Brad Keselowski, a seasoned NASCAR Cup Series driver, remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a broken femur sustained in December 2025. Despite several attempts to return to the track, Keselowski was unable to participate in the February 4th NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium due to pending medical clearance. To compete in the upcoming Daytona 500, less than two weeks away, Keselowski must pass a final medical approval test which is now rescheduled for Monday because of weather delays. Currently, he does not hold an active NASCAR driver’s license, a requirement for participation in any event.
Keselowski took to X to share,
“My final approval test has been moved to Monday due to weather,”
signaling his hopeful return to racing once cleared.
Details Behind Keselowski’s Injury and Recovery
Keselowski’s injury occurred on December 18, 2025, during a skiing trip when he fractured his right femur after a fall. In contrast to dramatic sports injuries, he explained his accident plainly:
“I just fell perfectly on a spot that broke my leg,”
he admitted.
“I wish it was some cooler story than that, like jumping or doing something on the slopes.”
After months of rehabilitation, Keselowski looks poised to rejoin his RFK Racing team behind the wheel of his Mustang, marking his fifth year with the organization he co-owns.
Originating from Rochester, Michigan, Keselowski has established a distinguished NASCAR career with 36 Cup Series wins, including prestigious events such as the Coca-Cola 600, the Indianapolis 500, and the Southern 500.
Reasons for Missing the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray
Keselowski’s absence from the Coors Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was filled by former Cup driver Corey LaJoie, who took the wheel of the No. 6 RFK Racing car for the February 4 event in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In a recent interview with FOX, Keselowski detailed the cautious approach behind missing the Clash, emphasizing that rushing back to racing was not an option.
“I didn’t want to rush back,”
Keselowski explained.
“The team and I made the decision together that if all the rehab went absolutely perfect, we’d be ready like, literally, the day of the Clash. And that seemed super foolish and didn’t give us any time to do any testing on myself or anything like that.”
This pragmatic choice prioritized a full recovery and the opportunity for appropriate preparations over a rushed return to the track.
Upcoming Daytona 500 and Keselowski’s Future in NASCAR
With the Daytona 500 scheduled for February 15, 2026, all eyes are on Keselowski to see if he will secure the necessary medical clearance in time to compete. The race, one of NASCAR’s most significant and anticipated events, will be broadcast live on FOX starting at 2:30 pm ET and will have exclusive radio coverage through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Keselowski’s return would be a notable moment for RFK Racing and NASCAR fans, considering his history and recent challenges. His ability to race in the Daytona 500 after such a serious injury will demonstrate his resilience and impact the competitive landscape of the season’s marquee event. Until then, the NASCAR community awaits further updates on his medical status.
