Joey Hand will be the designated backup driver for RFK Racing at Circuit of the Americas as questions linger over Brad Keselowski’s ability to compete due to ongoing medical evaluations. The team is taking proactive measures to ensure their No. 6 Ford remains competitive during next weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event.
RFK Racing Prepares for Uncertain Outcome at COTA
After a tumultuous stretch that saw Brad Keselowski involved in a dramatic Daytona 500 crash, RFK Racing now faces a new challenge ahead of the Cup race at COTA. As the team co-owner recovers and undergoes further testing, Joey Hand—renowned for his expertise on road courses and as Ford’s official reserve driver—has been tapped as a contingency should Keselowski not be cleared to drive.
Keselowski spoke candidly to FOX’s Bob Pockrass about the decision:
He’s the Ford reserve driver for all the road courses. He’s won all the big races that you can win across the globe. A great guy too. He’s been very helpful.
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-Owner
Due to Hand’s smaller frame, the crew is considering multiple strategies depending on how Keselowski’s health shapes up closer to race day. There remains an option for Keselowski to start the race and, if needed, hand over the car to Hand partway through.
We kind of ran through all that, and we’ve got a lot of good options with him.
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-Owner
Medical Testing to Decide Keselowski’s Involvement
The former Cup Series champion plans to undergo additional medical and physical examinations before a final decision is made. As Keselowski shared,
I’ve got some more tests next week to get through, with medical tests and physical tests, and we’ll probably just see how those go and make a decision on what’s best for the team.
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-Owner
This update arrives just days after Keselowski was collected in a late-race crash at the Daytona 500 while fighting for victory, ultimately finishing in fifth place. That incident led to heightened scrutiny of his physical readiness, especially with COTA’s technical layout and demanding nature, which pose added challenges for any driver still recovering from injury.
Daytona Aftermath and COTA Expectations
In reviewing the Daytona finish, Keselowski expressed strong feelings about another competitor’s move at the conclusion of the race:
one of the dumbest things I have ever seen,
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-Owner. This outburst reflected the passion drivers bring to marquee events and the fine line between risk and reward in such high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, Riley Herbst defended his decision to go for the win, acknowledging that high stakes push competitors to make bold choices.
Attention now transitions from the superspeedway chaos to the intricacies of COTA. The Austin road course is widely known for rewarding precision and experience—qualities that Joey Hand brings as both a proven sports car racer and Ford’s trusted reserve. With Keselowski having dealt with injury recovery during the offseason, having Hand as an option is crucial for the team.
Team Stays Flexible as COTA Race Approaches
The prospect of a mid-race driver change highlights the uncertainty about who will actually drive the No. 6 Ford to the finish. Both Hand’s experience and Keselowski’s potential resiliency provide the team with “good options” no matter how the weekend unfolds. The clear priority remains keeping the driver healthy while striving for on-track effectiveness.
RFK Racing, with its focus on preparation and flexibility, is committed to adapting on race day. Whether Keselowski completes the event or steps aside for Joey Hand, the team’s readiness to tackle any scenario underscores their professionalism and determination to stay competitive. As the green flag approaches at COTA, all eyes will be on the outcome of Keselowski’s tests and the strategy RFK Racing decides to employ moving forward, keeping fans and competitors alike watching closely.
Brad Keselowski is still unsure on his status next week for COTA. Joey Hand will be his backup driver. Keselowski could start the race and then get out of the car. Keselowski on Hand as his reserve driver and COTA scenarios: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/8hVvzDgE5t
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 21, 2026
