With the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opening soon at the Cook Out Clash in Bowman Gray Stadium, Brad Keselowski’s injury recovery has become a pressing concern for RFK Racing and fans alike. After breaking his leg during a family ski trip in December, the former series champion is pushing hard to be ready for the Daytona 500 on February 15.
The incident forced Keselowski, who is both a driver and co-owner of the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, to undergo surgery followed by a rigorous rehabilitation plan. His absence at the Clash has already been confirmed, leaving Corey LaJoie to step in for the exhibition race.
“Brad’s full-time job right now?To be ready for DAYTONA. 🙏🏻Welcome to the No. 6, @CoreyLaJoie. pic.twitter.com/J4ogHxpeUn”— RFK Racing (@RFKracing)
Keselowski, undaunted by this setback, made clear his determination.
“I’m happy for Corey to get this opportunity,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver & Co-owner
“I’m laser focused on being ready for Daytona.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver & Co-owner
The History and Challenge of Returning from Injury in NASCAR
NASCAR has seen its fair share of athletes return from severe injuries, with each story offering a different outcome. As the 2012 Cup champion, Keselowski now joins the ranks of drivers like Tony Stewart, who broke his leg in a dirt racing incident in 2013 and never regained his prior form, winning only once more before retiring at the end of 2016.
Another example is Chase Elliott, who suffered a leg injury from a snowboarding accident in 2023. Although Elliott missed six races and failed to clinch a win that season, he maintained strong performances, averaging a 13.1 finish. The following years, he bounced back, capturing three wins and reaching the Round of 8 in both 2024 and 2025.
Perhaps the most dramatic comeback belongs to Kyle Busch. Despite missing eleven races due to injuries sustained at the Daytona season opener in 2015, Busch surged to win five races, qualify for the playoffs, and ultimately claim the Cup championship that year.
Keselowski’s Track Record of Resilience and Current Hurdles
Keselowski is no stranger to adversity. During a 2011 testing session at Road Atlanta, he broke his ankle in a crash. Remarkably, just days later, he not only competed but triumphed at Pocono Raceway, holding off Kyle Busch for the victory. A few weeks later, Keselowski secured another win at the Bristol night race, earned a spot in The Chase, and finished fifth in the standings, paving the way for his championship season in 2012.
However, the current situation differs in key ways. Keselowski is set to turn 42 on February 12, meaning recovery could be slower compared to his earlier years—such as when he was only 27 in 2011. Additionally, recent years have not matched his earlier peak; since joining RFK and competing in the Next Gen car, his sole victory has been the spring race at Darlington in 2024. He has managed a top ten points finish just once with RFK, coming in eighth in 2023.
Plans for Recovery and Medical Evaluation Before Daytona
Barring complications in his rehabilitation, Keselowski is scheduled for a medical evaluation and test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 5, according to FOX Sports. The Daytona 500 remains his main target, and he is working aggressively toward that goal, as he told FOX Sports.
“I’m not great, but I’m good,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver & Co-owner
“I’m recovering really well. I had a major injury. I’m on a significant rehab plan to be back for the Daytona 500.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver & Co-owner
What Keselowski’s Recovery Means for the 2026 Season
Brad Keselowski’s determination, racing pedigree, and past resilience are factors that could influence his comeback, but his advancing age and current competitive landscape remain significant obstacles. The eyes of the NASCAR community will be on his progress leading up to Daytona, and his performance this season will serve as a test case for veteran drivers recovering from major injuries. Whether he can return to his top form, repeat past heroic recoveries, or chart a new path in the twilight of his career, Keselowski’s return is set to be one of the defining storylines of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series.
Brad’s full-time job right now?
To be ready for DAYTONA. 🙏🏻
Welcome to the No. 6, @CoreyLaJoie. pic.twitter.com/J4ogHxpeUn
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) January 8, 2026
