Brad Keselowski’s hopes of competing in this year’s Daytona 500 came down to an approval test on Monday, February 9. Fortunately, the driver of the #6 provided the NASCAR world with a positive update that same day.
The 2012 Cup Series champion announced he was cleared to race for the upcoming Daytona 500 via social media. Keselowski suffered a broken femur last December during a ski trip, which put the start of his season in question.
Brad Keselowski Announced He’s Returning for the Daytona 500
In the social media video done by RFK Racing, Keselowski, the co-owner of the team, noted he broke his leg just eight weeks prior. The 41-year-old said there was a ton of questions and uncertainty about the future of his career.
Yet, since the accident, Keselowski said his only goal has been getting back in his #6 car for the 2026 season. To do that, he had to go through gruesome rehab to get his leg healthy.
“Rehab isn’t glamorous. It’s long days, lots of pain, and relearning movements you never thought you didn’t know,” Keselowski added.
Keselowski is still chasing his first Daytona 500 victory in his 17th attempt. His best finish in “The Great American Race” was third in 2014. In the conclusion of the video, Keselowski announced he was cleared to compete in the Daytona 500.
“The Daytona 500 matters, this season matters, my team matters, and I wasn’t going to watch it from the sidelines. Today, I was cleared to race. I’m back. See you in Daytona,” Keselowski said.
Minutes after the video was posted, Keselowski penned a message on X regarding the announcement. He expressed his gratitude for everyone around him that helped him recover and get set for Daytona.
“So much work to get here! Special thanks to my family, the 6 crew, all the medical professionals and my fans for all your help and support ❤️😊👍🏻 On to Daytona,” he wrote.
Brad Keselowski Suffered Broken Femur During December Ski Trip
Brad Keselowski’s 2026 season looked to be in jeopardy. On December 19, RFK Racing announced that Keselowski had suffered a broken leg and underwent a successful surgery.
Despite the injury, the 36-time Cup Series winner was adamant that he would work hard and get back in time for Daytona. In a statement, Keselowski expressed his motivation to return for “The Great American Race.”
“I’m grateful for the medical team who took great care of me and for the support system around me. My attention now is fully on recovery. I’m motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona,” Keselowski said.
Corey LaJoie replaced Keselowski in this past week’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. LaJoie finished third in the Last Chance Qualifier race, which left him one spot shy of making the main event.
Keselowski enters his 17th full-time season of Cup Series racing. It’s his fifth season as a driver and co-owner of RFK Racing. Since joining the team, Keselowski has won one race, which came at Darlington in May 2024.
Brad Keselowski Cleared to Race in Daytona 500 Following Gruesome Injury