Brad Keselowski will compete in the upcoming Daytona 500 after passing a crucial medical evaluation on February 9, assuring fans and his team of his participation in the iconic race. The Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 return comes after a challenging recovery period following a broken femur sustained in a ski accident, putting his season opener in question until this week.
Kenselowski’s Comeback Confirmed After Intensive Rehabilitation
The official word of Keselowski’s clearance was shared on his social media platforms, accompanied by a video produced with RFK Racing. Brad Keselowski, who drives the #6 car and is also a co-owner at RFK Racing, recounted that he had suffered a broken leg only eight weeks prior, leading to concerns about his racing future. Determined to avoid missing out on the 2026 season and especially his longstanding goal to win the Daytona 500, Keselowski underwent a difficult and comprehensive rehabilitation process to regain fitness for competition.
In the video, Keselowski gave insight into the physical and mental strain of recovery, sharing:
“Rehab isn’t glamorous. It’s long days, lots of pain, and relearning movements you never thought you didn’t know,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and Team Co-Owner
Focus Fully on Competing at Daytona 500
Now entering his 17th attempt to secure a win at the Daytona 500, often dubbed The Great American Race, Keselowski’s best previous finish was third place in 2014. The drive to finally achieve victory at this event remained his motivation through recovery, which culminated in him being medically cleared just before the race.
As he announced his return, Keselowski stated:
“The Daytona 500 matters, this season matters, my team matters, and I wasn’t going to watch it from the sidelines. Today, I was cleared to race. I’m back. See you in Daytona,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and Team Co-Owner
Moments after breaking the news, Keselowski took to X to express gratitude for his support system throughout the recovery. He wrote:
“So much work to get here! Special thanks to my family, the 6 crew, all the medical professionals and my fans for all your help and support ❤️😊👍🏻 On to Daytona,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and Team Co-Owner
Background: December Ski Accident Threatened Season Start
Keselowski’s preparations for the 2026 NASCAR season were seriously derailed after a ski accident on December 19 left him with a broken femur. RFK Racing confirmed his injury and reported a successful surgery, but uncertainty surrounded his potential return to racing at Daytona. The 2012 Cup Series champion, who boasts 36 career Cup Series wins, stated his intention to focus all his energy on healing and returning for the start of the season:
“I’m grateful for the medical team who took great care of me and for the support system around me. My attention now is fully on recovery. I’m motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona,”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and Team Co-Owner
In Keselowski’s temporary absence, Corey LaJoie substituted for him in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, finishing third in the Last Chance Qualifier—just missing a spot in the main event. As Keselowski resumes racing, he enters his 17th full-time season in the Cup Series and fifth with RFK Racing as both driver and co-owner. Since taking up his dual role, he notched a notable victory at Darlington in May 2024.
The Road Ahead for Keselowski and RFK Racing
Keselowski’s ability to overcome a significant injury and return to the high demands of NASCAR racing highlights his dedication to the sport, his team, and his personal ambitions. All eyes will be on the Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 return as fans, competitors, and the wider NASCAR world watch to see if the determined veteran can finally secure a win at Daytona and set the pace for the rest of his season. The support of his family, the RFK Racing crew, and medical professionals has been crucial, making this return a collective triumph for all involved.
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
So much work to get here!
Special thanks to my family, the 6 crew, all the medical professionals and my fans for all your help and support ❤️😊👍🏻
On to Daytona https://t.co/9s1VW2SjFd
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) February 9, 2026
RFK Racing Statement on Brad Keselowski Injury: pic.twitter.com/veACGdLpf5
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 19, 2025
