Brad Keselowski has received medical clearance to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500, the season-opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series held at Daytona International Speedway this Sunday, February 15. The experienced driver will return behind the wheel of the No. 6 RFK Racing Mustang after recovering from a broken right femur sustained during a ski trip last December.
Keselowski’s recovery caused him to miss the unofficial season launch at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where former Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie temporarily took over his car. While skipping the Clash had no effect on Keselowski’s standings, missing the Daytona 500, the season’s first points race, would have serious consequences, including jeopardizing his playoff eligibility under NASCAR rules.
Challenges and Stakes Ahead of the Daytona 500
Missing any race that offers points in the Cup Series typically results in disqualification from the playoffs unless NASCAR grants a waiver. Even with a waiver, a driver’s playoff points accumulated during the regular season can be revoked. The pressure to secure full participation is immense, and Keselowski openly acknowledged the significance of his clearance.
“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.“ – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver
“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.” – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver
Keselowski remains one of NASCAR’s top competitors, having claimed 36 Cup Series victories during a career spanning more than 15 years. Although he has multiple wins at Daytona, the Daytona 500 remains the one prestigious Crown Jewel race that has eluded him so far. Before his Cup success, he also captured a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship and accumulated 39 wins in that series.
Uncertainty Over NASCAR License Added to Obstacles
Keselowski’s absence from the Cook Out Clash was not solely due to injury. Leading up to that event, he revealed he lacked a valid NASCAR racing license and would need to pass a licensing test before competing again. He planned to take this exam during a session held at Daytona on Monday, February 9, underscoring the additional hurdles he faced returning to competition.
“Short answer- NO. Long answer- I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license,” Brad Keselowski wrote on social media. “Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else. Big week ahead.” – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver
This requirement added further tension to Keselowski’s comeback efforts, as passing the licensing exam was mandatory to race not only at Daytona but in any sanctioned NASCAR events.
Broadcast Details and Fan Access
Fans eager to watch Keselowski compete can tune in to FOX’s live broadcast starting at 2:30 pm ET on race day. Additionally, live radio coverage will be available via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, providing ongoing updates throughout the event.
The Importance of Keselowski’s Return for NASCAR
Brad Keselowski’s clearance and readiness to race in the Daytona 500 mark not just a personal milestone but a key moment for the 2026 NASCAR season’s competitive landscape. As a seasoned driver with a substantial winning record, his presence will influence playoff dynamics and fan engagement. The intense focus on his recovery and licensing highlights the rigorous demands placed on drivers in the sport, especially when returning from injury.
Looking ahead, Keselowski’s participation could shape early-season momentum, and his quest to capture the elusive Daytona 500 victory adds an emotional layer to the race. The NASCAR community will be watching closely as he takes the track amid a lineup of performers and rising talents eager to make their mark this season.
