2012 recap: Truex made the Chase for the second time in his career and the first time since 2007. He joined teammate Clint Bowyer as the first drivers ever to make the playoff at Michael Waltrip Racing.

Truex finished 11th and was the only driver in the Chase who was winless in 2012, but he posted seven top-5s and 19 top-10s, both career bests. His average finish was 12.2, four spots better than his previous best of 16.4 in 2007.