NASCAR champ Kyle Busch hospitalized with 'severe illness'

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch is hospitalized with a "severe illness" and will miss Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, N.C.

The family of the 41-year-old driver released a statement on Thursday morning.

"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation."

No further details, including the type of illness and location of the hospital, were provided.

Busch, who drives the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series, will be replaced by Austin Hill in Sunday's race.

"Kyle Busch's health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them," the team said in a statement. "Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him.

"We're thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend. Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family's privacy at this time."

Busch currently ranks 24th in the NASCAR Cup Series season standings with only two top-10 finishes in 13 starts. His best effort was an eighth-place run at Watkins Glen earlier this month.

Busch is one of the most successful drivers of all time with 232 wins across NASCAR's top three series: 63 in the Cup Series, 102 in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 in the Craftsman Truck Series. He won the trucks race at Dover last weekend. The Las Vegas native was the NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2015 and 2019.

--Field Level Media