Brad Keselowski, recovering from a recent broken leg, plans to compete in the upcoming Daytona 500 on February 15, aiming to continue his racing career just 59 days after the incident. The anticipated return of Keselowski, driver for RFK Racing, raises questions about his leg injury recovery and readiness for the new NASCAR season.
Decision to Miss Exhibition Race and Focus on Healing
Keselowski, 41, will sit out the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1 to prioritize his recovery before the official season opener at Daytona. When asked about skipping the early event, he explained,
“I didn’t want to rush back,”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver.
This cautious approach ensures Keselowski has the best chance to fully recover before rejoining the intense demands of NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Timeline and Challenges of Returning to Competition
Medical guidelines suggest an eight to twelve-week recovery period for a broken leg. By the time Daytona’s green flag waves, Keselowski will be eight weeks and three days into his rehabilitation, making his return a bold move.
To manage any unforeseen complications, RFK Racing has arranged for Corey LaJoie to serve as a standby driver. LaJoie will compete in Keselowski’s place at the Cook Out Clash and will be ready to step in at Daytona if necessary.
During his recovery, Keselowski faces extensive physical therapy, dedicating six to eight hours each day to rehab. The transition from intensive therapy to full-time racing presents significant physical and mental challenges, especially with two consecutive superspeedway events at Daytona and Atlanta to start the season. These opening races are known for their increased risk of collisions, adding further pressure as Keselowski prepares for his return.
Comparisons to Previous Driver Recoveries
Other drivers have faced similar setbacks. Kyle Busch famously broke his leg just before the 2015 Daytona 500 and was forced to miss eleven races, only to embark on a remarkable comeback that saw him win five races and secure the Cup Series championship, aided by NASCAR’s playoff system.
In contrast, Chase Elliott sustained a fractured tibia in 2023 during a snowboarding accident, leading to a six-race absence. While Elliott previously reached the Championship 4 for three straight years and won the 2020 title, his performance dipped after injury, resulting in a winless season and missing the Cup Series playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Keselowski, looking to emulate Busch’s impressive return rather than Elliott’s struggles, is working to be at peak condition as February draws near.
What’s at Stake for Keselowski and RFK Racing
The outcome of Brad Keselowski’s leg injury recovery will have a significant impact on both his personal career trajectory and RFK Racing’s performance this season. With recent events highlighting how injuries can alter a driver’s campaign, fans and the team await to see if Keselowski can match the resilience of figures like Kyle Busch.
As competitors like Corey LaJoie stand ready and the high-intensity Cup Series schedule approaches, all eyes will be on Keselowski’s journey back from injury and whether his efforts will lead to a triumphant return or ongoing challenges in 2026.
