Brad Keselowski has officially been cleared to make his highly anticipated Daytona 500 return after passing a crucial medical assessment at Charlotte Motor Speedway, bringing renewed hope to his quest for victory. This news comes nearly eight weeks after the RFK Racing driver-owner suffered a femur fracture during a family ski trip, intensifying the significance of his comeback for the Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 return.
Kenselowski’s Road Back to Racing After Injury
Keselowski, who manages dual responsibilities as both a driver and owner for RFK Racing, was sidelined after breaking his femur in an offseason accident. Intensive rehabilitation followed, involving surgical intervention and months of physical therapy. Throughout this period, he worked closely with his therapists and medical team, determined to regain both his strength and mobility in order to meet NASCAR Cup Series requirements.
The path to recovery included a rigorous evaluation process, culminating in an important X-ray review organized by RFK Racing, which confirmed remarkable healing. Keselowski underwent a late January evaluation, which, combined with physical readiness tests on the track, secured his approval to return to competition.
For Keselowski, a crucial milestone came behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he demonstrated his ability to handle the demands of high-speed racing and safely exit the vehicle—an essential skill for tracks known for incidents.
Determination and Mindset Fuel Recovery
In preparation for his comeback, Keselowski maintained steadfast discipline through his rehabilitation, driven by an unwavering focus on his Daytona aspirations.
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts,”
Keselowski said in a press release.
“I had a poster in my workout area that said, ‘Daytona. Earned not given,’ and that became my mindset every day. The focus was on getting stronger, improving mobility, and making sure I was truly ready to race.”
Support from RFK Racing was clear, rallying behind “Bad Brad” as he made his determined push to return to the NASCAR Cup Series.
“Hard work pays off. There’s no one else we’d rather have in the seat.💪
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗶. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝟱𝟬𝟬. 🦅 🦅
𝘽𝘼𝘿 𝘽𝙍𝘼𝘿 𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zPZ7yA7kUp
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) February 9, 2026
Chasing a Legendary NASCAR Milestone
With his return, Keselowski is poised to attempt a feat that has eluded him throughout an already illustrious career. Having already claimed victories at the Brickyard 400, Southern 500, and Coca-Cola 600, the Daytona 500 remains the one “crown jewel” missing from his collection. Notably, Keselowski has notched a win at Daytona during the summer, but the historic February race continues to motivate him.
“The Daytona 500 is the most coveted race we have. The history, the names on that trophy, it speaks for itself,”
Keselowski said.
“I’ve won at Daytona, but I haven’t won the 500, and that’s always been one I want. After everything it took to get back to this point, having another chance at it means everything.”
His journey back to the No. 6 Ford Mustang represents perseverance, discipline, and the unwavering ambition he shares with his team and fans. The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race will not only test his recovery but offers Keselowski an opportunity to etch his name alongside legendary winners at Daytona.
Hard work pays off. There's no one else we'd rather have in the seat.💪
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗶. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝟱𝟬𝟬. 🦅 🦅
𝘽𝘼𝘿 𝘽𝙍𝘼𝘿 𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zPZ7yA7kUp
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) February 9, 2026
