Brad Keselowski, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, will not compete in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1 following a broken leg suffered in mid-December. This Brad Keselowski leg injury update follows Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass initial report on the driver’s withdrawal and plans for recovery after the incident.
Corey LaJoie Steps In as Substitute Driver
Corey LaJoie has been selected to fill Keselowski’s seat for the exhibition race, which opens the upcoming event calendar. Keselowski hopes to heal in time for the Daytona International Speedway‘s official Cup Series season opener on February 15, but has opted to put his recovery first rather than take an early risk.
Keselowski addressed his intentions in a prepared remark on December 19:
will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona.
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
The decision not to compete at Bowman Gray stemmed from caution. Keselowski told Pockrass he was mindful of the risks in returning prematurely and didn’t want to jeopardize his rehabilitation by entering the February 1 event:
That seemed super foolish and didn’t give us any time to do any testing on myself or anything like that,
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Details on Recovery Timeline and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Keselowski is aiming to participate in a test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 5, which will determine if he is fit for competition by Daytona. Even when he is cleared to return, Corey LaJoie will remain available as a backup in case Keselowski needs additional time to recover fully.
Keselowski publicly embraced LaJoie’s temporary promotion, stating,
I’m happy for Corey to get this opportunity,
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
LaJoie is an experienced driver with 276 Cup Series starts, including recent races for Rick Ware Racing in 2025. The Cook Out Clash will offer LaJoie fresh equipment and competitive potential, while Keselowski focuses on regaining his health for the remainder of the season.
Significance for Team and Season Ahead
Kezelowski’s absence marks an impactful moment leading up to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opener. While a test at Charlotte could pave the way for his Daytona return, the team balances optimism with caution by keeping LaJoie prepared as a substitute. The outcome of the next month will shape Keselowski’s role early in the 2026 season and influence how the RFK Racing team manages its roster as the series advances.
EXCLUSIVE: Brad Keselowski Will Miss Clash Amid Recovery From Broken Femur … Corey LaJoie will fill in for Keselowski at the Clash. What Keselowski said about his broken leg, how it happened and his recovery: @NASCARONFOX https://t.co/hzBiGovNN2
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 8, 2026
