By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Following an evaluation in the infield medical center Sunday morning at Pocono Raceway, Kurt Busch has not been cleared to race in the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400. The 2004 series champion crashed in Saturday qualifying, backing his No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota into the Turn 3 wall.
In his place is Xfinity Series regular Ty Gibbs, who has been tapped to make his Cup Series debut for 23XI Racing.
Busch made a statement on Twitter following the decision by NASCAR saying, “NASCAR has done a great job of putting the drivers’ health before competition and I respect the decision they have made. I’m still having concussion-like symptoms from yesterday’s impact in qualifying. The tests demonstrate I am still recovering.
“I will continue to follow the medical team’s recommendations, and appreciate everyone’s support. Thanks to 23XI and their efforts, let’s get back on track in Indy!”
It will be the first time since 2015 that the elder Busch brother will miss a Cup race. Despite the miss, however, he has been granted a medical waiver by NASCAR to keep playoff eligibility.
https://t.co/UJnKUvUhyg pic.twitter.com/0YTMEVFQpx
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) July 24, 2022
Seat insert work ongoing in the No. 45 camp prepping for @TyGibbs_’ Cup Series debut for @23XIRacing. pic.twitter.com/dwPQX1u2Z2
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) July 24, 2022