Brad Keselowski, former NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, has been officially cleared to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500, the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. The announcement follows Keselowski’s recovery from a broken leg sustained during a family ski trip in December 2025.
Keselowski suffered a leg injury while exiting a vehicle on the trip, leading to emergency surgery in which a titanium stabilizing rod was inserted. As a result, he was unable to participate in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 4, 2026. In his place, part-time driver Corey LaJoie attempted to qualify but failed to secure a spot in the main race.
Medical Clearances and Track Testing Pave Way for Keselowski’s Comeback
Following his injury, Keselowski underwent a medical evaluation and completed an on-track testing session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9. After successfully passing these assessments, NASCAR granted him permission to race at Daytona. Keselowski expressed relief and gratitude upon receiving the clearance, emphasizing the importance of patience and dedication during his rehabilitation.
“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.” – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver and RFK Racing co-owner
“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,” he added.
Race Lineup and Team Composition for the 2026 Daytona 500
Keselowski will return behind the wheel of his signature #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the 200-lap race scheduled for February 15, 2026. RFK Racing will also field three additional entries: Corey LaJoie will drive the #99 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Ryan Preece will pilot the #60 Mustang, and Chris Buescher will compete in the #17 car. This lineup reflects RFK Racing’s expanding presence at Daytona.
Strategic Advantage Behind Adding a Fourth Car at Daytona
Earlier in January 2026, RFK Racing unveiled plans to enter a fourth vehicle in the Daytona 500 with Corey LaJoie behind the wheel. LaJoie, who made his Daytona 500 debut in 2017 and will be making his tenth start in the event, initially replaced Keselowski in the Cook Out Clash. The addition of this car, sponsored by Trimble, aims to strengthen the team’s performance in superspeedway racing.
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500. It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation, and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most.” – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver and RFK Racing co-owner
LaJoie’s best finish at Daytona came in 2024, when he placed fourth driving the #7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. His experience will be an asset as RFK Racing pursues its competitive goals in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races.
Implications for RFK Racing and the 2026 NASCAR Season
Keselowski’s return and the inclusion of a fourth car highlight RFK Racing’s commitment to maximizing its competitive edge at Daytona International Speedway. His clearance to race not only boosts the team’s morale but also increases their tactical options during the high-stakes, strategic environment of superspeedway racing.
As the Daytona 500 approaches, the team’s comprehensive lineup, backed by experience and strategic positioning, positions RFK Racing as a formidable contender. The effort to carefully manage Keselowski’s recovery and integrate an additional car could influence race dynamics and playoff implications as the NASCAR Cup Series heats up in 2026.
Brad Keselowski has been cleared to race this season, beginning with Daytona, following rehab from his terrible freak leg injury that occurred during the offseason when he fell and broke his femur.
Quotes from Brad, via RFK Racing:
“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You…
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 9, 2026
