Brad Keselowski, former Cup Series champion, continues to recover from a significant leg injury as his participation in the upcoming race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) remains uncertain. In this Brad Keselowski injury update, the RFK Racing veteran has named experienced road racer Joey Hand as his standby should he be unable to compete in the DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne, scheduled for March 1 and televised on FOX.
Kentucky Native Faces Uncertainty Following Recent Injury
Following an off-season family ski trip that resulted in a broken femur, the 42-year-old Brad Keselowski has been carefully managing his return to the NASCAR Cup Series. He previously missed the early-season Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, opting for Corey LaJoie to substitute, while Keselowski focused on recovery. Despite these setbacks, he managed an impressive fifth-place finish at the recent Daytona 500 and plans to compete at EchoPark Speedway this weekend. However, with the COTA road course race approaching, Keselowski is prioritizing his health.
The decision to potentially sit out comes after consideration of the physical demands road courses put on drivers, coupled with his ongoing rehabilitation. As a result, Cup Series followers have closely tracked each Brad Keselowski injury update, as his competitive spirit is matched by caution and responsibility for his well-being.
Joey Hand Selected as Standby for the No. 6 Ford Mustang
To ensure RFK Racing remains competitive at COTA, Keselowski selected Joey Hand—a driver with an impressive résumé on road courses—to stand by. Hand is known internationally for winning prestigious events such as the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in both the GTLM and DP classes, as well as securing victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring. He was named Ford’s dedicated reserve driver for all Cup Series road races, underscoring his expertise and value to the team.
When asked about his status and backup plans ahead of the COTA race, Keselowski stated,
“I’m just going to see how I feel. You know, I’ve got some more stuff to test next week to get through with a medical test and a physical test. We’ll probably just see how those go, and make a decision on what’s best for me.”
Keseolwski’s openness reflects both his determination to compete and the necessity for sound judgment when dealing with a recent surgery and recovery timeline. He added regarding the potential of starting the race and then handing off the car to his substitute,
“It is possible. So, we’ve kind of run through all of that. We’ve got a lot of good options,”
Joey Hand’s experience within NASCAR includes eight starts at the Cup level, mainly with Rick Ware Racing, and a stint with Keselowski’s team, providing vital continuity if he is called to action.
Team and Fans Await an Important Decision
The immediate focus for Brad Keselowski and his crew is Sunday’s Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, which airs on FOX at 3 pm ET. As Keselowski continues his medical assessments, fans and the motorsports community remain eager for each Brad Keselowski injury update, understanding that his journey represents both the resilience of athletes and the realities of high-stakes competition.
Joey Hand’s readiness ensures RFK Racing’s No. 6 Ford Mustang will have a strong presence at COTA, regardless of Keselowski’s final decision. This situation emphasizes the importance of having reliable reserve drivers at elite racing levels and illustrates how quick adaptability can define a season, especially with points and prestige on the line. The coming days will determine Keselowski’s participation at COTA, a crucial moment for both his career and RFK Racing’s 2024 campaign.
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
