Brad Keselowski has completed the Daytona 500 as part of his return from a broken femur, but he will have reserve driver Joey Hand on standby for the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This precaution is being taken due to concerns about Keselowski’s readiness to endure the demanding road course following his recent injury and surgery.
Joey Hand Positioned as the Official Backup for Road Course Events
As both a driver and owner for RFK Racing, Keselowski has named veteran Joey Hand as the designated reserve driver should he be unable to finish the race on the challenging Texas road course. Keselowski described Hand as the
“Ford reserve driver for all the road courses,”
noting,
“He’s won all the big races you can win across the globe. A great guy too.”
Hand’s smaller stature compared to Keselowski adds complexity to which seat will be installed in the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, but the team continues to explore multiple options ahead of the weekend.
Hand’s History and Performance with RFK Racing
Joey Hand is no stranger to RFK Racing, having already participated in the 2024 Chicago Street Race where he led seven laps, secured a stage win, and finished fourth in the No. 60 Ford Mustang. As Ford’s official road course backup, Hand provides stable cover if Keselowski’s condition limits his ability to compete fully at COTA.
Monitoring Keselowski’s Recovery and Upcoming Decisions
Keselowski’s timetable for determining his race readiness will depend on his performance at the forthcoming Atlanta race at EchoPark Speedway, consisting of 260 laps. Post-race, he will consult with medical professionals to gauge how his surgically repaired leg responds to the physical demands.
The recovery has been steady but cautious. The injury occurred in mid-December when Keselowski broke his femur during an offseason ski trip and required surgery. Despite a short eight-week recovery window, he raced through the Duel events and the Daytona 500 utilizing adrenaline and resilience, even enduring a last-lap crash without aggravating his injury.
Physical Strain Expected to Increase at COTA
The Circuit of the Americas is recognized as a particularly demanding race requiring continual foot movements such as braking, shifting, and accelerating, which will place further strain on Keselowski’s healing leg. He acknowledged this challenge stating,
“COTA will be one of the most difficult races of the year for everybody. For me, even more so with the injury that I have, but we’re gonna play it day by day and get through Atlanta and make some decisions then.”
Significance of the Reserve Driver Strategy for Keselowski and RFK Racing
This cautious approach underlines the uncertainty surrounding Keselowski’s condition and the importance of having a reliable backup to maintain competitive performance in the Cup Series. The presence of Joey Hand ensures RFK Racing can adapt quickly depending on Keselowski’s health, mitigating risks as the team heads into key road course tests in the Southwest. Keselowski’s gradual return reflects both his determination and a strategic approach to sustaining his season while managing recovery challenges.
