MOORSEVILLE, N.C. -Kurt Busch will be sidelined for the second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course after the 23XI Racing driver was not being medically cleared for competition following a crash in last Saturday’s qualifying session at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.
Busch released a statement on social media Wednesday:
“After undergoing further medical evaluations this week, I have not been cleared to race Indy at this time. I remain dedicated to focusing on my recovery and getting back on the track and will continue to work closely with NASCAR’s medical team and my own team of doctors. I’m thankful to 23XI and my sponsors for supporting me and also putting my health first, and to Ty for stepping in to race the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota TRD. I am proud of his debut and know he will represent the 45 well again this weekend.”
NASCAR Xfinity Series standout Ty Gibbs will once again drive the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry in Sunday’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard. The grandson of Cup Series team owner Joe Gibbs secured a solid 16th place finish in his substitution role for Busch aboard the No. 45 McDonald’s Toyota in the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono.
The Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan-owned team subsequently also released a statement:
“Following medical evaluations after his wreck at Pocono Raceway last Saturday, Kurt Busch has not been cleared by the NASCAR medical team to return to competition this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Ty Gibbs will once again fill in for Kurt in the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD. Kurt’s health is of the utmost importance to the team, and we wish him all the best as he prepares for his return.”
Busch, a native of Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway will remain eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs after receiving a medical wavier from the sanctioning body last weekend.
The 43-year-old former Cup Series champion is last amongst drivers with a victory in 2022 in the championship point standings dropping to 14th overall after missing the 21st race of the season.
Busch is expected to be re-evaluated before the Aug. 7 running of the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
The team's official statement on the status of @KurtBusch. pic.twitter.com/YEHt7Pf7jJ
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) July 27, 2022
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) July 27, 2022
— Ty Gibbs (@TyGibbs_) July 27, 2022
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
