NASCAR's Kyle Busch hospitalized with illness, out of Coca-Cola 600

by · UPI

May 21 (UPI) -- NASCAR driver Kyle Busch was hospitalized due to a "severe illness" and will not race in the Coca-Cola 600, his family announced Thursday.

Busch's family did not disclose the nature of the illness for the 41-year-old Cup Series veteran. Richard Childress Racing said Austin Hill will drive this weekend in Busch's No. 8 Chevrolet.

"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," the Busch family said in a statement on social media. "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."

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The 2026 Coca-Cola 600 will take place at 6 p.m. EDT Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The 400-lap, 600-mile race will air on Prime Video.

Busch sits at No. 24 in the Cup Series standings. He placed inside the Top 10 in two of three Cup Series races before last weekend's All-Star Race, including a season-best eighth at the 2026 Go Bowling at The Glen on May 10 in Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Busch drove to a 17th-place finish at the All-Star Race on Sunday in Dover, Del.

"Kyle Busch's health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them," Richard Childress Racing said. "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."

Busch finished 15th the last two years at Charlotte. He won the race in 2018. Ross Chastain won the 2025 Coca Cola 600. Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are among other recent winners.

Tyler Reddick, who won a series-best five races so far this season, remains atop the driver standings. Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Blaney and Chris Buescher are among the other drivers inside the Top 5 of the standings.