Kyle Busch will miss his first Cup Series race since the 2015 season after being hospitalized. He will focus on receiving treatment instead of competing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," his family said in a statement on Thursday morning.
"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."
The Busch family did not provide any further details about the two-time Cup Series champion's illness. The family had spent Wednesday night at a concert hall in Charlotte known as The Fillmore. They hosted Fast Cars and Guitars, a fundraising event for the Bundle of Joy Fund, which featured artist Gavin Adcock.
The sudden hospitalization means that Richard Childress Racing will have to bring in another driver for Sunday's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the longest event on the NASCAR calendar.
Austin Hill, the driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, will take over the No. 8 Chevrolet. He will make his 18th career Cup Series start and his first on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval.
"Kyle Busch's health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them," the team 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."
With Busch out of action for the Coca-Cola 600, Richard Childress Racing will have to request a waiver from NASCAR that would keep him eligible for The Chase. The sanctioning body would likely grant this waiver based on past precedent.
