Brad Keselowski will not compete in the pre-season exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium as he recovers from a broken leg, leading RFK Racing to choose Corey LaJoie for the No. 6 Ford Mustang. This Brad Keselowski injury update arrives just weeks before NASCAR’s highly anticipated Daytona 500, impacting driver lineups for major early-season events.
Keselowski Sidelined Following Skiing Accident
On December 18th, Brad Keselowski, owner and driver for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, was injured during a family skiing outing, resulting in a broken leg that required immediate surgery. The recovery period keeps him out of the upcoming Clash, traditionally held two weeks prior to the Daytona 500, which itself is slated for February 15th.
Last season, Keselowski had qualified fifth but finished 21st at the Bowman Gray exhibition, a challenging short track known for its unique character and storied history in NASCAR. While he recovers, the series continues to move forward, necessitating a substitute for this key warm-up event.
Corey LaJoie Takes Over for Exhibition Event
RFK Racing selected Corey LaJoie to fill in for Keselowski in the No. 6 car. LaJoie, an established Cup Series competitor with nearly 300 starts, demonstrated versatility in 2025 by participating part-time as a driver and as a NASCAR analyst for Prime Video, splitting his time between four Cup starts and nine appearances in the Truck Series.
On social media, LaJoie expressed his sentiments about stepping into Keselowski’s seat, stating,
“Wishing BK w speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse.”
– Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie brings proven expertise at Bowman Gray. He won the ARCA East Series (formerly K&N East) event at the track in 2012, leading 118 of 153 laps and besting prominent drivers such as Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Elliott. His resume includes a previous Clash appearance in 2024 at the LA Memorial Coliseum for Spire Motorsports, where he finished 17th.
Other Drivers Headline the Exhibition
The Clash will feature Denny Hamlin, piloting the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, as well as Chase Elliott, driving for Hendrick Motorsports. The event serves as a crucial test before the official start of the NASCAR Cup season and the Daytona 500. LaJoie’s substitute appearance for RFK Racing highlights the depth and flexibility required when unexpected injuries affect top competitors.
What’s Next for Keselowski and RFK Racing
As Keselowski continues his rehabilitation, he is focused on returning in time for the Daytona 500. LaJoie’s interim role ensures RFK Racing maintains a strong presence on the track at Bowman Gray. The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of motorsports and the importance of depth within teams to adapt to sudden changes. Fans will be watching closely to see if LaJoie can deliver a standout performance while Keselowski recovers.
