Brad Keselowski provided a crucial NASCAR license update after severe winter weather once again delayed the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, now rescheduled for Wednesday. Despite the extra days, Keselowski, the 2012 Cup champion, confirmed he won’t be able to compete as he doesn’t currently hold a valid NASCAR competition license, needing to pass upcoming medical exams to return to the No. 6 Ford—an update that impacts both his team and his fans hoping for a comeback.
Keselowski sustained a fractured right femur during a December ski trip, requiring immediate surgery in Boone, North Carolina. That injury sidelined him from winter testing with RFK Racing and prompted Corey LaJoie to be named as the substitute for the exhibition race. This turn of events means the RFK Racing co-owner and veteran driver will miss the first NASCAR Cup Series race of 2026, although he is working towards a potential Daytona 500 return in mid-February.
Why Keselowski Remains on the Sidelines After Schedule Shifts
When NASCAR postponed all on-track activity at the Winston-Salem quarter-mile stadium due to hazardous travel and heavy snow, officials first moved practice and qualifying to Sunday before rescheduling the Cook Out Clash to Monday, and then again to Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET after another bout of wintry conditions. Despite these changes, Keselowski explained his situation and why he remains sidelined:
“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,”
Brad Keselowski wrote on X.
While the February exhibition is set to be the first points-free race at Bowman Gray Stadium in NASCAR history, the spotlight now shifts to who will drive the No. 6 Ford amid uncertainty for fans and RFK Racing.
Keselowski himself commented on the odd timing of the storms affecting the current event, sharing with his followers:
“Imagining if the Daytona 500 was this weekend 🤩🤩”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Highlights from Keselowski’s Recent Racing Season and What’s Next
Last year, Keselowski finished 21st in the 23-car field during the non-points exhibition Clash after running within the top five early on. During his 16th full NASCAR Cup Series season, he was unable to secure a win, though he collected three second-place results and landed 13 top-ten finishes. Despite missing the checkered flag, he guided the RFK Racing No. 6 Ford to 20th in the final standings. As the team and fans look ahead, the focus remains on breaking his current winless streak as soon as he is medically cleared and regains his NASCAR license.
For Keselowski to make his anticipated return at the Daytona 500 on February 15, he needs to pass comprehensive medical checks, including demonstrating he no longer requires prescription pain medication and can safely exit the car unassisted. NASCAR’s doctors are expected to evaluate him on February 5, a pivotal date that will determine whether he can rejoin competition or must continue his recovery.
Significance of the License Delay and What Comes Next for RFK Racing
The ongoing weather chaos and Keselowski’s absence from the Cook Out Clash highlight the unpredictable nature of motorsports, underlining how quickly circumstances can shift for even the most experienced competitors. For RFK Racing, the reliance on Corey LaJoie as a stand-in presents both a challenge and an opportunity, with the Daytona 500 looming as a critical deadline.
Fans, officials, and the wider NASCAR community are watching with anticipation, as Brad Keselowski’s future hinges on passing his scheduled medical tests later this week. If cleared, his return could boost both team morale and competition at America’s biggest stock car event. If not, RFK Racing will continue to adapt, aiming to remain competitive while supporting Keselowski’s recovery and ultimate comeback.
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
Imagining if the Daytona 500 was this weekend 🤩🤩
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) January 31, 2026
