RFK Racing Delivers Medical Update On Keselowski's Daytona 500 Status

Brad Keselowski has been medically cleared to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 after suffering a broken femur in the offseason.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been medically cleared to return to the racetrack and compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 for RFK Racing. Keselowski suffered a broken femur during a family ski trip on December 18 but has undergone a rigorous rehabilitation process to regain strength and mobility. He was evaluated on January 30 and conducted a successful on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9 to gain clearance to race at Daytona International Speedway.

Why it matters

Keselowski is regarded as one of the best superspeedway racers in the NASCAR Cup Series, but he has yet to win the prestigious Daytona 500. This will be his 17th attempt at securing the victory in NASCAR's biggest race, and his return from injury adds an intriguing storyline to the event.

The details

Keselowski was medically evaluated, including an X-ray on January 30, and conducted an on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9 to gain medical clearance to return to the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the Daytona 500. Keselowski will be active for all on-track activity at Daytona International Speedway, beginning on Wednesday, February 12.

  • Keselowski suffered a broken femur during a family ski trip on December 18, 2025.
  • Keselowski was medically evaluated, including an X-ray, on January 30, 2026.
  • Keselowski conducted an on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 9, 2026.
  • The 2026 Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Brad Keselowski

The 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion who drives the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

RFK Racing

The NASCAR team that fields the No. 6 car driven by Brad Keselowski.

Chip Bowers

The President of RFK Racing.

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What they’re saying

“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me. You put in the work, you trust the process, but until you hear that final 'yes,' nothing is guaranteed. Knowing what Daytona means, and how hard it would have been to miss it, made this moment even bigger. I'm grateful to the medical team and to NASCAR for being thorough, and I'm excited to get back in the car.”

— Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)

“Brad approached his recovery the same way he approaches racing; with focus, commitment, and attention to detail. His drive and determination to be healthy and ready to compete in the Daytona 500, just eight weeks after his injury is inspiring to everyone at RFK Racing.”

— Chip Bowers, President, RFK Racing (RFK Racing)

What’s next

Keselowski will be active for all on-track activity at Daytona International Speedway, beginning on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, in preparation for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Keselowski's swift recovery from a broken femur suffered in the offseason and his determination to compete in the Daytona 500 showcases his dedication and resilience as a top NASCAR driver. His return to the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse adds an intriguing storyline to the 2026 Daytona 500, as he seeks to finally capture the elusive victory in NASCAR's biggest race.