Kurt Busch opts out of NASCAR Playoffs

Suffering from a concussion, Kurt Busch has already missed 5 races this season but hoped to be restored for the start of the Playoffs for which his victory at Kansas last May automatically gave him a place.

While his team could request an exemption for medical reasons, the champion NASCAR Cup series 2004 indicated preferring to withdraw from the title race. “I wanted and hoped to be able to get back behind the wheel of the Toyota 45 to play the finals with our team, but it’s still not the right time for me”, Busch said. “ In addition to not being cleared to return to competition, I know I'm not ready to be back in the car. I respect NASCAR, my fellow drivers and the fans too much to take a playoff spot if I know I can't compete for the championship. The decision wasn't easy, but I know it's the right one. I will focus on recovering to be back in the car as quickly as possible and I will do everything possible to help Team 23XI continue on the path of success that we have followed this season. »

Ty Gibbs continues his accelerated training behind the wheel of Kurt Busch's Toyota 45 © Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Ty Gibbs will continue the interim period started since Busch's accident. If the 45 is now excluded from the race for the drivers' title, it of course continues to score points for 23XI Racing in the very lucrative teams ranking.

The immediate consequence of this decision is that it frees up an additional place for the Playoffs. In what is arguably the most unpredictable regular season in NASCAR's playoff era, there is only one race left at Daytona before the 16 drivers admitted to the final stages are determined. With a record 15 winners this season, there was only one place available for the Playoffs... There are now two, which promises an exciting regular season finale this Saturday evening at the prestigious Daytona Speedway.

Ryan Blaney advantage before Daytona © Getty/NASCAR

Here's everything you need to know before this 26th race of the season

Drivers who won this year

14 drivers have already qualified for the playoffs: Regular season champion Chase Elliott (4 wins), Kyle Larson (2), Ross Chastain (2), Joey Logano (2), William Byron (2) , Kevin Harvick (2), Denny Hamlin (2), Tyler Reddick (2), Christopher Bell (1), Chase Briscoe (1), Kyle Busch (1), Daniel Suárez (1), Austin Cindric (1) and Alex Bowman (1).

The horizon is brightening for Martin Truex Jr.Sean © Gardner/Getty Images

Scenario 1: No new winner at Daytona

The simplest scenario now. If there is no new winner at Daytona, Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. will inherit the two available spots as no driver can overtake them in the points standings.

Scenario 2: A new driver is needed

Provided that he is registered for the season and that he occupies a place in the Top 30 of the general classification, the victorious driver will inherit 15th place.

The last place will be played between Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. Before this final round, Blaney has a 25-point lead over Truex Jr. and an advantage in the best result with his 3rd place in Nashville against a 4th place for Truex.

In the event of a perfect tie in the number of points, Truex would have to finish second to be qualified since a 3rd place would be insufficient for him, Blaney keeping the advantage with four fourth places against only two for Truex.

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