Denny Hamlin Offers “Concerning” Update on Kurt Busch as He Admits to Ty Gibbs’ “Big Old Tall” NASCAR Transition

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin expressed his concern for fellow driver Kurt Busch and his health. Although, he seemed happy with Busch’s substitute, Ty Gibbs’ performance.

Kurt Busch will be missing his fourth race on Sunday after the unfortunate Pocono car crash. The driver is still recovering from his injuries and does not seem ready to get back on track soon.

After his car crash at the Pocono Raceway, Busch was left with concussion-like symptoms. Since then, the driver does not seem to be race ready and has posted about his ill-health on his Twitter handle.

Will Kurt Busch be back soon?

Kurt Busch is trying to keep himself surrounded by a high-energy environment. He was seen with his team at the shop and also at Charlotte FC Soccer Match and the Cubs baseball game.

However, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin feels like Busch’s situation is still a concern. While talking about Busch, Hamlin said, “It’s concerning for sure. Mostly concerning for his health, not really for the race team.”

Denny Hamlin supports Busch’s decision of taking his time to heal. He also applauds Kurt Busch for wanting to make sure he is 100% recovered before getting back on track. 

READ MORE: “Didn’t Realize How Damaged My Car Was” – Kyle Larson on His Scary Daytona Crash in NASCAR Xfinity Series

According to Hamlin, some other drivers might have taken a few tests, passed them, and got back on track. But Kurt Busch did not do anything like that and it shows that a race or a season is not as important as his overall health and long-term performance. 

Ty Gibbs’s performance in Busch’s absence

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Hamlin also admitted that the team has contingency plans in the probable absence of Kurt Busch in 2023. Although he wishes for the best, he knows that the team cannot rush Busch’s health in any way. 

While Busch was unable to participate, Ty Gibbs took over the No. 45 Toyota’s driving wheel as the 23XI Racing substitute. Grandson of NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner Joe Gibbs, Ty Gibbs is a filling in for Busch.

Glad to have Ty Gibbs in the team while Kurt Busch is not around, Denny Hamlin expressed his happiness with Gibbs’ performance. He said, “I think he’s done a good job for sure. I think he certainly realizes the fence between Xfinity and Cup is a big old tall one.”

WATCH THIS STORY: From Kurt Busch’s “F**KED UP” Rant to Kyle Larson’s Tire Blowout: Dover Highlights

Having driven on three different tracks: Pocono, Indianapolis Road Course, and Michigan International Speedway, Gibbs has made it to three straight top 20 finishes.