Kurt Busch announced Thursday that he would not be returning to his No. 45 23XI Racing car when NASCAR visits Darlington for the opening round of the playoffs.
With this news, Busch has opted to withdraw his waiver that had secured him a playoff spot, after winning a race earlier this season and being injured in a qualifying accident at Pocono Raceway.
“Kurt has elevated our entire organization this year,” 23XI team president Steve Lauletta said in a release. “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.”
Busch’s absence opens up a second wild card spot that is available for Saturday night’s race. One will go to either Ryan Blaney or Martin Truex Jr. – who sits 25 points behind Blaney in the point standings.
Both drivers will get into the playoffs, so long as no driver who hasn’t won a race yet this season puts himself in with a win in the final regular season race.
Ty Gibbs will continue to race the car for 23XI and will drive it for the owner’s playoffs in the playoff opener at Darlington, as well as the Daytona regular season finale.
Saturday’s race at Daytona is kicking off at 6:00 p.m. CT on NBC.
