Over the off-season driver and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski broke his leg in a skiing accident.
Keselowski skipped The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium to continue healing in hopes of being cleared to run the Daytona 500.
After going through the proper procedures, RFK Racing announced that Keselowski has been cleared to race in the 500.
Speaking on the news via team release, Keselowski said, “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.”
The 2012 Cup Series champion continued, “this process was about discipline and patience. 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.”
Keselowski will be making his 17th start in the Daytona 500 on Sunday. He led the most laps in two of the past four 500’s.
RFK Racing president Chip Bowers spoke on Keselowski saying, “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.”
RFK and Keselowski tapped Corey LaJoie to drive the number six car in The Clash.