NASCAR driver Kyle Busch will miss this weekend’s competition in North Carolina to battle “severe illness.”

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” a message on his X account said. “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.”

He was expected to participate in weekend events including Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. The 41-year-old driver has regularly participated in that event since 2004 and remained competitive. Busch won that event in 2018.

His racing team announced Thursday that substitute Austin Hill will drive Busch’s No. 8 car in Charlotte so the speedy Chevrolet’s primary operator can focus on getting healthy.

“Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery,” Richard Childress Racing said in a statement. “His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him.”

Busch’s family offered no further information about his ailment. The Sporting News said Busch’s illness hit while he was on a roll.

The Las Vegas native reportedly recorded two top-10 finishes in his last three races and won a NASCAR Truck Series race last week in Delaware.

He and his wife Samantha Busch welcomed their second child in May 2022. The couple married in 2010.

“Kyle has always been my rock,” Samantha told People in a 2024 interview.

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