Brad Keselowski has officially been approved to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 after overcoming significant hurdles related to injury and licensing. Despite early concerns about his readiness following an off-season accident and the resulting licensing complications, NASCAR has confirmed that Keselowski will be on the starting grid for this year’s premier race in Daytona.
Keselowski Overcomes Injury and Licensing Hurdles Before Daytona 500
Keselowski’s 2026 season started on uncertain footing after a December 18 crash left him with a broken femur, raising serious doubts about his participation in the prestigious Daytona 500. Compounding that uncertainty was an issue with renewing his NASCAR license, which was connected to his injury-related absence.
After thorough medical evaluations, NASCAR granted Keselowski clearance to race, putting to rest speculation that he might miss the season opener. In a statement, Keselowski expressed the importance of this approval, saying,
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. 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.”
During Keselowski’s absence at the Clash event at Bowman Gray Stadium, Corey LaJoie stepped in to drive his No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing. Keselowski has consistently been strong at Daytona, leading large portions of two of the last four Daytona 500 races, though a win at the event has eluded him so far. Meanwhile, RFK Racing has not won the Daytona 500 since 2012, when Matt Kenseth brought the team victory, adding extra motivation for Keselowski and his squad this season.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Keselowski shared,
“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts,”
before adding,
“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.”
RFK Racing and Fastenal Strengthen Partnership with New Branding
Alongside Keselowski’s clearance, RFK Racing is entering the 2026 season with enhanced partnerships and fresh visual branding. Fastenal, the team’s longstanding sponsor, is elevating its commitment, switching from its traditional blue paint scheme to a distinctive black and orange design. This change aims to highlight Fastenal’s safety product line and increase public engagement.
Pete Watkins, Fastenal’s marketing strategist, explained the rationale behind the rebrand:
“This change is more than just a new look; it’s a strategic move to align our marketing efforts with our commitment to providing top-quality safety products to our customers. The orange and black scheme is bold and memorable, much like our Body Guard products themselves.”
The black and orange design appeared during the 2025 Talladega race and is expected to become a permanent feature on the car, team uniforms, and race equipment throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Fastenal will hold a secondary sponsorship position, complementing the existing branding strategy.
Looking Ahead: Keselowski’s Return and RFK Racing’s Prospects
Keselowski’s return to the Daytona 500 marks a pivotal moment for both the driver and RFK Racing. His recovery from a severe injury and subsequent licensing approval underscore his determination and the team’s support infrastructure. With his experience leading laps at Daytona and RFK Racing’s history of success at the track, the upcoming race offers a chance to break their winless streak since 2012.
Meanwhile, the expanded Fastenal partnership and refreshed branding signal RFK Racing’s commitment to growth and competitive prominence. These developments suggest that both Keselowski and the team are poised to make a significant impact on the 2026 NASCAR season, starting with the iconic Daytona 500.
NEWS: His bid for a Harley J. Earl Trophy is officially on!@keselowski has been cleared by NASCAR to race in the #DAYTONA500. pic.twitter.com/3DqWgtOdhd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 9, 2026
