Update (2:16 p.m. ET): In addition to Austin Hill filling in for Kyle Busch at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series race due to Busch’s hospitalization, Spire Motorsports announced May 21 that Corey Day will drive the No. 7 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in place of Busch.
Original: Kyle Busch will not compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway after being hospitalized for a severe illness, Busch’s family posted on his X account May 21.
Austin Hill will fill in in the Coca-Cola 600, Richard Childress Racing said on X, as Busch undergoes treatment.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” Busch’s family said. “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.”
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” RCR said. “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.”
Hill has made two Cup starts this year with a best finish of 21st at Phoenix Raceway. He’s run 17 total Cup races in his career, finishing ninth at the Chicago street course last year.
Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised watching motorsports and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.
I wondered why Hill and not Jesse Love, but I guess Hill has more Cup experience.
Was wondering the same thing. I think Love was recently bumped out of a Cup race he was slated to drive the 33. Maybe a sponsor conflict between Love’s O’Reilly sponsors and Busch’s Cup sponsors.
I m so very for Kyle Bush’s Family! I wish I was closer I would luv to help anyway I could!
So sorry to hear about passing of kyle bush passing away .my thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family may God bless you at this time .
Praying for Kyle and family. Wishing the best for you