Continuing to deal with concussion systems after his wreck during qualifying at Pocono on July 24, Kurt Busch has announced that he will not be back in the number 45 23XI Racing car for the remainder of the Cup Series regular season. Only two races remain for the Cup Series drivers before the playoffs begin – the road course this weekend at Watkins Glen and the high banked tri-oval of Daytona.
Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs will continue to drive the 45 car in Busch’s absence.
Busch issued a statement via Twitter stating that he wanted to be back in the car but the timing isn’t right.
NASCAR has issued a waiver to Busch allowing to compete in the playoffs should he be able to return and qualify as one of the 16 playoff drivers; however, there are currently 15 race winners this season, putting Busch in danger of not making the playoffs despite his win at Kansas. Currently 10 drivers have locked in their spots in the playoffs but after missing several races, it is possible that Kurt Busch will fall out of the top 16, especially if new drivers win the last two races of the season.