Brad Keselowski’s determination to compete in the Daytona 500 continues despite suffering a significant leg injury two weeks ago, casting uncertainty over his return to NASCAR’s 2026 opener. With the motorsports world watching, the Michigan native has outlined his rigorous plan for recovery, keeping his Daytona 500 ambitions firmly in sight and putting the focus on Brad Keselowski Daytona 500 recovery.
Keselowski Faces Major Injury Ahead of NASCAR Season
Concerns arose throughout the NASCAR community when images of Brad Keselowski, age 41, surfaced showing him in a hospital gown following a serious accident. It was soon confirmed that Keselowski had undergone extensive surgery for a fractured femur, putting his season in immediate doubt. Despite the setback, he has shown resilience and provided detailed insights into the accident and his path forward.
“Ultimately, I broke my femur right below my hip and basically just sheared it all the way through,”
Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup champion, said.
“So I got some extra parts. I’m now made of titanium in my leg. It’s a really painful thing to break. It’s the biggest bone in your body, which is kind of the bad part about it.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver
Despite the pain and the significance of the injury, Keselowski has committed to a vigorous rehabilitation schedule, spending between eight and twelve hours a day in recovery efforts. He emphasized the importance of not rushing the process, particularly with the history of previous injuries within the sport.
The timing of this injury has forced Keselowski to weigh his priorities. While missing The Clash preseason event is a concession he is willing to make, his focus remains on making a timely return for the Daytona 500. Having never won this season-opening race after sixteen full years competing at the Cup Series level, Keselowski is intent on seizing this long-awaited opportunity.
Doctors Map Out a Challenging Road to Recovery
Keselowski’s doctors have provided an honest yet optimistic outlook on his potential to return.
“The doctors told me after the surgery that the fastest you could be back is six weeks. And normally it’s eight to 12,”
Brad Keselowski, Driver, said.
“A great doctor up in Boone, upstate that did the surgery, which was where it was at the time. And so, if you do that backwards, that puts me perfectly in line for being ready for the Daytona 500.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver
This timetable aligns precisely with the upcoming Daytona 500, underscoring both the risks involved in such a rapid recovery and the determination Keselowski is bringing to this challenge. Community support has been evident, as fans and peers rallied around him, hoping that history repeats itself in his favor. His resilience is not unfounded—Keselowski overcame a broken ankle in 2011 while racing at Road Atlanta, famously returning to win the Pocono race just a week later.
As a co-owner of RFK Racing, Keselowski also faces the added responsibility of team leadership during his recovery and the frenzied lead-up to NASCAR’s opening event.
Corey LaJoie Steps In for Keselowski at Bowman Gray
With Keselowski unable to participate in the upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the team announced that Corey LaJoie would step behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ford Mustang for this non-points preseason race. The seasoned driver, who counts close to 300 Cup Series starts, represents a reliable and competitive choice for the exhibition event.
LaJoie, who has recently balanced on-track duties with a role as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime Video, expressed excitement about the opportunity to fill in.
“Wishing BK w speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse.”
– Corey LaJoie, Driver
The selection is meaningful, as LaJoie previously claimed victory at Bowman Gray in the ARCA East series, leading an impressive 118 out of 153 laps in the 2012 race. That win came against rising stars such as Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Elliott—demonstrating his potential in a competitive field. Most recently, LaJoie competed in the Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum in 2024, finishing seventeenth with Spire Motorsports.
For this year’s exhibition, the focus will remain on both LaJoie’s performance and Keselowski’s recovery, as the team navigates this high-profile transition so early in the season.
Looking Ahead to Daytona and Beyond
Keselowski’s recovery and the outcome of the Daytona 500 carry significant implications for his career, for the RFK Racing team, and for the broader NASCAR community. The driver’s determined pursuit of a Daytona 500 victory after years of near-misses resonates strongly, especially as it coincides with RFK Racing’s efforts to rebuild after a difficult previous season.
The path forward is fraught with uncertainty, but Keselowski’s history of battling through adversity, community support, and strategic decisions—like appointing LaJoie for the Clash—demonstrate the collective will to keep championship hopes alive. As the countdown to Daytona continues, all eyes remain on Keselowski’s race against the clock, hoping that this chapter ends with healing, redemption, and perhaps a long-awaited first triumph at the sport’s most iconic event.
Some of what Brad Keselowski said about the severity of the injury, the rehab and getting ready for Daytona: https://t.co/5MxrmIhI2C pic.twitter.com/ccwxKxzsIA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 8, 2026
