Brad Keselowski‘s Daytona 500 return is officially set after Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing announced that he received medical clearance following a fractured femur suffered in December. His comeback was confirmed after a comprehensive medical evaluation and a successful test drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9, paving the way for his participation in all Daytona 500 events starting February 12.
The Rigorous Road to Race-Readiness
Keselowski, who last raced in December, underwent an intense recovery regimen alongside his medical team and physical therapists, determined not to miss the opportunity to compete in NASCAR’s most renowned event. The 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion channeled relentless discipline and daily training to regain the necessary strength and flexibility in time for the opening race activities.
“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,”
said Keselowski.
“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, Driver
Keselowski’s rehab journey was a testament to steadfast effort, with motivation drawn from a handwritten motto posted in his workout space. Each phase, from early therapy to the pivotal evaluation, was treated with the same focus that has characterized his racing career.
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts,”
Keselowski said.
“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.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver
Medical Green Light and On-Track Assessment
Keselowski’s medical clearance followed an X-ray on January 30, which showed significant healing of his femur. Doctors, assessing the severity and progress, agreed to move him to the next phase after noting his recovery exceeded expectations. That led to the on-track session at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Keselowski convincingly demonstrated his capability to handle the No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang at competitive speeds.
“Brad approached his recovery the same way he approaches racing; with focus, commitment, and attention to detail,”
said Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President.
“His drive and determination to be healthy and ready to compete in the Daytona 500, just eight weeks after his injury is inspiring to everyone at RFK Racing.”
— Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President
Chasing the Only Missing Jewel
For Keselowski, this Daytona 500 return marks a shot at securing the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy—the only major title yet to appear on his resume. Despite past superspeedway successes, including seven wins at Talladega and Daytona, Keselowski has not claimed victory in the iconic 500-mile race. Now, after months of dedicated preparation, he’s determined to seize the opportunity.
“The Daytona 500 is the most coveted race we have. The history, the names on that trophy, it speaks for itself,”
Keselowski reflected.
“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.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver
RFK Racing Fields Four-Car Lineup at Daytona
Brad Keselowski will lead the RFK Racing roster at Daytona, joining Chris Buescher (No. 17 Fastenal/Body Guard Ford), Ryan Preece (No. 60 Kroger/Viva Towels Ford), and Corey Lajoie (No. 99 Trimble Ford). The team’s collective focus centers on a strong start to the NASCAR Cup Series season, with the anticipation amplified by Keselowski’s triumphant return to the grid.
“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
Looking Ahead to the Great American Race
With medical clearance in hand and the support of RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski heads to Daytona reinvigorated, hoping to convert tenacity and hard work into the elusive Daytona 500 win that has so far evaded his celebrated career. All eyes will be on the Rochester Hills, Michigan native as he attempts to add his name to the list of champions—fueling anticipation and excitement for NASCAR’s 2026 season opener.
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
