August 3, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

Kurt Busch continues recovery process, Gibbs to sub this weekend at Michigan

For the third-straight week, Kurt Busch will watch the NASCAR Cup Series from the sidelines.

The former Cup champion, who turns 44 on Thursday, has yet to be cleared to race following a violent wreck during qualifying at Pocono Raceway on July 23.

Ty Gibbs will once again fill in for Busch in the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota.

“While I am continuing to make improvements every day and can’t wait to get back in the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD, I have yet to be cleared to return to competition and will not be participating in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend at Michigan International Speedway,” Busch tweeted. “I know Ty will continue to do a great job representing 23XI and the No. 45 Monster Energy team in Michigan.

“I am working hard to get back to 100% and it’s my hope to be back in the car at Richmond Raceway. Thanks to everyone for the continued support and I look forward to being back on track soon.”

23XI Racing simply replied to Busch’s tweet with, “We’re looking forward to Kurt being back to 100% and on track.’

Busch is currently in his 22nd full season on the Cup tour. He scored his 34th career Cup win at Kansas Speedway in May. In 776 starts, he's accumulated 28 poles 161 top fives, and 339 top 10s. NASCAR did announce last week that Busch will receive a medical waiver for the Playoffs when he returns. In addition to winning the 2004 title, Busch has advanced to the postseason for the past nine seasons—14 playoffs overall.

Gibbs, 19, finished 16th in his Cup debut at Pocono and 17th last Sunday at Indy while filling in for Busch in the No. 45 Toyota. After finishing eighth in the Xfinity Series race at Indy, he’s currently third in the NXS standings, 30 points behind leader AJ Allmendinger.