Kurt Busch remains sidelined, Ty Gibbs back in No. 45 at Michigan

Busch, who remains locked in the playoffs after being granted a waiver, has yet to be cleared to compete by NASCAR’s medical team.

Gibbs, 19, made his Cup debut at Pocono and finished 16th. He followed it up with another solid result at IMS, finishing 17th. Gibbs will be pulling double duty this weekend, running the Cup race as well as fulfilling his duties as a full-time Xfinity Series driver in the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Supra.

Busch, who turns 44 this week, released the following statement:

“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 race this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

“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.”