Well not everybody could run for the championship. When you get shut out, you have to run for different goals. Try to get that 12th spot... it would be the highest you'd be since the season began.
Try to get rookie of the year.... you're only 21 points out of it.
Shoot for more wins, try to build your career wins up more.
Try to get higher up on the power gauge and maybe even lead it for a week.
Try to get the best picks average you can get, or some other stat.
There are other goals in the league other than just running for the championship. Some teams don't see that and tend to drop out.
I don't think you've done too bad for ourself considering you didn't know much about NASCAR coming into the season. You've done better than more than half the league who've watched NASCAR a lot longer.