Kurt Busch is officially out of the playoffs.
He’s been dealing with a concussion since he was involved in a crash during qualifying a Pocono Raceway on July 23rd, and has since missed over a months worth of races.
He just announced via Instagram that he will be bowing out of contention for this years Cup Series Playoffs.
Kurt noted in the statement that, while he hasn’t been medically cleared to get behind the wheel again, he knows that when he finally does get the clearance, it still won’t be the right time to get back in the car.
You can read his full statement here:
“As much as I wanted and hoped to be able to get back in No. 45 car to make a playoff run with our team, it’s still not the right time for me. 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 ting 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 will continue to drive the No. 45 car, which will remain eligible for the owners title.
NASCAR also released a statement regarding the withdrawal of the waiver, which maintained Kurt’s playoff eligibility while it was active, saying he has their full support as he continues to heal:
“Kurt Busch has managed this difficult situation like the champion that he is. Working closely with his doctors, every decision made has been in the best interest of his health, his competitors and the sport.
Kurt has NASCAR’s full support as he continues to heal, and we look forward to seeing him return to the race car. 23XI Racing has informed NASCAR that it is withdrawing Kurt’s medical waiver request.
Per the NASCAR rule book, a spot has been made available for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The No. 45 car will continue to compete for the 2022 Owner Championship.”
Kurt has 34 wins in 776 Cup Series appearances, and secured the series championship back in 2004.
He won his first and only Cup Series event of this season at Kansas Speedway back in May, as it’s his first time racing for 23XI, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
The win also had him in a playoff position, however, this news shakes up some of the playoff standings as NASCAR has since released an update about how they’re going forward with Kurt officially out.
Every driver below the elimination line must now win a race to make the final playoff cut, and two playoff spots are now available going into Daytona this weekend.
Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. would both make the playoffs if there is not a new winner that’s currently in the top 30 in points:
“Following today’s @23xiracing announcement, every driver below the elimination line must win to make the #NASCARPlayoffs.”
Regardless of how you feel about Kurt, it’s a pretty classy move to bow out now and give some of the other driver’s a real shot at making the playoffs, and we wish him well as he continues to heal from his concussion.
