Brad Keselowski has received full medical and licensing clearance from NASCAR to participate in the 2026 Daytona 500, ending weeks of concern over his eligibility after an off-season injury. This decision, announced days ahead of the race in Daytona, Florida, ensures that the RFK Racing driver will remain in contention despite previous setbacks that nearly sidelined his season debut.
Keselowski’s Battle with Injury and Licensing Setbacks
The months leading up to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season were turbulent for Brad Keselowski, who suffered a broken femur during an accident on December 18. This significant injury cast immediate doubt on his ability to start the new season, prompting speculation that the veteran might miss the opening rounds.
Complicating matters further, Keselowski was initially unable to renew his NASCAR license, reportedly due to his injury and resulting time away from pre-season activities. Due to these unresolved issues, he was forced to sit out the exhibition Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where Corey LaJoie substituted for him behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing. Public uncertainty swelled until NASCAR officials formally cleared Keselowski for the Daytona 500 following evaluations by the sanctioning body’s medical team.
Reflecting on this turning point, Keselowski shared,
“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 Driver and Owner
The announcement also reignited hope for Keselowski’s ongoing pursuit of his first Daytona 500 victory—a major milestone that has thus far eluded him, despite his ability to consistently lead laps in previous editions of the event.
The Driver’s Recovery and Determined Return
Keselowski’s journey back to racing form required dedicated physical rehabilitation, marked by persistence and discipline. His recovery centered on regaining strength and mobility following his leg injury, as he adhered closely to a training regimen designed alongside medical professionals. Providing insight into his mindset during this arduous period, Keselowski said,
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts,” — Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver and Owner
“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, RFK Racing Driver and Owner
Having now completed NASCAR’s rigorous fitness and licensing requirements, Keselowski will be back at the center of RFK Racing’s 2026 campaign, again serving in his dual role as team owner and lead driver.
RFK Racing Sees Fresh Momentum with Fastenal Partnership Revamp
Keselowski’s return is not the only significant development for RFK Racing as the new season approaches. The organization’s longstanding collaboration with Fastenal, their major sponsor, is taking a bold new turn. Building on a relationship that has seen numerous livery iterations, RFK Racing will introduce a black and orange paint scheme for their cars—a visual statement designed to enhance awareness of Fastenal’s safety products.
Explaining the strategic thinking driving the new look, Fastenal marketing strategist Pete Watkins stated,
“This change is more than just a new look; it’s a strategic move to align our marketing efforts with our commitment to providing top-quality safety products to our customers. The orange and black scheme is bold and memorable, much like our Body Guard products themselves,” — Pete Watkins, Marketing Strategist at Fastenal
The Body Guard branding—previously featured during the Talladega race in 2025—will now have a permanent presence throughout the car, on team uniforms, and on the race hauler, with Fastenal’s endorsement continuing in a prominent auxiliary role. The overhaul signals RFK Racing’s focus on both innovation and competitive resurgence, as the organization strives to return to the Daytona 500 victory lane for the first time since 2012, when Matt Kenseth celebrated their last triumph in the storied event.
Keselowski’s Quest to Make Daytona History
Brad Keselowski’s Daytona 500 record has involved several near-wins, characterized by race-leading performances that have yet to yield a victory in NASCAR’s marquee event. While he has won championships and cemented his legacy elsewhere, this particular achievement remains a significant goal.
The partnership between Keselowski and RFK Racing—anchored by loyal sponsors such as Fastenal and supported by the team’s drive for improvement—positions them as a group capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2026. The recent adversity and determined comeback provide renewed motivation for both leader and team as they target the top step at Daytona’s famed victory lane.
What Lies Ahead for Keselowski and RFK Racing
With official clearance in hand and offseason obstacles behind them, Brad Keselowski and the RFK Racing team are set for a decisive return to NASCAR’s biggest stage. The revitalized partnership with Fastenal, the anticipation of unveiling their fresh team aesthetic, and a contender’s fire after a challenging recovery all combine to create high expectations for the upcoming season.
As fans and analysts alike turn their attention to Daytona, Keselowski’s journey from injury to full preparation is poised to be a key storyline of the 2026 Cup Series opener, with the possibility of a long-awaited first Daytona 500 trophy now fully within reach.
NEWS: His bid for a Harley J. Earl Trophy is officially on!@keselowski has been cleared by NASCAR to race in the #DAYTONA500. pic.twitter.com/3DqWgtOdhd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 9, 2026
