Kurt Busch Out of Playoffs, Team Withdraws Waiver

by
Noah Lewis
August 25, 2022

Photo Credit to Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch To Miss Start of Playoffs, Will Not Compete for Championship

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Kurt Busch and 23XI Racing have announced Busch will miss the start of the NASCAR Playoffs, therefore choosing to withdraw their medical waiver. The waiver would have allowed Busch to remain Playoff eligible regardless of missing the last five races due to concussion-like symptoms which surfaced after a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway in July.

“As much as I wanted and hoped to be able to get back in the No. 45 car to make a Playoff run with our team, it’s still not the right time for me,” Busch said. “In addition to not being cleared to return to racing, I know that I am not ready to be back in the car.

“I respect the sport of NASCAR, my fellow drivers and the fans too much to take up a Playoff spot if I know I can’t compete for a championship this season. The decision was not an easy one, but I know it is the right thing to do. I will continue to take time to heal and strengthen as I prepare to be back in the car and will do all I can to help 23XI continue the success we have had this season.”

Ty Gibbs has filled in for Kurt Busch since the Pocono crash and will continue to do so in Busch’s absence. The team said Kurt will remain involved in an important role.

“Kurt has elevated our entire organization this year,” 23XI team president, Steve Lauletta, said. “Although Kurt will not be competing for a championship this season, he will continue to play a vital role in the organization as he works with our competition group to keep improving and strengthening the team.”

While Busch is not a part of the Driver’s Championship anymore, the No. 45 team will still make the Owner’s Points Playoffs, per NASCAR rules. Gibbs will be able to still compete for the Owner’s Title while Busch recovers.

With Busch now out of the Playoff picture, this opens up a second spot ahead of Saturday’s regular season finale at Daytona. Currently, these last two Playoff berths are occupied by Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. Unless Daytona gives a new winner, these two drivers will be in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Playoff field. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will go green Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.