rifan muazin
Charlotte, NC – Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski is making significant strides in his recovery from a severe broken right femur, sustained during a family skiing excursion in December. His resilience was underscored by a positive performance at the Daytona 500, where he navigated a final-lap incident without exacerbating his injury and ultimately secured a fifth-place finish. This strong showing, despite the physical limitations, provides a promising outlook as Keselowski eyes upcoming races, though a decision regarding his participation at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) remains pending.
Keselowski, who has been candid about the challenges of his recovery, expressed optimism following the Daytona Speedweeks. "Last weekend did not provide any additional discomfort beyond getting in and out of the car," Keselowski stated during a media availability on Saturday. He anticipates a similar experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, albeit with a focus on avoiding on-track incidents. "Atlanta’s going to ramp up the intensity," he noted. "It’s not necessarily a faster racetrack, but since it’s smaller, you carry a lot more G-forces here. So, it’s a little bit more of a physical workload."
The upcoming road course event at COTA presents a unique hurdle in Keselowski’s rehabilitation. Road racing demands a more intricate and sustained application of braking, particularly with the right foot, a maneuver that could prove taxing for his healing femur. "COTA next weekend will be a big challenge, so I’m going to get through this weekend and see how it goes before making a decision on COTA, but feeling good for Atlanta," Keselowski explained.
In anticipation of the potential physical demands of COTA, the RFK Racing team has secured the services of accomplished road racing specialist Joey Hand as a reserve driver. Hand, a highly decorated competitor with extensive experience in endurance and international sports car racing, stands ready to step in should Keselowski’s physical condition necessitate it. This strategic move ensures that the No. 6 Ford Mustang remains in contention, leveraging Hand’s proven track record on circuits worldwide.
Related News :
- Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet to Feature Refreshed NAPA Auto Parts Livery for 2026 NASCAR Season
- NASCAR Community Mourns Loss of Denny Hamlin’s Father Following Devastating House Fire
- Winter’s Grip Forces NASCAR’s Clash at Bowman Gray into Sunday Single-Day Showdown
- Hendrick Motorsports Unveils Refreshed NAPA Auto Parts Livery for Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Ahead of 2026 NASCAR Season
- NASCAR Champion Joey Logano Trades Pavement for Powder in Vintage Model T Snow Drifting Display
NASCAR’s point system offers a crucial advantage in this scenario. Points are awarded to the driver who starts the race, irrespective of who ultimately finishes it. Therefore, if Keselowski qualifies and takes the green flag at COTA, he would be credited with the points earned by Hand, providing a vital boost to his championship aspirations even if he is unable to complete the full race distance.
Hand’s credentials speak to his exceptional talent. A winner of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring, he also holds championships in Star Mazda and the American Le Mans Series. His extensive resume makes him an ideal candidate to pilot the No. 6 car on a challenging road course. "We’re glad to have him," Keselowski remarked about Hand. "You know, he’s the Ford reserve driver for all the road courses, and he’s won all the big races that you can win across the globe. He’s a great guy, too, and he’s been very helpful."
The final determination regarding Keselowski’s participation at COTA will hinge on the outcome of further medical and physical evaluations scheduled for the upcoming week. "I’m just going to see how I feel," Keselowski stated. "You know, I’ve got some more tests next week to get through, medical tests and physical tests, and I’ll probably just see how those go and make a decision on what’s best for the team."
An additional consideration for the COTA race involves the logistics of the driver change. Hand is known to be slightly smaller in stature than Keselowski, which could necessitate adjustments to the seat and cockpit configuration of the No. 6 Ford Mustang to ensure optimal fit and performance for either driver. This detail underscores the meticulous planning involved in accommodating a reserve driver, particularly in a high-stakes professional racing environment.
The NASCAR Cup Series season is a demanding test of both machine and driver, and Keselowski’s current situation highlights the intricate balance between competitive ambition and physical recovery. His commitment to competing while managing a significant injury, coupled with the team’s proactive approach in securing a capable substitute, demonstrates the depth of preparation and strategic thinking within RFK Racing. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the extent of Keselowski’s immediate involvement and the team’s strategy for navigating the early stages of the 2024 season.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
Nascar CupFebruary 22, 2026Gaston County Fire Services Concludes Hamlin Family Residence Blaze Accidental, Origin Remains Elusive
Nascar CupFebruary 21, 2026Brad Keselowski Navigates Recovery, Road Racing Specialist Joey Hand on Standby for COTA Challenge
Nascar CupFebruary 21, 2026Spire Motorsports Officially Welcomes Chris Gabehart Amidst Legal Storm with Joe Gibbs Racing
Nascar CupFebruary 21, 2026Rain Washes Out Atlanta NASCAR Cup Qualifying, Tyler Reddick Secures Pole Amidst Revised Lineup Determination
Jonas Leo
