Chris Buescher to miss 2022 Cup Series race at Gateway: Zane Smith to pilot No. 17 car

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     RFK Racing announced on Thursday afternoon that driver Chris Buescher will have to sit out for the next NASCAR Cup Series event, being this weekend's race at Worldwide Technology Raceway. The team has selected NASCAR Truck Series driver Zane Smith to pilot the No. 17 Ford Mustang in the "Enjoy Illinois" 350 on Sunday, June 5th.

Buescher, who tested positive for COVID-19, will have to wait out his quarantine time until after this coming weekend; ultimately missing a points-paying event to possibly work his way closer to a seat in the NASCAR Playoffs. It already has been a roller-coaster ride for the No. 17 team this season, this situation just adding to the team's chaos.

This does open up an opportunity for Zane Smith, a third-year driver in the NASCAR Truck Series. Winning the Rookie of the Year Award with a runner-up finish for the series championship in 2020 is pretty impressive for a rookie driver, but he backed up the runner-up at the end of the 2021 season, tying his best championship standings finish. This will open up a whole new world in racing for Smith, as this will become his debut race in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Hopefully, Buescher will return to race at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 12th.