Brad Keselowski, former NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, has been medically approved to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. This clearance comes after Keselowski suffered a broken leg during an off-season ski trip with his family in December 2025, which required surgery and recovery time.
During the injury incident, Keselowski was hospitalized and had a titanium rod inserted to stabilize his leg. Consequently, he was unable to participate in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 4, 2026, where Corey LaJoie substituted for him but failed to advance into the main field. Following his recovery, Keselowski underwent a thorough medical check and an on-track evaluation at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9. After passing both, NASCAR granted him permission to race in the season-opening event.
Keselowski Reflects on Returning to Competition
Keselowski expressed deep gratitude after receiving the green light, saying it was a significant milestone in his recovery. He emphasized the importance of discipline and patience throughout his rehabilitation process, highlighting his motivation to return specifically for the Daytona 500. The mental focus on readiness was reinforced by a motivational poster he kept in his workout area that read, “Daytona. Earned not given.”
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You put in the work, you trust the process, but until you hear that final ‘yes,’ nothing is guaranteed. Knowing what Daytona means, and how hard it would have been to miss it, made this moment even bigger. I’m grateful to the medical team and to NASCAR for being thorough, and I’m excited to get back in the car.” ?Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver and RFK Racing Co-owner
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts. I had a poster in my workout area that said, ‘Daytona. Earned not given,’ and that became my mindset every day. The focus was on getting stronger, improving mobility, and making sure I was truly ready to race.” ?Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver and RFK Racing Co-owner
Karting for the Iconic #6 Mustang and RFK Racing’s Expanded Lineup
For the 200-lap race scheduled on February 15, Keselowski will return behind the wheel of his renowned #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. RFK Racing will also field additional entries, including Corey LaJoie in the #99 Ford Mustang, Ryan Preece in the #60 Mustang, and Chris Buescher driving the #17 car. This expansion to a four-car lineup at Daytona reflects the team’s strategic approach for the superspeedway event.
Strategic Benefits of a Fourth Car at Daytona 500
RFK Racing announced the addition of a fourth car to better position the team for success in the Daytona 500. Bringing in Corey LaJoie for the #99 Ford Mustang extends the team’s competitive capacity, especially in terms of drafting and race strategy. LaJoie originally took Keselowski’s place at the Cook Out Clash and will now compete in the full 500-mile event.
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500. It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation, and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most.” ?Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver and RFK Racing Co-owner
Corey LaJoie’s Experience and Role in RFK Racing
Corey LaJoie will make his tenth Daytona 500 start this year, bringing valuable experience to RFK Racing’s lineup. His best performance at Daytona was a fourth-place finish in 2024, driving the #7 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. Joining RFK Racing marks a key step in his part-time Cup Series career, backed by the team’s primary sponsor, Trimble. Both Keselowski’s return and LaJoie’s participation signal heightened competitiveness for RFK Racing in the 2026 season opener.
Implications for the 2026 NASCAR Season Start
Brad Keselowski’s successful recovery and return to racing enhance the dynamics of the 2026 Daytona 500 and the broader NASCAR Cup Series season. His presence behind the wheel of the #6 Mustang strengthens RFK Racing’s performance potential, while the addition of a fourth car provides strategic depth for superspeedway racing tactics. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Keselowski’s form and the team’s coordination during this critical event at Daytona International Speedway.
Brad Keselowski has been cleared to race this season, beginning with Daytona, following rehab from his terrible freak leg injury that occurred during the offseason when he fell and broke his femur.
Quotes from Brad, via RFK Racing:
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You…
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 9, 2026
