Injured Kurt Busch will miss start of NASCAR playoffs

Photo of Lucas Lucas25/08/2022
11


Associated press

Jenna Fryer

Kurt Busch, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Chevrolet, gets into his car before practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 07, 2019 in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Kurt Busch, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Chevrolet, gets into his car before practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 07, 2019 in Brooklyn, Michigan. Photo by Logan Riely /Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Kurt Busch will miss the start of the NASCAR playoffs with concussion-like symptoms that sidelined him six for weeks, meaning two spots in the 16-driver field will be open Saturday night during the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway.

23XI Racing on Thursday withdrew the medical waiver that maintained Busch’s playoff spot.

« As much as I wanted and hoped to be able to get back in the #45 car to make the playoffs with our team, but it’s still not the right time for me, » Busch said on social media. « As well as not being allowed to return to racing, I know I’m not ready to be back in the car. »

Busch has been out since crashing in qualifying on July 23 at Pocono. Ty Gibbs, the 19-year-old grandson of Joe Gibbs, has replaced Busch since his injury.

Busch earned his playoff berth with a win at Kansas Speedway in May and, had he not been injured, the 2004 NASCAR champion would have made the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. By withdrawing his medical waiver, 23XI gave fellow Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr., who was battling Ryan Blaney for the last spot in the field, some breathing space.

« I respect the sport of NASCAR, my fellow drivers and the fans too much to take a playoff spot if I know I can’t compete for a championship this season, » Busch said. « The decision wasn’t easy, but I know it’s the right thing to do. »

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David Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, said the automaker will always rely on Busch throughout the playoffs.

« Toyota’s priority for Kurt Busch from the time the crash happened at Pocono has been his health and recovery. Not his recovery to get back in a race car, but his overall recovery, » Wilson said. While we’re disappointed he won’t have a chance to compete for the 2022 championship by missing the start of the playoffs, his well-being is the only thing that matters to us. »

NASCAR praised Busch for how he handled his injury and said the No. 45 would still be eligible to compete for the owner’s championship.

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Photo of Lucas Lucas25/08/2022
11
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