NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with a serious illness; however, the details of illness have been kept under wraps. The racer is expected to miss Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
In addition to the Cup Series race, the 41-year-old American athlete was also scheduled to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at the Concord, North Carolina track.
His family announced the news of his hospitalization via a social media post.
The Busch family wrote: “Kyle has experienced a serious illness that has resulted in hospitalization, he is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled events this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
They asked fans to respect Kyle’s family’s privacy as they navigate this difficult time, adding, “We ask for your understanding.”
Who will replace Kyle in the Cup race?
Austin Hill, driving the No. 21 for RCR in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will replace Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet for the Cup race.
RCR said: “Kyle Busch’s health is our highest priority and he and his family have RCR’s full resources behind them.”
The statement continued, “Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him. We are grateful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend.”
They asked fans to keep Kyle’s family in their prayers and wish the athlete a speedy recovery.
Busch is currently 24th in the Cup Series with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season.
The Las Vegas native is a two-time Cup Series champion, winning titles in 2015 and 2019. He is in his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing after previously winning championships with Joe Gibbs Racing.
His most recent victory came in 2023, his first season with RCR.
