NASCAR driver Kyle Busch will not race in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness, his family said in a statement.
The 41-year-old Busch, who drives the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will not compete in his first race since 2015 and was also scheduled to compete in the Busch Craftsman Truck Series race.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," a statement from his social media account said. "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.”
Fellow Childress driver Austin Hill, who helms the No. 21 for Richard Childress Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will take Busch's place this weekend.
“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 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.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Busch hospitalized for 'severe illness', out of Coca-Cola 600
