Kurt Busch to miss start of Cup playoffs

Kurt Busch has withdrawn his waiver for the Cup playoffs and will miss the start of the playoffs, 23XI Racing stated Thursday morning.

That means that Martin Truex Jr. holds the final provisional playoff spot going into Saturday night’s race at Daytona International Speedway (7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock). Fourteen drivers have clinched a playoff spot by winning this season. Ryan Blaney and Truex are the only drivers in a playoff spot without a victory this season. Blaney leads Truex by 25 points.

The waiver NASCAR provided allowed Busch to remain eligible for the playoffs despite missing the last five races because of concussion-like symptoms suffered in a July 23 crash in qualifying at Pocono Raceway. Busch will miss Saturday’s Cup race at Daytona.

No timetable has been given for Busch’s return.

“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,” said Busch in a statement. “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.”

NASCAR stated: “Kurt Busch has managed this difficult situation like the champion that he is. 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