23XI Racing announced Thursday that Kurt Busch not only will miss the start of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs but that it also has withdrawn the medical waiver it requested for the veteran driver.
Although Busch’s win at Kansas Speedway in May had earned him a spot in the postseason, withdrawing the waiver request to maintain his playoff eligibility means he does not qualify for the playoffs, according to NASCAR’s rule book. A Cup Series win typically locks a driver into the 16-driver playoff field as long as they finish out the 26-race season within the top 30 for points and attempt to start each competition. Busch has missed five consecutive races.
“Kurt Busch has managed this difficult situation like the champion that he is,” NASCAR released 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.
