Keselowski's Injury Raises Concerns for RFK Racing's 2026 Season

NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck discusses the uncertainty surrounding Brad Keselowski's recovery and its impact on the team's outlook.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the new NASCAR season begins, RFK Racing faces a major unknown with team co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski's offseason leg injury. Veteran journalist Jeff Gluck expressed concerns about how Keselowski's fractured femur, suffered in December, might affect his endurance and consistency across the full schedule. While Keselowski has been medically cleared to return, Gluck hesitated to project a playoff berth for the team, noting the lingering questions about the injury's impact.

Why it matters

Keselowski's performance level could define RFK Racing's competitive ceiling in 2026. If he returns at full strength, the organization gains a proven contender and veteran leader. If limitations linger, RFK may have to rely heavily on teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece to carry the team's playoff hopes.

The details

Keselowski suffered a fractured femur in December after slipping while exiting a vehicle at a ski resort. The injury required extensive rehabilitation and left him unable to walk for a period. Despite being medically cleared to return, Keselowski skipped the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray to focus on his recovery, explaining that a rushed comeback would have been irresponsible.

  • In December 2025, Keselowski suffered a fractured femur after slipping while exiting a vehicle at a ski resort.
  • Keselowski has been medically cleared following an on-track test in Charlotte, paving the way for his return at the Daytona 500 in February 2026.
  • Keselowski skipped the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray to focus on his recovery, explaining that a rushed comeback would have been irresponsible.

The players

Brad Keselowski

The 2012 Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, who suffered a fractured femur in the offseason and is facing uncertainty about his recovery and performance in the 2026 season.

Chris Buescher

A teammate of Keselowski at RFK Racing, who may have to carry the team's playoff hopes if Keselowski's injury limitations linger.

Ryan Preece

Another teammate of Keselowski at RFK Racing, who may also have to step up if Keselowski's recovery is not complete.

Jeff Gluck

A veteran NASCAR journalist who expressed concerns about the impact of Keselowski's injury on RFK Racing's outlook for the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You have a big question mark immediately hanging over the team.”

— Jeff Gluck, Veteran journalist (on3.com)

“I just don't know what this injury is going to do.”

— Jeff Gluck, Veteran journalist (on3.com)

“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.”

— Brad Keselowski (on3.com)

“I didn't want to rush back. If rehab went perfectly, we'd barely have time to test. That seemed super foolish.”

— Brad Keselowski (on3.com)

“I'm not great, but I'm good. I had a major injury... I'm now made of titanium in my leg.”

— Brad Keselowski (on3.com)

What’s next

Keselowski will make his return at the Daytona 500 in February 2026, where he will aim to capture his first Harley J. Earl Trophy in the 'Great American Race'.

The takeaway

Keselowski's recovery from his offseason leg injury is a crucial storyline for RFK Racing in 2026, as the team's competitive ceiling may hinge on how well the veteran driver is able to bounce back from the setback. The organization's playoff hopes could shift significantly depending on whether Keselowski is able to return to full strength or if lingering limitations force them to rely more heavily on teammates Buescher and Preece.