Kurt Busch not cleared by doctors for Pocono race after crash in qualifying
Kurt Busch is suffering from "concussion-like symptoms" and will not race Sunday in the M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway, he announced. Busch will be replaced in the field by 19-year-old Ty Gibbs.
Earlier in the day Sunday, NASCAR announced that the infield care center hadn't cleared Busch to participate in the Cup Series race. Busch then released a statement confirming that he wouldn't participate in the race.
"NASCAR has done a great job of putting the drivers' health before competition and I respect the decision they have made," Busch's statement reads. "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!"
Busch, 43, was set to start 10th on Sunday after reaching the final round of qualifying before spinning into the wall.
Busch was the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion and is the series' longest-tenured driver. Earlier this week, he hinted that the 2023 season may be his last before retirement.
Gibbs is the grandson of NASCAR team owner and former NFL head coach Joe Gibbs.
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