Brad Keselowski will miss the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as he continues to recover from a significant injury, according to the latest Brad Keselowski injury update. The RFK Racing co-owner has decided not to race in the season’s unofficial opener, choosing to focus on proper healing rather than risk an early return on February 4 in North Carolina.
Decision Prioritizes Recovery Over Racing
Despite positive feedback from doctors regarding his rehabilitation, Keselowski determined that he did not have enough time to fully prepare for a Cup car’s demanding conditions. Recognizing that paperwork clearance alone does not guarantee in-cockpit readiness, he opted to sit out the exhibition event.
Keselowski weighed the risks with his team and ultimately concluded that if everything during rehab went perfectly, he would be ready only hours before the Clash—leaving him no time to thoroughly assess his recovery. By stepping aside, he signals that long-term performance is more important than an early-season appearance.
Corey LaJoie Chosen as Stand-In Driver
RFK Racing has turned to Corey LaJoie to fill Keselowski’s seat in the No. 6 Ford for the Clash. LaJoie, formerly with Spire Motorsports and recently making part-time starts for Rick Ware Racing, does not have a confirmed full-time drive for the coming season, making this opportunity especially timely. Keselowski announced the move in an informal video released via his official X account, providing transparency to his fans.
“I will not be running the Clash. This is part of the reason why we wanted to talk to you, Bob, is because we’re going to put Corey LaJoie in to run the Clash. So he’s pretty excited. You’ll see more on that and kind of the formal announcements that come,”
Keselowski stated. — Brad Keselowski, Co-owner and Driver
Interim Role Could Extend for LaJoie
Keselowski clarified that LaJoie’s involvement with RFK Racing might not end with one race. He revealed that LaJoie will remain a standby driver for several weeks, pending Keselowski’s full recovery and confidence in returning to race conditions. Keselowski emphasized that the decision was the product of careful teamwork and not wanting to rush rehabilitation.
“And then our plan is for him to become a standby driver for the first couple weeks until we’re fully confident,”
Keselowski explained. — Brad Keselowski, Co-owner and Driver
“I didn’t want to rush back. The team and I, we made the decision together that if all the rehab went absolutely perfect, we’d be ready like, literally, the day of the Clash. And that seemed super foolish and didn’t give us any time to do any testing on myself or anything like that,”
Keselowski said about the cautious approach. — Brad Keselowski, Co-owner and Driver
LaJoie Grateful, Eyes Opportunity at The Madhouse
Corey LaJoie, who is stepping in for the exhibition run, took to social media to express gratitude for the assignment and well wishes for Keselowski’s recovery. LaJoie has experienced shifts in his driving roles recently, having been replaced late last season at Spire Motorsports yet maintaining a presence with Rick Ware Racing.
“happy to be of service. Wishing BK a speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse.”
— Corey LaJoie, Driver
Background on Keselowski’s Injury and Outlook for Daytona 500
The injury that forced Keselowski’s withdrawal occurred during a December ski trip, where he slipped on ice exiting his vehicle and fractured his right femur. He was immediately taken for emergency surgery in Boone, North Carolina. While Keselowski has endured broken bones previously in his racing career, he described this particular incident as the most painful and demanding both physically and mentally. He continues intensive rehabilitation but remains determined, emphasizing that patience and proper medical guidance are essential to his recovery process.
Despite this setback, Keselowski’s focus is fixed on returning to competition for the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15. By assigning Clash duties to LaJoie and staying committed to recovery, Keselowski reinforces his long-term dedication to RFK Racing’s success, indicating that his absence is temporary and calculated rather than a sign of greater concern.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for RFK Racing and NASCAR
Corey LaJoie’s short-term assignment comes at a crucial time, both for the driver and the team. On one hand, LaJoie gains a high-profile opportunity to showcase his skills with RFK Racing in the No. 6 car at one of NASCAR’s most watched exhibition events. On the other, Keselowski and his organization serve notice that strategic choices and driver well-being take precedence over hasty returns. As the Daytona 500 approaches, all eyes will be on Keselowski’s rehabilitation and whether the team’s patient approach pays off as the season’s main events get underway.
Brad Keselowski on missing the Clash but feeling he should be ready for Daytona: https://t.co/5MxrmIhI2C pic.twitter.com/ScrSA1BUQd
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 8, 2026
https://twitter.com/CoreyLaJoie/status/2009386787261575243
