MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Kurt Busch will miss his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend at Michigan Int’l Speedway.
Busch, who suffered a concussion in a crash during qualifying at Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway on July 23, was not cleared to drive the 23XI Racing No. 45 this weekend. Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs will replace Busch for the third straight week.
Busch, who turns 44 on Thursday (Aug. 4), confirmed his absence on social media on Wednesday afternoon.
“While I am continuing to make improvements every day and can’t wait to get back in the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD, I have yet to be cleared to return to competition and will not be participating in the NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend at Michigan International Speedway,” Busch posted. “I know Ty (Gibbs) will continue to do a great job representing 23XI and the No. 45 Monster Energy team this weekend in Michigan. I am working hard to get back to 100% and it’s my hope to be back in the car at Richmond Raceway. Thanks to everyone for the continued support and I look forward to being back on track soon.”
Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion, won a NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway earlier this season and has been granted a waiver by NASCAR to participate in the playoffs.