Kurt Busch Out Again At Indy, Ty Gibbs To Sub

Following a crash last Saturday at Pocono Raceway, Kurt Busch will miss his second NASCAR Cup Series straight race as he remains in concussion protocol for Sunday’s race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, 23XI Racing announced July 27.

Ty Gibbs, who drove Busch’s No. 45 in his series debut, will again fill in at Indianapolis.

“Following medical evaluations after his wreck at Pocono Raceway last Saturday, Kurt Busch has not been cleared by the NASCAR medical team to return to competition this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course,” a spokesperson for 23XI said in a statement. “Ty Gibbs will once again fill in for Kurt in the Monster Energy Toyota. Kurt’s health is of the utmost importance to the team, and we wish him all the best as he prepares for his return.”

Added Busch: “I remain dedicated to focusing on my recovery and getting back on the track. I’m thankful to 23XI and my sponsors for supporting me and also putting my health first, and to Ty for stepping in to race the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD. I’m proud of his debut and know he will represent the [No.] 45 well again this weekend.”

Gibbs finished 16th at Pocono.

“I’m happy to help out 23XI Racing this week at Indianapolis, but again our thoughts are with Kurt and getting him healthy,” Gibbs said. “He’s a good guy, and we all want him back soon.

“I like road course racing, and I think we’ll have a solid Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD this week. I think the goals are the same as last week — just to complete the race and learn all we can. I want to think Denny [Hamlin, co-owner] and [Michael Jordan, co-owner] for the opportunity.”

Busch has a medical waiver and remains in play as far as the NASCAR playoffs are concerned. He enters Indianapolis 17^th in the overall points, but 12^th in the playoffs with one win, five top fives and eight top 10s.

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