CHARLOTTE, NC — Kurt Busch will miss the start of the NASCAR knockouts with concussion-like symptoms that have sidelined him for six weeks, meaning two slots in the 16-driver field will be open on Saturday night during the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway.
23XI Racing on Thursday withdrew the medical waiver that held Busch’s spot in the knockout stages.
“I want and hope to be able to return to the number 45 car to do the play-offs with our team, although I would like and hope to be able to return to the number 45 car, but it is not the right time yet. for me,” Busch say on social media. “Aside from not being cleaned up to get back to racing, I know I’m not ready to get back into the car.”
Busch has been sidelined since he crashed in the July 23 qualifying round at Pocono. Ty GibbsJoe Gibbs’ 19-year-old grandson, has replaced Busch since his injury.
Busch earned his spot in the knockout stages with a win at Kansas Speedway in May. Had he not been injured, the 2004 NASCAR champion would have made it to the knockout stages for the 10th consecutive season. By withdrawing its medical exemption, 23XI has provided some breathing room for fellow Toyota drivers Martin Truex Jr.who fought Ryan Blaney for the last place in the field.
“I respect the sport of NASCAR, my fellow drivers and the fans too much to win a playoff spot if I knew I couldn’t compete for the championship this season,” Busch said. “The decision was not an easy one, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”
David Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, said the manufacturer will still rely on Busch throughout the knockout stages.
“Toyota’s priority for Kurt Busch since the time of the accident at Pocono has been his health and recovery,” Wilson said. The chance to compete for the title in 2022 has missed the play-offs to begin, but his health is the only thing that matters to us.”
NASCAR commended Busch for the way he has handled his injury and said the number 45 will remain eligible to compete for the owners’ championship.
