NASCAR champion Kyle Busch hospitalized with severe illness, family says

The 41-year-old Busch reportedly had a sinus infection at the time of the race in Upstate New York but continued and finished eighth.

By Joseph Weber

Published: May 21, 2026 2:48pm

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with a severe illness and won’t compete this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, his family said Thursday.

“We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,” the family said in a statement on social media.

The two-time Cup Series champion during May 10 at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed in to his crew asking for medical assistantce and received a "shot" after the race, according to the Associated Press.

The 41-year-old Busch reportedly had a sinus infection at the time of the race in Upstate New York but continued and finished eighth.