Spire Motorsports has announced that it will turn to Corey Day for Friday night's Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway while Kyle Busch undergoes treatment for a severe illness.
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Busch had plans to pull double duty during this weekend's events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is no longer the case as he has been hospitalized due to a severe illness. He will miss Friday's Truck Series race and Sunday's Coca-Cola 600.
"Kyle Busch is an important piece of Spire Motorsports' NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series family, and we wish him all the best in his recovery," the team said in a statement.
"We are incredibly thankful to have Corey Day step in to drive the No. 7 HendrickCars.com Patriotic Chevrolet for Friday's Truck Series race at Charlotte and look forward to seeing everyone at the track this weekend."
This will mark Day's first Truck Series start of the season but his 10th for Spire Motorsports. He drove the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado nine times last season.
Busch's family announced the hospitalization on Thursday morning. They said the cause was a severe illness but did not provide any further details. The family requested understanding and privacy as Busch underwent treatment.
Richard Childress Racing also released a statement on Thursday. The team said that O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Austin Hill will step up this weekend. He will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet on Sunday night during the Coca-Cola 600.
"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."
