NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with what is being described as a severe illness.
The specifics of the 41-year-old’s condition have not been revealed, but he has been pulled from this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where he will be replaced by Austin Hill.
‘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,’ The Busch family said in a Thursday-morning statement.
‘We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.’
Busch’s team, Richard Childress Racing, as also released its own statement.
‘Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them. Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery.’
NASCAR’S Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with what is being described as a severe illness
Kyle Busch poses for photos with wife Samantha, son Brexton and daughter Lennix on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on June 04, 2023
Busch and his wife Samantha have been embraced by Trump for their work promoting IVF
It’s unclear when Busch will return, but his ‘No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him,’ according to Childress Racing.
‘We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend,’ the Childress Racing statement continued. ‘Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family’s privacy at this time.’
Busch’s illness appears to have come on quickly as his influencer wife Samantha was posting fashion videos on Instagram less than a day before he was hospitalized.
The two are among the more recognizable figures on the NASCAR Cup Series.
The couple was befriended by President Donald Trump in 2025 amid their push to reduce the cost of IVF treatments, which helped them to conceive their two children. Their charity, the Bundle of Joy Fund, provides grants to Charlotte-area couples seeking IVF due to infertility.
Kyle is the younger brother of fellow NASCAR driver Kurt Busch. He earned NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019, while Kurt won the crown in 2004.
