Questions have been raised about Brad Keselowski’s 2026 Cup chances after he missed the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium due to a leg injury. As the RFK Racing co-owner targets a full recovery in time for the Daytona 500 and looks to compete for victories this season, skepticism grows about his ability to return to Victory Lane.
Keeeping Pace with Teammates Presents Early Obstacles
Brad Keselowski, who last celebrated a win at Darlington in 2024, is working to recover from an off-season injury that sidelined him for the season’s early showcase. His focus is on joining the grid for the 68th Daytona 500 on February 15, a race where expectations for his performance remain muted among many observers. The spotlight also falls on the strength of his RFK Racing teammates, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, both of whom appear to be in superior form as the new season begins. Preece, fresh from a victory at the Clash, brings momentum into the year, while Buescher is drawing attention for his consistency and driving skill.
Letarte Casts Doubt on Keselowski’s Prospects
NASCAR analyst and veteran crew chief Steve Letarte evaluated Keselowski’s outlook on “Inside The Race,” highlighting the challenges within RFK Racing itself. Comparing the co-owner’s performance potential directly to his teammate, Letarte observed that Keselowski may not have the same edge and drive seen in Buescher, who races with the same resources.
“I think Chris Buescher, in his age, has a little bit more firepower behind the wheel than Brad Keselowski does. Very talented and very calculated. I am not saying he cannot win a race. But if I had to list 15 drivers who are going to win, I don’t think I have Brad on that list,”
Steve Letarte, NASCAR Crew Chief and Analyst.
Letarte indicated that the initial hurdle for Keselowski is not just rival teams but also battling to outpace his own drivers—Buescher and Preece—who are arguably positioned for stronger results heading into the campaign.
Kyle Petty Sees Uphill Challenge in 2026 Season
Former driver Kyle Petty contributed his thoughts to the ongoing debate about Keselowski’s ability to clinch a victory in 2026. Petty predicted that powerhouse teams such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske would likely claim victories in the majority of races, leaving only a handful open for drivers from organizations like RFK Racing.
“I think it is going to be tough for that team. Even coming off a win at Bowman Gray. It is momentum. I will give them that. It is something to hang your hat on. I will give them that. But to carry that into the rest of the year against these other guys, I just think it is going to be tough for Brad to find his way back to Victory Lane,”
Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst.
Petty’s assessment underscores how competitive the Cup Series has become, with a limited number of opportunities available for teams outside the sport’s dominant organizations. Under optimal conditions, reaching Victory Lane would pose a significant challenge; now, Keselowski faces this battle while still recovering from his skiing injury.
Enduring Odds Against a Return to Form
With Brad Keselowski’s recovery still ongoing and internal competition heating up at RFK Racing, the road ahead appears difficult. Both expert analysis and recent performance trajectories suggest that Keselowski must first establish supremacy among his own teammates before setting his sights on established frontrunners from top NASCAR teams. As the 2026 Cup Series season gets underway, fans and analysts will be watching to see whether the veteran can overcome physical setbacks and the stiffest competition in years, or if new names will take center stage at Victory Lane.
