Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, is still in the process of recovery following a broken right femur, forcing him to withdraw from the preseason Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1. This Brad Keselowski injury recovery update places attention on his efforts to be ready for the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, as both his team and doctors carefully monitor his condition and prioritize his long-term health.
Accident Details from the Off-Season
On December 18, 2025, during a family trip to Boone, North Carolina, Keselowski suffered his injury after slipping on ice while parking his vehicle following his daughter’s ski lesson drop-off. The fall resulted in a clean break to his right femur, though the skin remained unbroken. Immediate emergency surgery was conducted at a local hospital to stabilize the injury, launching what has become a demanding and ongoing rehabilitation process.
Keseolwski’s injury was compounded by nerve damage, leaving him without feeling from his knee to hip for a period. This loss of sensation began to improve over time, and gradual movement has since returned to his leg. The initial shock of the injury and recovery timeline led Keselowski and his RFK Racing team to adopt a conservative approach, prioritizing thorough rehab over any rush to return to competition. As Keselowski explained,
“I didn’t want to rush back, Keselowski told Pockrass. The team and I made the decision together that if all the rehab went absolutely perfect, we’d be ready like, literally, the day of the Clash. And that seemed super foolish and didn’t give us any time to do any testing on myself or anything like that.” – Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-Owner
Daily Rehabilitation and Medical Plans
Since the incident, Keselowski has devoted six to eight hours each day to intensive rehabilitation. His daily routine includes a mix of strength-building exercises, ice therapy, and the use of specialized treatment machines that provide pressure, cold, or electrical stimulation. Atrium Health physicians are overseeing his recovery, which for an injury of this type typically requires between eight and twelve weeks of focused therapy.
Keselowski has publicly acknowledged that the pain from his femur fracture has surpassed any discomfort experienced from past injuries, including those to his wrists, ribs, ankles, and fingers. Despite the challenges, he continues his physical therapy in hopes of ultimately passing NASCAR’s medical clearance before the Daytona 500. Pain management, regaining full mobility, and meeting standard fitness benchmarks remain top priorities in Brad’s program.
The next pivotal moment arrives on February 5, when Keselowski will undergo a closed medical assessment at Charlotte Motor Speedway. During this session, NASCAR officials and his medical team will evaluate bone regeneration, overall mobility, and pain levels. To gain approval for competition, he will need to meet specific criteria: he must demonstrate sufficient mobility to walk unaided, show he does not require prescription painkillers, and prove he can enter and exit the race car under his own power.
Substitute Driver Named and Effects on Season Plans
As Keselowski recuperates, RFK Racing has named their reserve driver, Corey LaJoie, as the substitute for the Busch Light Clash in the No. 6 Ford Mustang. LaJoie will also serve as backup for the opening weeks of the new NASCAR Cup Series season, ensuring the team maintains its competitive edge in Keselowski’s temporary absence. Keselowski, supportive of the decision, has commended the team’s preparedness and depth throughout the process.
His determination to return has never wavered, a point he emphasized when discussing his progress:
“I’m recovering really well. I had a major injury. I’m on a significant rehab plan to be back for the Daytona 500, he said.” – Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-Owner
During his time away from the track, Keselowski has found unexpected value in being able to spend more moments at home with his family. This period has renewed his appreciation for both his personal and professional commitments. As a 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and a key figure for RFK Racing since 2022, he is dedicated to completing rehab, passing the upcoming medical assessment, and returning to contention when the season’s marquee event, the Daytona 500, arrives.
The final recovery phase for Brad Keselowski will not only determine his participation in one of NASCAR’s biggest races, but may also set the tone for RFK Racing’s early 2026 campaign. All eyes are now on the Charlotte medical test, with Keselowski, his doctors, and his team united in their goal to ensure his full and safe return to competitive racing.
