Former NASCAR Cup champion Kurt Busch announced he was not cleared to race at Indianapolis this upcoming week after he wrecked hard at Pocono during qualifying.
Kurt Busch via NASCAR YouTube
During his qualifying run at Pocono, Busch spun off of turn three with his rear end slamming into the outside wall. The car then spun and his front end made contact with the outside wall.
Kurt Busch crashes HARD in qualifying at @PoconoRaceway!
The @23XIRacing driver made it into the final round, but this crash likely puts them in a backup and at the rear of the field. #NASCAR
📺 : @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/aTS8vM8YSp
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2022
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Busch would not compete at Pocono being replaced in the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota Camry by Ty Gibbs.
NASCAR announced on the 24th that Busch “has not been cleared to race at Pocono Raceway following an evaluation this morning in the infield care center.”
NASCAR Twitter
Busch reacted to the news on Twitter, “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.”
He added, “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!”
Kurt Busch Twitter
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Unfortunately, Busch will not be back on track at Indy. He shared a statement to Twitter writing, “After undergoing further medical evaluation this week, I have not been cleared to race Indy at this time.”
He continued, “I remain dedicated to focusing on my recover and getting back on the track and will continue to work closely with NASCAR’s medical and my own team of doctors.”
“I’m thankful to 23XI and my sponsors for supporting me and also putting my health first, and to Ty for stepping in to race the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD. I am proud of his debut and know he will represent the 45 well again this weekend,” he concluded.
Kurt Busch Twitter
As Busch revealed, 23XI Racing announced that Ty Gibbs would once again fill in for him at Indianapolis as he did at Pocono.
The team’s statement reads, “Following medical evaluations after his wreck at Pocono Raceway last Saturday, Kurt Busch has not been cleared by the NASCAR medical team to return to competition this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Ty Gibbs will once again fill in for Kurt in the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD. Kurt’s health is of the utmost importance to the team, we wish him all the best as he prepares to return.”
“Kurt has been granted a medical waiver from NASCAR and remains eligible for the playoffs. The team will not be making any further comments about the matter at this time,” it concluded.
23XI Racing Twitter
Gibbs finished 16th at Pocono albeit Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch, who crossed the line first and second were later disqualified by NASCAR. Gibbs finished 19th at the Indianapolis Road Course in the Xfinity Series in 2021 after starting fifth.
What do you make of NASCAR ruling that Kurt Busch will not be able to race at Indianapolis and that he’s been given a medical waiver?