Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with an undisclosed severe illness, according to his family.
The driver will not compete in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In a statement released by the Busch family, they said: “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.” They also added: “We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Busch, 41, is a two-time Cup Series champion with 234 victories across all three NASCAR national series. He won the championship in both 2015 and 2019 and holds the all-time record for wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (102) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (69). Busch previously won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2018.
While Busch has been a dominant force since his Cup Series debut in 2004, he has faced recent challenges. After leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to join Richard Childress Racing following the 2022 season, he won three races during his first year with RCR but has not secured a Cup Series victory since June 2023.
Busch began this current season on the pole for the Daytona 500 but has struggled in subsequent races. He currently sits 23rd in the points standings after a season-best eighth-place finish at Watkins Glen earlier this month, with only two top-10 finishes across his first 12 races.
This Sunday’s race will mark the first time in over a decade that Busch has missed a Cup Series event. Austin Hill will drive Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Coca-Cola 600, as announced by the team. RCR stated: “Kyle Busch’s health is our utmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them.” The team also added: “We wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him. We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend.”
After earning his 69th career Trucks Series victory at Dover, Busch was asked how many races he would like to win before retiring. “You take whatever you can get, man,” Busch said. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all — trust me.”