NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch was taken to a hospital late last week after a sudden and serious illness, prompting the series to announce that he will not compete in the upcoming Coca‑Cola 600.
His family issued a brief statement asking for privacy while Busch receives treatment, and the team confirmed that he remains 24th in the Cup Series standings despite a string of strong finishes earlier in the season.
In his absence, Austin Hill will climb into the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, taking over the ride that Busch has held for many years.
The 2026 Coca‑Cola 600 is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern Time at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, and will be streamed live on Prime Video.
Busch’s recent form includes a season‑best eighth‑place finish at Watkins Glen and a 17th‑place result at the All‑Star Race, but his last two outings at Charlotte saw him finish 15th in both years, a track where he captured victory in 2018.
Drivers set to compete
The race will feature a mix of experienced names such as Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick, who currently tops the standings with five wins, as well as rising contenders like Chase Elliott and Chris Buescher.