Keselowski cleared to return for Daytona 500

Brad Keselowski has officially been cleared to return to NASCAR competition, less than two months after breaking his right femur.

Keselowski underwent his medical evaluation test at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday. He will return to the seat of the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang this weekend for the season-opening Daytona 500.

“Getting cleared was a huge moment for me,” Keselowski said. “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.”

The 2012 Cup Series champion was injured on December 18 while on a skiing vacation with his family. Keselowski fell outside his vehicle, and the injury required surgery. He did not participate in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, with Corey LaJoie serving as his substitute driver.

On Sunday, Keselowski will attempt to secure his first Daytona 500 win.

“This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts,” Keselowski said. “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.

“The Daytona 500 is the most coveted race we have. The history, the names on that trophy, it speaks for itself. I’ve won at Daytona, but I haven’t won the 500, and that’s always been one I want. After everything it took to get back to this point, having another chance at it means everything.”

Keselowski has never missed a points-paying race in his Cup Series career.

“Brad approached his recovery the same way he approaches racing; with focus, commitment, and attention to detail,” said Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President. “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.”