Brad Keselowski is not participating in The Clash at Bowman Gray, which was postponed to Wednesday following a severe winter storm in Winston-Salem. The driver is still recovering from a broken leg suffered in December, directly impacting his plans for a Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 return.
Keselowski fractured his right femur while exiting a vehicle during a ski trip on December 18. As a result, there are significant health milestones he must meet before returning to NASCAR competition. Fans expressed hope he could make the Bowman Gray race after the delay, but Keselowski addressed the situation himself, providing a direct update on his recovery and licensing.
“I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license,”
Keselowski wrote.
“Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else. Big week ahead.”
His absence from the preseason event was expected, as Keselowski had not aimed to use that date for his racing comeback. Daytona remains his clear target, underscoring the significance of the road to recovery in his plans for the coming season.
Medical Clearances and Testing Await Before Daytona
Several crucial hurdles remain before Brad Keselowski can return to full-time racing. First, he must no longer require prescription pain medication. Second, he needs to demonstrate the ability to walk at a reasonable level, including getting out of a race car unaided. Lastly, visible bone healing must be evident from medical evaluations.
Ahead of the Daytona 500, Keselowski plans to undergo a medical assessment scheduled for February 5. His goal is to receive clearance and be race-ready for one of NASCAR’s most prominent events later in February.
“I’m not great, but I’m good,”
Keselowski said.
“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.”
Keselowski emphasized that the coming days are decisive, with necessary performance and health assessments determining whether he will be on the starting grid at Daytona. The focus remains on his rehabilitation process, particularly rebuilding strength and ensuring safety standards are met for high-speed competition.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season After Setbacks
The injury comes after a challenging 2025 season for Keselowski, where he failed to secure a victory and finished 20th in the final standings. His last win was at the Goodyear 400 in Darlington in May 2024, and he is eager to rebound in the upcoming season.
Brad Keselowski’s Daytona 500 return is framed by questions about his health, determination, and readiness for elite motorsport demands. The outcome of the upcoming medical and road tests will dictate whether he resumes his racing career at Daytona and how his competitive prospects evolve throughout the 2026 NASCAR schedule.
Short answer- NO
Long answer- I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license. Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else.
Big week ahead https://t.co/T4Us4hVjV7
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) February 2, 2026
