Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with an undisclosed severe illness.

He will not compete in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“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,” a statement from the Busch family read.

“We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,” it added.

Fox News shared further:

Busch, 41, is a two-time Cup champion and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. He’s been in the Cup Series since 2004, making 762 career starts with 63 wins. Busch won the championship in 2015 and 2019, and has 234 victories across all three NASCAR national series.

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He is the all-time record-holder for wins in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (102) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (69).

While he’s had a prolific career, Busch has struggled in recent years.

He left Joe Gibbs Racing for Richard Childress Racing after the 2022 season, and won three times during his first season. However, he has not won since, with his last trip to Victory Lane in the Cup Series coming in June 2023.

Busch started this current season on the pole for the Daytona 500, but has since struggled. He has just two top-10s across 12 races, and hasn’t led a lap since Daytona. He currently sits 23rd in the points after a season-best finish (eighth) at Watkins Glen earlier this month.

Sunday’s race will be the first time in more than a decade that Busch misses a Cup Series race.

Busch won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2018.

Austin Hill will replace Busch in this Sunday’s race.

“Kyle Busch’s health is our utmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” Richard Childress Racing 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,” it continued.

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More from the Associated Press:

After earning his 69th career Trucks Series race win at Dover, Busch was asked how many races he wants to win in his career before he stops racing.

“You take whatever you can get, man,” Busch said. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all — trust me.”

 

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