05/21/26 11:32:00
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05/21 11:31 CDT 2-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch hospitalized with severe
illness, family says
2-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch hospitalized with severe illness, family says
By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) --- Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been
hospitalized with a severe illness and won't compete at Charlotte Motor
Speedway this weekend, his family said Thursday.
His family posted the news on social media and said he is currently undergoing
treatment.
"We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,"
the statement continued.
Busch ranks 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12
races this season. The 41-year-old driver and Las Vegas native won
championships in 2015 and 2019. Busch is in his fourth season at Richard
Childress Racing after winning titles with Joe Gibbs Racing.
His last win came in 2023, his first with RCR.
One of NASCAR's most flamboyant personalities, Busch has won 234 races across
the sport's three national series, more than any driver in history.
He has won 63 Cup Series races, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600.
This will be the first time in more than a decade that Busch has missed a Cup
Series race.
In 2015, he missed the first 11 races of the season while recovering from a
compound leg fracture and broken foot following a crash during the Xfinity
Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Austin Hill will replace Busch in the Coca-Cola 600.
"Kyle Busch's health is our utmost priority and he and his family have the full
resources of RCR behind them," RCR said in a statement. "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."
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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