Kyle Busch, a star driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, won’t be competing Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 due to being placed in the hospital because of a severe illness. The 600 takes place at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
To go along with the race in the Cup Series, the 41-year-old Busch was set to participate in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as well, who also has a scheduled race at the Concord, North Carolina speedway. (RELATED: Female NASCAR Driver Natalie Decker Completely Crashes Out, Rage-Quits Craftsman Truck Series In Middle Of Race)
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” said the Busch family in a social media statement. “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
This will be Busch’s first time in over 10 years that he has missed a race in the Cup Series. Busch missed the first 11 races of the 2015 season after suffering a broken foot and compound leg fracture after a crash in the season opener of the Xfinity Series. That race took place at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Statement Regarding Kyle Busch from the Busch Family:
“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. We ask for…
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) May 21, 2026
It was announced by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) that Austin Hill, the driver of RCR’s No. 21 car that competes in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will be subbing for Busch in the Cup Series racing the No. 8 car.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” said RCR in an official statement, per ESPN. “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’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend. Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
In a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen earlier in May, Busch said to his crew over the radio that he needed medical aid and a “shot” following the race. Busch’s doctor is Dr. Bill Heisel. Per the broadcast on television, Busch was suffering from a sinus cold that escalated as a result of G-force intensity and changes to elevation at the road course in Upstate New York.
Busch kept racing and ultimately finished in eighth place.