Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized due to a severe illness and will not compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, his family announced on Thursday.

This unexpected news means one of the sport's most prominent figures will miss a crucial race. His family shared the update on social media, stating that Busch is currently undergoing treatment and requested privacy as they navigate this situation.

Austin Hill is set to step in as his replacement for the Coca-Cola 600.

Busch, a 41-year-old native of Las Vegas, is a formidable presence in NASCAR, having secured championships in 2015 and 2019. Known for his polarizing personality, he holds the record for the most wins across the sport's three national series, with 234 victories, including 63 Cup Series races.

This season, his fourth with Richard Childress Racing after a successful tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing, has seen him rank 24th in the Cup Series standings with two top-10 finishes in 12 races. His last victory came in 2023, marking his inaugural win with RCR. This marks the first time in over a decade that Busch has been absent from a Cup Series race, with his last significant absence occurring in 2015 due to injuries from an Xfinity Series crash.

Richard Childress Racing issued a statement emphasizing their support for Busch, stating, "Kyle Busch’s health is our utmost priority... We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend."

Busch's current season has been marked by struggles for consistency, including a public spat with his former teammate Denny Hamlin. Despite tensions, the two drivers seem to have mended their relationship, with Hamlin recently acknowledging Busch as being on the "Mount Rushmore" of racing.