Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, is in the midst of recovery following a broken leg, creating uncertainty around his participation in the upcoming Daytona 500. As fans await updates, attention remains focused on the Brad Keselowski injury update and how it could affect the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Keselowski’s Skiing Accident and the Immediate Aftermath
RFK Racing and its drivers, including Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, endured a lackluster 2025 season, failing to secure race victories or playoff spots. This challenging period concluded not with celebration but with misfortune, as Brad Keselowski suffered a significant injury on December 18. Keselowski was spending time with his wife, Paige, and their children when he was involved in a skiing mishap that resulted in a fractured right leg. He quickly underwent surgery, which RFK Racing reported as successful, stating their expectation of a swift and comprehensive recovery for the No. 6 car’s co-owner and driver.
“I’m grateful for the medical team who took great care of me, and for the support system around me,”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, said as part of an official statement shared by RFK Racing after the accident.
“My attention is now fully on recovery.”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, reaffirmed, emphasizing the seriousness of his situation and his singular focus moving forward. Footage from shortly after the incident shows Keselowski relying on a walker for support and moving with extreme care, a testament to the severity of the injury and the challenges ahead in his rehabilitation. Despite facing pain, Keselowski maintained a sense of humor and optimism as he looked toward his racing future and the Daytona 500.
“Life has a way of reminding you to slow down. Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus – I’m now bionic! pic.twitter.com/AZD2ejHGgc
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 19, 2025”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, shared via social media, reflecting gratitude and a determined mindset.
After a brief hospital stay following his operation, Keselowski was able to return home just ahead of the holiday season, a development that lifted spirits for him and his family.
“Rolling out of the hospital and officially on the road to recovery. Grateful for incredible care and a smooth ride home in my @Ford Expedition. Ready to be home for the holidays! pic.twitter.com/xk3HP1O5Gx
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 22, 2025”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, wrote after his hospital discharge.
Recovery Timeline: Will Keselowski Compete in the Daytona 500?
The question dominating the racing community is how long Keselowski will need for recovery and whether he will be able to compete in NASCAR’s most iconic event. While an offseason injury is never ideal, the timing does offer Keselowski an opportunity to heal before the Daytona 500—the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series—scheduled for February 15, giving him more than a month and a half to get ready. RFK Racing has not specified an exact return date, but all eyes are on Keselowski’s rehabilitation and his chances of lining up with the grid in Daytona.
“I’m motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona,”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, pledged, expressing unwavering determination to recover in time for NASCAR’s biggest race.
For Keselowski, missing the Daytona 500 would be a particularly bitter blow. Despite his decorated career—including his 2012 championship and multiple trips to Victory Lane—he has yet to win NASCAR’s most prestigious race. In 2014, Keselowski narrowly missed victory, finishing third. More heartbreak followed in 2021, when a last-lap crash with teammate Joey Logano allowed Michael McDowell to snatch the win. Now approaching his 42nd birthday and with only two wins over the last five seasons, Keselowski is running low on opportunities to add the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy to his résumé. The drive to compete in the Daytona 500 this year carries extra weight, especially as he has not revealed plans beyond the 2026 season.
While the outlook for Daytona remains cautiously optimistic, it is likely Keselowski will skip the preseason exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1 to continue his recovery without added risk.
The Broader Impact on RFK Racing and Keselowski’s Career
Kurt Keselowski’s absence or limited condition could significantly influence RFK Racing’s early season performance, particularly after a disappointing campaign for both the organization and teammates. Teammates Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher are watching closely, as the team looks for a turnaround and braces for adjustments should Keselowski’s recovery take longer than hoped. Keselowski’s leadership both behind the wheel and as a co-owner is central to the team’s hopes for resurgence in 2026. Fans, meanwhile, are eager for regular Brad Keselowski injury update reports, hoping for positive news leading up to the marquee Daytona event.
The answer to whether Keselowski will appear on the starting grid at “The Great American Race” will depend on the speed and success of his rehabilitation in the coming weeks. With the Daytona 500 looming large, anticipation is building around one of NASCAR’s most seasoned drivers and his pursuit of racing’s elusive crown jewel. As updates from RFK Racing and Keselowski are shared, the NASCAR community will continue to follow his progress closely.
Life has a way of reminding you to slow down. Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus – I'm now bionic! pic.twitter.com/AZD2ejHGgc
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 19, 2025
Rolling out of the hospital and officially on the road to recovery. Grateful for incredible care and a smooth ride home in my @Ford Expedition. Ready to be home for the holidays! pic.twitter.com/xk3HP1O5Gx
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 22, 2025
