Following his skiing accident, Brad Keselowski will not participate in The Clash and will be replaced by Corey LaJoie.

Brad Keselowski, who suffered a skiing accident on December 18, underwent surgery for a fractured right femur. Following his operation, the RFK Racing owner-driver hoped to return for the Clash scheduled for February 1, 2026, at Bowman Gray Stadium. I am grateful to the medical team who took great care of me, as well as to all the people around me who support me. he declared on the account of his team. My focus is now entirely on my recovery. I am motivated to regain my full abilities as quickly as possible and I will work tirelessly to be ready for Daytona. »

The American will ultimately not be starting the race. I didn't want to rush my return, explains Keselowski. The team and I decided together that, if the rehabilitation went perfectly, I would be ready, literally, on the day of the Clash. And that seemed extremely reckless to us, without giving us any time to test me or do any trials. The driver has announced that he is following a rehabilitation program of six to eight hours per day, with a typical recovery time estimated at eight to twelve weeks. He hopes to receive the green light to return to competition during a medical evaluation on February 5th at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Corey LaJoie as reinforcement

He will also be replaced by Corey LaJoie, whose last full season dates back to 2024. In 2025, however, he participated in four races with Rick Ware Racing. LaJoie will therefore take the wheel of the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford at Bowman Gray, where he won the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012. Happy to be of serviceLaJoie shared on the Social Media. I wish BK a speedy recovery. Let's go get another trophy at the Madhouse. "Brad Keselowski is nevertheless aiming for a comeback for the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15 – a race which he has never won.

This is not the 41-year-old rider's first injury. In 2011, during a testing accident at Road Atlanta, Keselowski fractured his left ankle, but still managed to win the following week at Pocono, thus launching a string of results that led to his title in 2012. I broke many bones and injured different parts of my body. He continues. But honestly, nothing comes close to the pain of a broken femur. It's an extremely painful injury, even if the recovery time is ultimately quite comparable to others. I just have to take it in stride and get through this period. »

Let us also remember that as long as Brad Keselowski participates in the season opener at the Daytona 500, his streak of 581 points finishes which began in 2009 will not be in danger, the Clash being a simple demonstration race.

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