Brad Keselowski, the veteran RFK Racing driver, remains committed to his rehab efforts following a leg fracture, confirming he will skip the upcoming media day and The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as part of his recovery strategy. According to the latest Brad Keselowski injury recovery update, Keselowski’s eye is on a strong return for the Daytona 500, with careful steps being taken to avoid unnecessary risk ahead of NASCAR’s marquee event.
Keselowski suffered a leg injury during a family ski trip, which required surgical intervention to speed up healing. His recovery schedule is set to finish on the very day of The Clash, the exhibition race that opens NASCAR’s season, causing him to sit out both the event and the corresponding media day. In his absence, Corey LaJoie has been chosen as the replacement driver for The Clash, while also preparing to field a fourth car in the Daytona 500. RFK Racing has indicated confidence in Keselowski’s timely return for the critical season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
RFK Racing Expresses Optimism About Rehab Progress
RFK Racing President Chris Bowers recently highlighted Keselowski’s rigorous approach to rehabilitation during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Praising his driver’s attitude, Bowers stated:
“He is so enthusiastic and energetic, his rehab is going really well. He’s really bullish on his ability to be in the car for Daytona. Everything’s going as planned, he’s already in the simulator, so a lot of good stuff is happening.”
– Chris Bowers, RFK Racing President
Keselowski himself echoed this optimism when he shared the interview, elaborating on the sacrifices he’s making in order to return at full strength:
“Making steps= Taking steps Putting in the effort for rehab all day/everyday means missing media day this year. Happy to say, my leg is starting to work and I’m looking really good for @DAYTONA 🤞🏻”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver
Despite a winless campaign last year, Keselowski remained close to victory on several occasions, securing three runner-up finishes at notable tracks including Echopark Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Phoenix season finale.
Strategic Decisions Behind Corey LaJoie’s Daytona 500 Role
In discussing the team’s Daytona 500 plans, Keselowski revealed the rationale for placing Corey LaJoie in a fourth Ford entry. He explained that such a move can significantly benefit Ford Racing’s strategy at superspeedways, where teamwork and drafting are critical to success. In his words:
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500. It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation, and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most,”
he said. – Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver
Last season, Keselowski’s result in the Daytona 500 was a modest 26th place after starting 34th. By contrast, LaJoie, racing under Rick Ware Racing, began in the 12th position, led 20 laps, and looked poised for a high finish until a late-race crash dashed his chances, ultimately placing higher than Keselowski.
LaJoie’s appointment triggered a mix of reactions within the NASCAR community. While some supported the strategic nature of his inclusion, others argued that a younger driver should be given the opportunity in the historically significant No.99 car—a number famously associated with Roush Racing icons Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton.
High Stakes Moving Into the Daytona 500
As the Daytona 500 draws near, the stakes remain high for Keselowski, RFK Racing, and their partners at Ford. The team’s adjustments—balancing injury recovery, driver substitutions, and strategic fielding of additional cars—reflect the intensity and underlying tension that often surrounds NASCAR’s most prestigious race. The outcome of Keselowski’s recovery will affect not just his personal campaign, but also Ford Racing’s competitive posture at the season’s first superspeedway test.
Making steps= Taking steps
Putting in the effort for rehab all day/everyday means missing media day this year. Happy to say, my leg is starting to work and I’m looking really good for @DAYTONA
🤞🏻 https://t.co/NOJGekgt5I— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) January 21, 2026
