Brad Keselowski is officially set to compete in this year’s Daytona 500, kicking off the 2026 NASCAR season. He secured medical clearance to drive the No. 6 RFK Racing Mustang in the prestigious event scheduled for Sunday, February 15, after recovering from a serious injury.
The 41-year-old driver had been sidelined after breaking his right femur during a December ski trip, which also forced him to miss the unofficial season opener, the Cook Out Clash, last Wednesday. Corey LaJoie stepped in as Keselowski’s substitute for that race.
While missing the Clash has no bearing on Keselowski’s season points, skipping the Daytona 500 would have serious consequences. As the first points-paying race, missing it normally disqualifies drivers from the playoffs unless they receive a waiver. Even then, NASCAR can revoke all regular-season playoff points from such drivers.
Reflecting on his return, Keselowski told Jeff Gluck of The Athletic,
“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’ve won at Daytona, but I haven’t won the 500, and that’s always been one I want,” he continued. “After everything it took to get back to this point, having another chance at it means everything.”
A Career Overview: Keselowski’s Track Record and Aspirations
Although Keselowski has achieved numerous victories in NASCAR, the Daytona 500 remains the only Crown Jewel event he has yet to win. Having raced full-time in the Cup Series for more than 15 years, the native of Rochester Hills boasts 36 Cup Series wins. Additionally, Keselowski has 39 wins from his career in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he once claimed the championship.
Keselowski’s NASCAR License Status and Testing Requirements
Besides his injury, Keselowski also missed the Cook Out Clash because he did not have a valid NASCAR driver’s license at that time. He was required to pass a series of driving tests at Daytona on Monday, February 9, before being eligible to race again.
When asked if he would be ready to race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Keselowski was categorical that he would not participate due to this licensing issue.
“Short answer- NO. Long answer- I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license,”
Brad Keselowski stated on social media.
“Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else. Big week ahead.”
Broadcast Information and Fan Engagement
Fans eager to watch Keselowski’s return to action can catch the Daytona 500 coverage on FOX, which begins at 2:30 pm ET. Live radio updates will also be available through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, keeping followers informed throughout the race.
Importance of Keselowski’s Return to Daytona
Kyle Busch, Corey LaJoie, and other competitors will share the track with Keselowski, but his comeback carries extra weight given his injury and licensing hurdles. Missing the Daytona 500 would have jeopardized his playoff eligibility, making this clearance a crucial turning point in his 2026 season.
This event not only marks the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season but also carries historical prestige, and Keselowski’s desire to secure his first Daytona 500 victory adds profound significance to his participation. His comeback will be closely followed by fans and the racing community alike as he pursues this elusive triumph and continues to build his legacy.
