In a statement posted to X (Twitter) Thursday morning, it was revealed that Kyle Busch will not participate in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 this weekend 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. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
In past weeks, Kyle has been audibly unwell on the in-car radio. Busch asked for a post-race “shot” on his in-car radio during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.
Into the #8 car in Busch’s absence will be Austin Hill, a Richard Childress Racing teammate from the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. It’ll be Hill’s 18th career Cup Series start.
Kyle Busch won the “crown-jewel” 600 mile race in 2018, but hasn’t won in the Cup Series since June of 2023. In a season that’s had a few highs but a lot of lows, this is the next cog in the wheel for Kyle Busch.
The 41 year old has been a longtime mainstay in the sport and has built one of the more impressive Ironman streaks in sports.
This weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 will be Busch’s first missed race in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2015.
