July 24, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

Kurt Busch sidelined with lingering concussion-like symptoms; Ty Gibbs to fill in at Pocono

Kurt Busch will miss Sunday’s Cup race at Pocono Raceway due to concussion-like symptoms resulting from a crash during time trials on Saturday.

Busch experienced a brutal shunt coming off of Turn 3 during the final round of qualifying for the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400.

The former Cup champion was not cleared to race by NASCAR following further evaluation in the Pocono infield care center on Sunday morning.

23XI Racing released the following statement:

“Based on the decision by the NASCAR medical team this morning regarding Kurt Busch, Ty Gibbs will drive the No. 45 McDonald’s Toyota Camry TRD for today’s race at Pocono Raceway.”

Busch tweeted: NASCAR has done a great job of putting the driver’s health before competition and I respect the decision they have made. 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!

The start will mark the Cup debut for the 19-year-old grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs. Ty currently leads the Xfinity Series with four wins—already matching his total victories from last year. Gibbs is currently third in the NXS standings in his first full season on the tour.

Busch, who turns 44 on Aug. 4, is currently 14th in the Cup standings. In 22 seasons on the Cup tour, he has 34 wins, 161 top fives and 339 top 10s. Busch has scored at least one win in each of the past nine seasons and has qualified for the past 10 Playoffs.

Following the announcement on July 12 that Tyler Reddick would join 23XI in 2023, speculation began as to whether Busch would retire following next season. While no formal plan has been announced, team co-owner Denny Hamlin insisted Busch would have a position with the team as long as he wanted.

Prior to the start of Sunday's race, 23XI elected to swap the No. 45 pit crew for the No. 23 squad that usually services Bubba Wallace's car.