Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with an undisclosed severe illness. He will not compete in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
A statement from the Busch family stated: “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 added, “We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Busch, 41, is a two-time Cup champion and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer with 762 career starts and 63 wins across NASCAR’s national series. He secured championships in 2015 and 2019 and holds the all-time records for wins in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (102) and Craftsman Truck Series (69).
Despite his storied career, Busch has faced recent challenges. After leaving Joe Gibbs Racing for Richard Childress Racing following the 2022 season, he won three races during his first campaign but has not secured a Cup Series victory since June 2023.
This season, Busch started on pole at the Daytona 500 but has struggled, achieving only two top-10 finishes in 12 races and not leading a lap since. He currently ranks 23rd in points after an eighth-place finish at Watkins Glen.
Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 will mark Busch’s first missed Cup Series race in over a decade. Richard Childress Racing confirmed Austin Hill will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet for Busch. The team stated: “Kyle Busch’s health is our utmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them.” They added, “Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery.”
Earlier this week, after earning his 69th career Craftsman Truck Series win at Dover, Busch was asked how many races he plans to win before retiring. “You take whatever you can get, man,” he said. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all — trust me.”
