Brad Keselowski, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion and current RFK Racing co-owner, has received medical clearance to compete in the opening race of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway. This Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 return was confirmed after he successfully passed a critical evaluation following a significant leg injury.
Medical Recovery and Path Back to Racing
During a family ski trip in December 2025, Keselowski suffered a broken leg while exiting a vehicle. The injury required immediate hospitalization, and surgeons fitted a titanium rod in his leg to stabilize the fracture. His recovery forced Keselowski to miss the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 4, 2026, a notable absence in the early part of the NASCAR season.
Corey LaJoie, a part-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, was tapped to step in for Keselowski during the 200-lap event. However, LaJoie’s effort to move into the main field for the Cup competition ended in disappointment when he was disqualified during the Last Chance Qualifier. As Keselowski continued his rehabilitation, he underwent a medical assessment and participated in an on-track test at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9, both necessary steps before being cleared by NASCAR officials.
With both medical and fitness benchmarks met, NASCAR granted Brad Keselowski the official go-ahead to participate in the Daytona 500. The moment marked a major milestone in his recovery, as reflected in his gratitude and enthusiasm:
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You put in the work, you trust the process, but until you hear that final ‘yes,’ nothing is guaranteed. Knowing what Daytona means, and how hard it would have been to miss it, made this moment even bigger. I’m grateful to the medical team and to NASCAR for being thorough, and I’m excited to get back in the car.”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner/Driver
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts. 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,”
he added. – Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner/Driver
RFK Racing’s Lineup and Daytona Preparations
For the 2026 Daytona 500, Keselowski will drive the familiar #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the 200-lap race scheduled for February 15. The wider RFK Racing team is preparing an expanded lineup; Corey LaJoie will take the wheel of the #99 Ford, Ryan Preece has been added to drive the #60 Mustang, and Chris Buescher will pilot the #17 entry. The team’s approach underscores its ambition at Daytona as it seeks to maximize its chances at the season’s first marquee event.
Strategic Move: The Addition of a Fourth Car
In a January 2026 announcement, RFK Racing revealed plans to field a fourth car at Daytona, with part-time driver Corey LaJoie returning for another start under the RFK banner. LaJoie, who previously substituted for Keselowski during his injury absence, will compete in the 500-mile event with sponsorship from Trimble, driving the #99 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Keselowski addressed the competitive implications and the potential advantage of expanding the team’s participation at one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable tracks:
“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.”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner/Driver
Corey LaJoie’s Daytona Legacy and Team Prospects
Corey LaJoie first raced in the Daytona 500 in 2017 and returns to the iconic event in 2026 now with RFK Racing. His personal best finish at Daytona came in 2024, driving for Spire Motorsports and claiming fourth place with the #7 Chevy Camaro ZL1. His growing experience at the event and familiarity with superspeedway tactics make him a meaningful asset to RFK Racing’s expanded strategy.
Beyond individual aspirations, the coordinated effort between Keselowski, LaJoie, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, and their shared crew reflects a renewed drive within RFK Racing. As the 2026 Daytona 500 approaches, the team’s multi-car presence, combined with a medically cleared and determined Brad Keselowski, positions them as a serious contender in one of NASCAR’s most demanding and celebrated races.
Brad Keselowski has been cleared to race this season, beginning with Daytona, following rehab from his terrible freak leg injury that occurred during the offseason when he fell and broke his femur.
Quotes from Brad, via RFK Racing:
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You…
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 9, 2026
