Kyle Busch will miss Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after being hospitalized because of a severe illness, ending his plans to compete in both the Cup Series race and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at the track. The Busch family said he is currently receiving treatment and asked for privacy as they deal with the situation.
Richard Childress Racing confirmed that Austin Hill will step into Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet for the Cup race. Hill, who drives the No. 21 for RCR in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is set to fill in while Busch focuses on recovery.
Busch sidelined at Charlotte
The team and family message made clear that Busch will not take part in any of his scheduled activities for the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The announcement came after he was hospitalized following what the family described as a severe illness.
RCR said Busch’s health comes first and noted that he and his family have the organization’s full support. The team also said the No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready for Busch when he returns.
Austin Hill gets the call
Hill’s role as substitute gives RCR a quick solution for one of NASCAR’s biggest crown-jewel races. The move also keeps the team’s entry in place for the Coca-Cola 600 while Busch recovers away from the track.
RCR thanked Hill for stepping in and asked fans to respect the family’s privacy during the situation. The team also said it wishes Busch a safe and speedy recovery.
Busch’s absence comes while he sits 24th in the Cup Series standings through 12 races. For now, the focus remains on his treatment and on keeping his race seat available for the day he is ready to return.
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