Keselowski Cleared for Daytona 500 Return

The NASCAR driver passed medical evaluation and on-track test after December skiing accident.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Brad Keselowski, who broke his leg in a December skiing accident, has been cleared to return to racing and compete in the season-opening Daytona 500. Keselowski underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation and an on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway to confirm his readiness.

Why it matters

Keselowski's return to the Daytona 500 is significant as it marks his comeback from a serious injury sustained in a non-racing incident. The Daytona 500 is one of NASCAR's marquee events, making Keselowski's clearance an important milestone in his recovery process.

The details

After the December 18, 2025 skiing accident, Keselowski has worked diligently with his medical team and physical therapists to regain strength and mobility. The approval process required an X-ray on January 30 that showed remarkable healing, allowing doctors to clear him for the next phase. Keselowski then completed an on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway, organized by his team RFK Racing, to prove his competition readiness.

  • On December 18, 2025, Keselowski broke his leg in a skiing accident.
  • On January 30, 2026, an X-ray showed remarkable healing in Keselowski's leg.
  • On February 9, 2026, Keselowski completed a successful on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The players

Brad Keselowski

A NASCAR driver who broke his leg in a December skiing accident and has now been cleared to return to racing, including competing in the season-opening Daytona 500.

RFK Racing

Keselowski's NASCAR team that organized the on-track test session at Charlotte Motor Speedway to confirm his readiness to race.

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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.”

— Brad Keselowski (autoweek.com)

“There were no shortcuts. I had a poster in my workout area that said, 'Daytona. Earned not given,' and that became my mindset every day. The focus was on getting stronger, improving mobility, and making sure I was truly ready to race.”

— Brad Keselowski (autoweek.com)

What’s next

Keselowski will now focus on preparing for the Daytona 500, the season-opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series, which is scheduled for February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Keselowski's successful recovery and clearance to race in the Daytona 500 demonstrates his determination and the effectiveness of the medical treatment and rehabilitation process. His comeback will be closely watched as he aims to return to top form and compete for a NASCAR championship.