RFK Racing President Chip Bowers has confirmed that Brad Keselowski will make his return to racing at the Daytona 500 following his recent injury. The update comes after the team’s driver suffered a significant leg injury but remains on track in his recovery, with RFK Racing Brad Keselowski recovery being closely monitored as he prepares for the prestigious event.
Keselowski’s Injury and Road to Recovery
Brad Keselowski, a Cup Series champion and the #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver, sustained a broken leg in December 2025 during a family ski outing. The injury required surgery and the insertion of a titanium plate for stabilization, with doctors recommending an eight-week recovery period. As a result, Keselowski will miss this season‘s inaugural non-points event, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
According to Chip Bowers, all aspects of Keselowski’s rehabilitation have gone according to the medical plan. Addressing Keselowski’s determination and the advances in medical treatment, Bowers stated:
“Yeah, it’s one of the biggest bones in the body, but modern medicine is just unbelievable. You know, he’s doing everything the doctors told him would happen; everything the doctor told him would happen has happened, and he’s followed his plan to a T.” – Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President
Bowers further explained that after a recent X-ray showed a clean break, doctors became optimistic about Keselowski’s readiness for Daytona. The organization and Keselowski have kept focused on this recovery timeline throughout the process:
“And so once they got the X-ray back, and it showed the injury, and it was a clean break and all the things that they were hoping would be the case, they thought for certain at that point that without a setback he could be racing in Daytona, and so he’s been hyper-focused on that, as have we as an organization, and it’s been business as usual over here,” the RFK Racing president concluded. – Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President
Keselowski has utilized a racing simulator in his preparation for Daytona, aiming to be ready for the high-speed demands of the Crown Jewel event once medically cleared.
Team Adjustments Ahead of Daytona 500
Following Keselowski’s injury, RFK Racing named Corey LaJoie as his substitute for the Clash at Bowman Gray. LaJoie is scheduled to pilot the #6 car at the 50.6-mile event on February 1, 2026. Keselowski will be back behind the wheel for the Daytona 500, set for Sunday, February 15, joining the team on the grid at the season’s most anticipated event.
Personal Reflections After a Difficult Winter
Speaking to FOX Sports in January 2026, Keselowski reflected on his injury and the tragic crash that claimed the lives of Greg Biffle and his companions. This event deeply impacted Keselowski’s perspective, shifting his outlook on adversity and recovery.
“I was thinking I was having one [of] the worst days of my life; I was in agonizing pain and all kinds of problems going on. And then you see something like that, you just think to yourself, ‘My problems can be way worse.” – Brad Keselowski, Cup Series Champion
He also described how his injury has changed his everyday experience, allowing him more time at home, which he has found rewarding:
“I really want to run into my late 40s. There’s some actually kind of rewarding parts of it. I’m at my house all day, every day, so I get to see my kids a lot right now, and I’m enjoying that part of it,” he added. – Brad Keselowski, Cup Series Champion
Looking to End a Winless Streak
Brad Keselowski’s last NASCAR Cup Series victory came on May 12, 2024, at a 1.366-mile track. Since then, he has faced a winless spell, adding further motivation as he returns for the 2026 season. The Daytona 500 provides an opportunity for Keselowski to reassert himself and potentially break his win drought in front of a global audience.
Outlook for Keselowski and RFK Racing
The return of Keselowski to RFK Racing at Daytona is significant, not only for the team but for the broader NASCAR community. His recovery embodies determination and underscores advances in sports medicine. With veteran Corey LaJoie filling in at the Clash and the organization’s continued focus, RFK Racing remains poised to challenge for top results. The spotlight now turns to Keselowski as he aims for a successful comeback and a return to the winner’s circle in one of racing’s most iconic events.
📋 "It's business as usual over here."
President of @RFKracing Chip Bowers speaks to the injury of @keselowski and gives an update on his timeline to return for the #Daytona500
More ➡️ https://t.co/WGRTG5gnEd pic.twitter.com/puThlk1LL0
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 21, 2026
