Busch fell just short of a fourth-straight Cup victory at Pocono last weekend, running out of fuel on the final lap and limping home in 21st place.

After missing the start of the season due to injury, he is now within 13 points of the 30th place in the standings he requires to secure a place in the title play-off.

However with the added demands of this weekend’s road course, Busch – who broke his right leg and left foot at Daytona in February – will focus purely on Watkins Glen’s top-flight race.

Busch’s hot run of form started with victory at the Sonoma road course in June, his fifth race back from injury.

“He feels like Watkins Glen is more of a challenge than Sonoma,” team boss Joe Gibbs said.

“He was scheduled to run the Xfinity race there and we got him moved out of that race.

“But I also think if you pick a racetrack where he feels like he’s going to really have a shot to win, he loves Watkins Glen. Hopefully he’ll run well there.

“[The Chase] is in the back of your mind, and I hope we have a great day.”

Busch, who has won at Watkins Glen twice, says the injuries are still requiring management.

“I feel like there’s times when I get out of the car just putting weight back in my feet – sometimes it hurts after race days and stuff like that,” Busch said.

“With Watkins Glen coming up, that’s going to be another hard one to get through.

“That’s going to be a tough challenge for myself and the left foot, but we’ll make it and I’m sure we’ll be OK just like Sonoma.

“It will be sore on Monday afterwards and we’ll continue to ice it and make it feel better.”