August 25, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

Kurt Busch withdraws from NASCAR Cup Playoffs

Kurt Busch has withdrawn from the 2022 NASCAR Cup Playoffs.

The 2004 champion has been sidelined since he sustained a head injury during qualifying at Pocono on July 23.

Although NASCAR offered 23XI Racing a medical waiver for the driver to compete in the Playoffs, the team has withdrawn the request that would have kept Busch eligible for the postseason.

“Kurt has elevated our entire organization this year,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “Although Kurt will not be competing for a championship this season, he will continue to play a vital role in the organization as he works with our competition group to keep improving and strengthening the team.”

Withdrawal of the waiver request automatically disqualifies Busch from the Playoffs. Despite winning at Kansas Speedway, Busch has missed the last five races and had already announced his intention to sit out of this weekend’s activities at Daytona International Speedway. Ty Gibbs will continue to fill in for the recovering driver.

“As much as I wanted and hoped to be able to get back in the No. 45 car to make a playoff run with our team, it’s still not the right time for me,” Busch said via Twitter. “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 thing 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.”

The No. 45 team will continue to compete for the Owner’s Championship. However, Busch’s absence opens the door for Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr., to move up into 15th and 16th, respectively on the Playoff grid. Blaney currently holds a 25-point advantage over Truex. As long as Blaney remains ahead of Truex, he will lock into a spot. Should another driver from the top 30 in points win at Daytona, Truex would be bumped from the postseason.

“Kurt Busch has managed this difficult situation like the champion that he is,” NASCAR said in a statement. “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.”