By David Morgan, Associate Editor
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will miss all on-track activity this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway due to being hospitalized with a “severe illness,” a statement from his family stated on Thursday.
Busch, the 41-year-old driver of the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the Cup Series, was slated to run in both the Cup Series and NASCAR Truck Series this weekend on the 1.5-mile oval.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. 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 statement read.
With Busch unable to compete, Richard Childress Racing has announced that NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular Austin Hill will take over driving duties for the No. 8 Chevrolet on Sunday.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” RCR 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.”
Charlotte will be Hill’s 18th Cup Series start and third of the 2026 season.
Prior to this weekend, Busch was ranked 23rd in points, with two top-10 finishes on the year.
For Busch’s seat in the Truck Series race with Spire Motorsports, Corey Day will run in place of him in the No. 7 Chevrolet as he will also be running double duty in both the Trucks and O’Reilly Series.
Friday night’s Truck Series race will be the first Truck start of the season for Day, with the O’Reilly regular having made 13 previous Truck Series starts over the last two seasons.
Busch had previously made four starts for the Spire Truck team this season, racking up two wins and a top-10 finish in all of those starts.
“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.
NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying will take place at 1:30 pm ET on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 kicking off at 6:00 pm ET. Both streaming on Amazon Prime.
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