He’s Back! Kyle Busch Returns for the Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte

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Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Crispy Toyota, sits in his car during practice for the 57th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2015 Photo - Sarah Glenn/Getty Images

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Crispy Toyota, sits in his car during practice for the 57th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2015 Photo – Sarah Glenn/Getty Images

On Tuesday, after clearance from his doctors, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch has announced he is returning to Sprint Cup Series action this Saturday with the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway, Busch sustained injuries in the XFINITY Series race in February. 

“Today is an exciting day, one that not a lot of folks would have thought possible that night in February down in the hospital in Daytona,” Said Kyle Busch during a media teleconference. “Thanks to the good Lord, a tremendous medical team both in Daytona and of course Dr. Anderson here in Charlotte, the incredible support of my wife Samantha, my family and friends, everyone in the NASCAR community, and the many fans.”

“I’m happy to say I plan to be back in the No. 18 M&M Toyota Camry for the Sprint All-Star Race this weekend.  I want to thank everybody for their patience.  It’s not an easy process and not a process that always has a clear-cut path either.”

Then on  Wednesday NASCAR cleared the way for Busch by stating he will qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by meeting all requirements of eligibility excluding Rule 17.6.2.1.a, which requires a driver to start all Championship Events of the current season. To qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Busch will need to put himself within the top-30 of the Championship point standings after race No. 26, and meet all other stated requirements within the NASCAR Rule Book.

“On behalf of everyone at NASCAR, it’s great to have Kyle Busch back racing,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Our decision to grant Kyle a waiver that allows him to continue running for a championship is one we discussed extensively. The spirit of the rule never was designed to punish drivers who are unable to compete due to extenuating circumstances such as recovering from a racing accident.”

“We wish Kyle the best of luck in the balance of the season, and look forward to his return to the car this week for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”

Watch the Sprint Cup Series compete in the Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 16th. Television coverage begins at 6:30 pm ET on Fox Sports 1.