at Phoenix and a wreck at the first Bristol race but had 22 races to recover before the playoffs. Despite Ambrose’s average finish of 7.6 in the five events leading into Richmond, it was too little, too late.

What now?: If Ambrose wants to be considered a serious contender, he must first find a stable home. Although he has support of Ford, that could change if RPM makes a switch to Chevrolet. He joined forces with crew chief Mike Ford, switching in-house with teammate Aric Almirola on the No. 43 RPM team on Monday.

Team: Stewart/Haas Racing

Points position: 16th

Key setbacks to making Chase: Newman was in a holding pattern while his contract negotiations were in limbo for the first 25 races of the year, but lifting that weight the week before the Chase did not serve the No. 39 team well. It also didn’t help that Newman endured two engine failures in the first 17 events and two accidents at Bristol and Atlanta leading into Richmond. Yet, Newman almost seemed poised to pull off the upset in the Federated Auto Parts 400 when he took the lead on Lap 300 on Saturday. But consider this: That was only the second time that Newman led laps all season. The first time was when he took the lead with 12 laps remaining at Martinsville Speedway on April Fool’s Day for his 16th career win.

What now?: Newman can assist his teammate/owner Tony Stewart as Smoke attempts to defend the Cup title. However, as aggressive as Newman has been this season, it might behoove the 34-year-old driver to back off a bit and conserve his equipment given the economic downturn at SHR. Danica Patrick will keep the fab shop busy enough. And with the company losing Stewart’s primary sponsor, Office Depot, and Newman’s Army support, keeping Quicken Loans content might encourage the company to step up its commitment beyond seven races next season when the driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet returns to audition mode again.

Team: Richard Childress Racing

Points position: 17th

Key setbacks to making Chase: It has been 36 races since RCR has won in the Sprint Cup Series. Losing director of competition Scott Miller and the fourth team piloted by Clint Bowyer has had long-lasting effect. Although Menard has completed every event this season, he has led only 12 laps. Yes, the equipment at RCR has been substandard compared with Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing and the Toyota camp. But unlike teammate Kevin Harvick, Menard simply doesn’t have the chops to overcome the disadvantage.

What now?: For the next six weeks, Menard will have Shane Wilson on his pitbox as his longtime crew chief Slugger Labbe serves a suspension for a rules infraction. It will be interesting to see how quickly the driver acclimates to the new voice given his comfort zone with Labbe. And next season is a contract year for Menard — and his sponsor Menards (the company founded by his father). Hopefully, RCR can right the ship by then. With new competition director Dr. Eric Warren coming aboard this week, it will be interesting to see how long it takes the company to turn around and whether it will be in time to save the sponsorship.

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

Points position: 18th

Key setbacks to making Chase: With new crew chief Jason Ratcliff at the helm, Logano appeared destined for a breakthrough season — particularly after his win at Pocono in June. Then the drama of contract negotiations took over and the distraction was too much for the 22-year-old. He was inconsistent at best and led laps in only three races this season.

What now?: Hopefully, Logano will continue to be a team player and assist Denny Hamlin’s title effort. With 10 races remaining in the season, it might be healthier to concentrate on his fresh start with Penske Racing.

Team: Richard Childress Racing

Points position: 19th

Key setbacks to making Chase: Despite crew chief Drew Blickensderfer assuming the lead with Burton and the No. 31 CAT Chevrolet, the move wasn’t enough to jump-start the 45-year-old veteran. His average starting position of 22nd is the lowest among top 20 drivers in the point standings.

Similar to his fellow RCR teammates, Burton has attempted to overcome mediocre equipment this season. His sixth-place finish on Saturday was only his fifth top 10 in 2012. But it’s questionable whether Burton, who hasn’t won in his past 139 races, has the stamina to continue at his previous level.

What now?: Burton has two years remaining on his contract — as does sponsor Caterpillar, which appears content with the driver. But will RCR be patient enough to tolerate Burton’s mediocrity before calling up Team Dillon?

Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Points position: 20th

Key setbacks to making Chase: Neither McMurray nor teammate Juan Pablo Montoya has been competitive this year despite sweeping changes to EGR before the season started. The organization still appears to lack direction, as is the case with most organizations held by absentee owners. McMurray has three top-10 finishes this season but none since June when he led a season-high 14 laps. He has led one lap since. His highest finish of seventh came at Bristol in March. With an average finish this season of 19.5, no one really expected the No. 1 team to be a Chase contender.

What now?: Rumors of a new crew chief for McMurray circulated in early August, but Kevin “Bono” Mannion remains in charge. McMurray signed an extension to his contract this year. Sponsor Bass Pro Shops will continue to support its fellow southwest Missourian, but for how long? With Tony Stewart desperately seeking sponsors, all the goodwill from ECR might not be enough to salvage the relationship unless McMurray can go on a tear similar to 2010.

Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Points position: 21st

Key setbacks to making Chase: JP borrowed a page from Bruce Springsteen and launched his own Wrecking Ball tour this season — appearing at a NASCAR venue near you. He left a path of destruction at a handful of races and been sidelined by four accidents along the way. It famousily began at Daytona, crashing into a jet dryer and setting the track on fire during the 500. Also, on what should be his best two tracks — Sonoma and Watkins Glen — Montoya finished 34th and 33rd, respectively. Yes, Montoya has a new crew chief in Chris Heroy, but the pair should have jelled by now. And yes, EGR receives its engines from Earnhardt Chidress Racing, which has been off this season. But there’s no excuse for a driver of Montoya’s talent to be 21st in the point standings — ever.

What now?: Although Montoya couldn’t wait to unload crew chief Brian Pattie last year, the veteran pit boss has since successfully moved on. Pattie has won two races with Clint Bowyer, including Saturday night at Richmond, despite contact with Montoya. While Pattie is making his second Chase appearance, Montoya is wasting his time and the team’s. The 36-year-old former Formula One racer needs to decide if he’s serious about stock-car racing. If so, then he must stop spinning his wheels.