Keselowski Receives Green Light for Daytona 500 Return Following Injury

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, has been medically cleared to compete in the upcoming 68th running of the Daytona 500, marking his return to the track after a recent femur fracture. The announcement comes just in time for the prestigious season-opening event, scheduled to commence this weekend.

The veteran driver sustained the injury during a family skiing trip approximately a week before Christmas. This incident led to his absence from the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he was replaced by fellow competitor Corey LaJoie in the No. 6 Ford Mustang. However, the clearance means Keselowski will not miss any championship points-paying events.

Keselowski successfully underwent a rigorous medical evaluation and an on-track test at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9th, satisfying all requirements set forth by NASCAR and the medical professionals overseeing his recovery.

"Getting cleared was a huge moment for me," Keselowski stated in a release issued by RFK Racing. "You put in the work, you trust the process, but until you hear that final ‘yes,’ nothing is guaranteed. Knowing what Daytona means, and how hard it would have been to miss it, made this moment even bigger. I’m grateful to the medical team and to NASCAR for being thorough, and I’m excited to get back in the car."

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He further elaborated on his rehabilitation, emphasizing the mental and physical dedication involved. "This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts. I had a poster in my workout area that said, ‘Daytona. Earned not given,’ and that became my mindset every day. The focus was on getting stronger, improving mobility, and making sure I was truly ready to race."

The Daytona 500 represents a significant milestone in Keselowski’s career, as he has yet to secure a victory in "The Great American Race." This upcoming event will mark his 17th start in the iconic season-opener. His return also coincides with an ongoing winless streak that dates back to the 2024 season, despite several strong performances and near-misses throughout the previous year. Notably, Keselowski concluded the 2025 season with a second-place finish in the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway.

"The Daytona 500 is the most coveted race we have," Keselowski continued. "The history, the names on that trophy, it speaks for itself. I’ve won at Daytona, but I haven’t won the 500, and that’s always been one I want. After everything it took to get back to this point, having another chance at it means everything."

RFK Racing is poised for a formidable four-car presence at Daytona. The team recently celebrated a victory in The Clash with Ryan Preece and the No. 60 team, signaling strong momentum heading into the Cup Series season.

The NASCAR Cup Series season officially kicks off with the Daytona 500, a race renowned for its unpredictable nature and dramatic finishes, often decided in the closing laps on the superspeedway. Keselowski’s return adds another compelling narrative to the already highly anticipated event.

RFK Racing, co-owned by Keselowski and NASCAR legend Jack Roush, has been undergoing a significant revitalization since Keselowski joined as a driver and co-owner in 2022. The team has shown steady improvement, aiming to re-establish itself as a consistent championship contender. The recent success in The Clash, coupled with Keselowski’s return, suggests a positive trajectory for the organization.

The injury sustained by Keselowski, while unfortunate, underscores the physical demands placed upon NASCAR drivers. The recovery process for a fractured femur typically involves extensive physical therapy and a gradual return to high-impact activities. Keselowski’s swift clearance indicates a successful rehabilitation and his commitment to regaining full racing fitness.

The Daytona 500 is not only the premier event on the NASCAR calendar but also holds immense historical significance. First run in 1959, it has witnessed legendary performances and dramatic upsets, solidifying its status as a crown jewel of motorsport. For drivers like Keselowski, achieving victory in this race is often considered the pinnacle of their careers.

Keselowski’s career accolades include 35 Cup Series wins, the 2012 Cup Series championship, and the 2010 Xfinity Series championship. His aggressive driving style and strategic acumen have made him a formidable competitor throughout his tenure in NASCAR.

The competitive landscape of the NASCAR Cup Series is as fierce as ever, with a blend of established stars and emerging talent vying for supremacy. Keselowski’s return injects another significant player into the championship race, promising exciting rivalries and thrilling on-track battles.

The team’s performance at Daytona will be closely watched, especially given their recent triumph. The aerodynamic challenges of superspeedway racing at Daytona International Speedway often lead to pack racing and drafting, where strategic positioning and teamwork can be as crucial as raw speed.

Keselowski’s perspective on the importance of earning opportunities, as highlighted by his "Daytona. Earned not given" mantra, reflects a deep understanding of the dedication required at the highest level of professional racing. His focus on strength and mobility suggests a meticulous approach to his physical preparedness, aiming to ensure he can perform at his peak without limitations.

The 2026 Daytona 500 is set to be the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season, and Keselowski’s participation ensures a high level of anticipation and interest among fans and competitors alike. His quest for a Daytona 500 victory, now with renewed determination following his recovery, adds a compelling subplot to the opening race of the season. The performance of RFK Racing as a whole will also be a key storyline as they aim to build upon their recent successes and contend for race wins and championships throughout the 2026 season.

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