Updated

Kurt Busch is in the mix for a spot in the Chase.

Busch is ninth in the points standings entering Sunday's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He'll start second in the No. 78 Chevrolet at a track where he has three career victories.

Busch has reeled off three straight top-six finishes and has five top 10s in his last seven races to storm into contention and up the standings.

He has gone from 20th to 17th to 14th to ninth and looks like the driver who was always a threat to win at any track.