FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 21: Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway on May 21, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 21: Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway on May 21, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Buescher Tests Positive for COVID-19; Zane Smith Driving No. 17 at Gateway

RFK Racing has announced that No. 17 driver Chris Buescher has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at World Wide Technology Raceway (formerly Gateway Raceway). NASCAR Truck Series front runner Zane Smith will fill in for Buescher, piloting the No. 17 Acronis Ford as NASCAR makes its much-anticipated return to WWTR.

Smith has three wins and eight top-10 finishes in 10 starts in the Truck Series this season, having led 253 laps while piloting the No. 38 Ford F-150. He will become the 24th driver to pilot an RFK Ford for Jack Roush in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Buescher expects to return to action next week at Sonoma.

— RFK Racing —