Veteran NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski will sit out the 2026 preseason Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium following a serious leg injury, focusing instead on recovery and an anticipated return for the Daytona 500. This Brad Keselowski injury update comes after Keselowski decided, in coordination with his team, that he would not be race-ready in time to compete on February 1 due to his ongoing rehabilitation.
Keselowski Prioritizes Health Over an Early Return
Brad Keselowski suffered a broken right femur on December 18 when he fell after exiting his vehicle during a ski trip. Speaking to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Keselowski explained that the timeline for a full recovery did not allow him to properly test himself before the Clash.
“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.”
With Keselowski sidelined, Corey LaJoie is set to fill in as his replacement and will serve as the standby driver at the season’s start. Expressing gratitude for his support network and optimism for LaJoie’s opportunity, Keselowski shared,
“I’m really proud of the team of people I have doing the rehab, and the race team is working really hard. I’m happy for Corey to get this opportunity,”
adding,
“I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”
Steps Needed for Daytona 500 Comeback
Keselowski outlined the requirements for his return to racing, explaining that he must be completely off prescribed pain medications, able to walk comfortably and exit the car with ease, and demonstrate evidence of bone healing. His plan is to undergo a medical evaluation on February 5, aiming to clear himself for competition at the Daytona 500.
Updating on his progress, Keselowski noted,
“I’m not great, but I’m good,”
as he continues dedicated rehab efforts with the goal of being ready for Daytona’s major season opener. He acknowledged the significance of his injury, mentioning,
“I’m recovering really well. I had a major injury. I’m on a significant rehab plan to be back for the Daytona 500. … I’m now made of titanium in my leg.”
Looking Ahead After a Difficult Season
The 2025 NASCAR season was a challenging one for Keselowski and his team, as he ended the year without a victory and a 20th place finish in the final standings. His most recent NASCAR triumph occurred in May 2024 at Darlington, where he captured the Goodyear 400. Coming into 2026, Keselowski — now 41 — remains determined to make a strong return and improve upon last season’s results.
Keselowski’s decision to take a measured approach with his recovery underscores the importance of long-term health over short-term competition. His supporters and the NASCAR community will watch closely as he pursues clearance for Daytona and aims to recapture his form in the coming season, while Corey LaJoie steps into the spotlight as his stand-in for the opening race at Bowman Gray Stadium.
