These are the Drivers Chasing History in the 2026 Daytona 500
What’s Happening? This year, several drivers (and a few others) are chasing Daytona 500 history, looking to break long-standing records. So,…
Brad Keselowski is officially cleared to race in the 2026 Daytona 500 following a major leg injury this past offseason, which saw him miss last week’s season-opening clash.
Monday, the 2012 Cup Series Champion announced via RFK Racing that he is approved and medically cleared for his 17th attempt to win the Daytona 500 following an eight-week recovery from a broken leg.
In December, Keselowski announced that he had broken his femur while on a family ski trip and had received surgery to repair the break shortly after a fall away from the slopes.
While he planned to race in the Daytona 500, Keselowski announced in January that he would miss the 2026 Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium due to his ongoing rehab from this injury.
In fact, many fans thought Keselowksi could have raced last week after the event’s several weather delays.
However, after many of these questions, Keselowksi revealed on X that his medical status wasn’t the only thing holding him back from returning, as he did not have a valid NASCAR driver’s license and was required to do testing to regain his license for 2026.
Now that he is cleared to race, the owner/driver said in a press release from RFK Racing, “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.”
As mentioned above, Keselowski is chasing history in 2026, as he is one of five active NASCAR Cup Series Champions to never win the 500, despite 16 tries to his name.
This year, RFK is stepping up the effort, with Corey LaJoie, who drove Keselowski’s No. 6 at the Clash, attempting to qualify a fourth car, the No. 99, to help the team battle the odds on track.
What’s Happening? This year, several drivers (and a few others) are chasing Daytona 500 history, looking to break long-standing records. So,…
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