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Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is continuing his rehabilitation from a fractured right femur, an injury sustained during a family skiing excursion in December. Despite the significant setback, Keselowski has demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully completing the Daytona 500 without apparent aggravation of the injury. The team’s assessment following the season opener indicated no additional discomfort beyond the routine challenges of entering and exiting the race car, a positive sign as Keselowski prepares for the upcoming Atlanta Motor Speedway event.
"Atlanta’s going to ramp up the intensity," Keselowski stated during a media availability on Saturday. "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. 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."
The decision looming for the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) road course race pertains to Keselowski’s ability to handle the demanding physical requirements of a track that necessitates extensive right-foot modulation for braking. Should Keselowski deem himself unable to meet these demands, veteran road racing specialist Joey Hand is on standby to potentially take the wheel. This strategic preparedness is crucial for RFK Racing, ensuring continuity and maximizing potential points accumulation.
Under current NASCAR regulations, championship points are awarded to the driver who officially starts the race, irrespective of who finishes. Therefore, if Keselowski qualifies and takes the initial green flag at COTA, he would be credited with the points earned by Hand, should he complete the race. This rule provides a significant incentive for Keselowski to start, even if his physical capacity necessitates a driver change later in the event.
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Joey Hand is a highly decorated and globally recognized figure in the world of motorsport, particularly in endurance and road racing disciplines. His extensive resume includes victories in some of the most prestigious events on the international calendar, underscoring his credentials as a capable replacement.
"We’re glad to have him," Keselowski commented on Hand’s availability. "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 (and) a great guy too. He’s been very helpful."
Hand’s notable achievements include:
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner: A testament to his skill in one of the world’s most grueling endurance races.
- 24 Hours of Daytona Winner: Demonstrating his prowess in North America’s premier sports car endurance event.
- 12 Hours of Sebring Winner: Another significant victory in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series.
- Star Mazda Champion: A championship title in a competitive open-wheel racing series.
- American Le Mans Champion: Multiple championship victories in the former premier sports car racing series in North America.
Keselowski’s participation in COTA will ultimately hinge on his ongoing recovery and medical assessments. "I’m just going to see how I feel," Keselowski remarked. "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 logistical consideration for the COTA race is the physical stature of the drivers. Hand is reportedly slightly smaller than Keselowski, which may necessitate adjustments to the No. 6 Ford Mustang’s seating and interior configuration to ensure optimal performance and driver comfort for whoever ultimately occupies the seat.
The NASCAR Cup Series season is in its early stages, with Atlanta Motor Speedway hosting the second event. Following Daytona, the series shifts to a different track configuration, presenting new challenges for drivers and teams. RFK Racing, co-owned by Keselowski and Jack Roush, has been actively developing its program, aiming to improve its competitive standing in the highly contested Cup Series. Keselowski’s presence in the car, even with physical limitations, signifies his commitment to the team and his pursuit of a strong season. The strategic inclusion of a seasoned reserve driver like Hand highlights the team’s proactive approach to managing the unforeseen circumstances that can arise in motorsport, particularly with drivers recovering from significant injuries. The ability to leverage Hand’s expertise at COTA would allow Keselowski more time to focus on his recovery, while still ensuring the team can contend for valuable points on a circuit known for its technical demands.
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