NEED TO KNOW
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NASCAR star Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness
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In a statement, the Busch family said the driver is “undergoing treatment”
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Earlier this month, Busch called for medical assistance at the end of a race
Kyle Busch is currently hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and will miss two upcoming races, his family said in a statement on Thursday, May 21.
The two-time NASCAR champion, 41, was scheduled to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the speedway in Concord, N.C. on Friday, May 22 and on Sunday, May 24 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the Busch family said in a statement. “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.”
No further information was provided regarding Busch’s condition.
Richard Childress Racing announced in a statement that Austin Hill, who drives the No. 21 for RCR in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will be subbed for Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet for the Cup race.
“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.”
Kyle Busch
Credit: Meg Oliphant/Getty
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Busch was dealing with health issues earlier this month. As a race on Sunday, May 10 at Watkins Glen International was winding down, the NASCAR Cup Series driver requested medical attention after finishing.
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Busch was heard asking his team over the radio to have a doctor meet him at his bus in the garage area.
“Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? He’s the Kindred doctor guy. Tell him I need him after the race, please,” Busch said, later adding, “I’m gonna need a shot.”
FOX Sports previously said on the broadcast that Busch was suffering from a “sinus cold.”
Busch currently ranks 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season.
The driver, who is in his fourth season at Richard Childress Racing after winning titles with Joe Gibbs Racing, won championships in 2015 and 2019.
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