NASCAR driver Kyle Busch was involved in a serious accident at Daytona International Speedway in February in which he suffered a broken right leg. He underwent successful surgery and made his first start in a points race on May 24 in the Coca-Cola 600.
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Busch Comments on Foot After Coca-Cola 600
Sunday, May 24
Busch finished 11th in Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600 in his first official points race since his injury at Daytona. He talked about how his foot felt afterward, according to Joe Rodgers of Sporting News: "Felt good. I feel good, and I admit I've probably got a little left foot soreness, but other than that, everything is pretty hunky‑dory. To get out there and have a strong run means a lot."
Busch Announces Return for May 16
Tuesday, May 12
Busch posted a teaser video on Twitter stating he's returning to racing Saturday:
Kyle Busch @KyleBuschI'm back. #RowdyReturns
"Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch has received medical clearance to return to on-track activity beginning with Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the No. 18 M&Ms Red Nose Day Toyota," SiriusXM NASCAR Radio added.
Busch also said that he completed more than 300 laps during his initial return test, according to Marty Smith of ESPN.
Busch Addresses Crash During Media Appearance
Wednesday, April 15
As NASCAR.com confirmed he would, Busch addressed the media and discussed his status. USA Today's Jeff Gluck shared this brief clip on Vine:
Jeff Gluck @jeff_gluckKyle lives. #NASCAR
He spoke to reporters about the incident and his injury:
Kelly Crandall @KellyCrandall“I knew instantly my right leg broke,” says Busch. “It was just a sharp pain.” Wanted to sit & catch breath but fire in car, had to get out
Kaitlyn Vincie @kaitlynvincie"That was a whale of a hit, the hardest I've ever had in my career." - Kyle Busch is walking us through his thought process during accident.
Busch took blame for the crash and commented on how it could have been worse than it was:
Kelly Crandall @KellyCrandall“The wreck was essentially all my fault. I was being greedy and trying to win the race,” says @KyleBusch in trying to push @erik_jones
Jenna Fryer @JennaFryer"I'm thankful it wasn't worse. I could have had a serious neck or head injury, or even worse," says Busch.
Busch Undergoes Foot Surgery
Friday, Feb. 27
Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports reported that Busch underwent a second surgery on his broken left foot and provided more info on the surgery:
Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Busch had what it termed successful surgery on his fractured left foot. The surgery happened after Busch was transferred back to North Carolina from Daytona Beach, where he had surgery on the broken leg he sustained in the Xfinity Series crash Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.
Jim Utter of The Charlotte Observer confirmed Busch was released from the hospital and is returning home.
Busch, Wife Comment After Undergoing Leg Surgery
Sunday, Feb. 22
Busch and his wife posted statements via social media:
Kyle Busch @KyleBuschWould rather b driving than watching the #Daytona500 but pulling 4 @Matt_Crafton and the No. 18 @mmschocolate team.
Samantha Busch @SamanthaBuschGetting ready to watch the Daytona 500! Cheering on our 18 boys! 🏁
ESPN.com's Bob Pockrass reported details after the race concerning Busch's injury on February 21:
Kyle Busch was stretchered off after his car slammed into an infield concrete wall during the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
Busch, in obvious pain, had his right leg placed in an air cast before being transported. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver is supposed to start fourth Sunday in the Daytona 500.
"Kyle Busch suffered a compound fracture in his lower right leg. He also fractured his left foot. Out indefinitely," reported Jeff Gluck of USA Today. Nate Ryan of NBC Sports reported that Busch had successful surgery.
Jimmie Johnson was among those who weighed in on the matter:
Jimmie Johnson @JimmieJohnsonMan I hope @KyleBusch is alright... It's beyond me why we don't have soft walls everywhere. #nascar @DISupdates
Per NASCAR.com, Busch had been scheduled to start in the second row in fourth place for the prestigious Daytona 500 on February 22.