UPDATE: Tragic news as Kyle Busch has died. He was 41.
Kyle Busch has been checked into a hospital with an undisclosed illness and will not compete in the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch, who won the Coke 600 in 2018, has not missed the event since 2003.
The official Kyle Busch social media channels posted the following statement on Thursday.
“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 understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Busch was also scheduled to compete in the Truck Series race on Friday for Spire Motorsports after winning in the No. 7 last week at Dover Motor Speedway.
Busch is currently 24th in the Cup Series standings in the No. 8 for Richard Childress Racing. Austin Hill will drive that entry this weekend, in what will be his first appearance in the Coke 600. It will also be his third Cup start of the year, previously driving the No. 33 at Phoenix and Martinsville.
Richard Childress Racing also issued the following statement on Thursday:
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them. Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedway 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.”
Busch was also supposed to take part in Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte, driving the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. He won last weekend's Truck race at Dover, but with this illness, Corey Day will fill-in for him this weekend.
"Kyle Busch is an important piece of Spire Motorsports' NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series family and we wish him all the best in his recovery," a statement from the team read. "We are incredibly thankful to have Corey Day step in to drive the No. 7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for Friday's Truck Series race at Charlotte and look forward to seeing everyone at the track this weekend."
