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As if the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season had not been difficult enough for two-time champion and future Hall of Famer Kyle Busch, it took a worrisome turn on Thursday when Busch made a surprising announcement about the upcoming Coca-Cola 600.
Busch, via his family, announced in X that he would miss the prestigious race after having been hospitalized due to an ongoing illness. The statement did not give details about the illness or explain when Busch might return to the car.
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
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the statement began. “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.”
In the meantime, Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Hill, who drives full-time in the O’Reilly Autoparts Series, is set to fill in for Busch at Charlotte.
The team did not state who would handle the substitute duties if Busch were to miss further races.
Kyle Busch Has Had A Brutal 2026 Season
The announcement continues what has been an extremely difficult season for the 41-year-old, who has just two top 10 finishes through 12 races, although both have come in the last three events.
Busch also has six finishes outside of the top 20, and currently sits 24th in the series points standings, a full 350 points behind leader Tyler Reddick, who, ironically, left the seat that Busch currently fills to join Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team.
On top of that, Busch suffered a strange incident two weeks ago at Watkins Glen when he came over the radio and informed his team that he was feeling ill and would need a shot after getting out of the car.
Neither Busch nor his family clarified whether the situation at Watkins Glen and the current illness were related to one another.
Here’s hoping whatever the issue is clears up as quicky as possible and Busch returns to full health.