Breaking: Brad Keselowski sidelined by broken leg after ski trip; vows 2026 comeback

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, sustained a broken leg during a family skiing trip last week. After surgery was performed successfully, he was released from the hospital and began his road to recovery.

The veteran driver posted a message on social media promising to “work relentlessly” to be ready to race at the highest level in 2026. He added that he was grateful for the care he received and noted a smooth journey home in a Ford Expedition, expressing eagerness to be back home for the holidays.

Keselowski drives the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing and has not missed a Cup race since turning full‑time in 2010, even weathering an ankle injury that year. his latest injury leaves the team with time to assess its lineup ahead of a landmark season.

Recovery timelines will shape RFK Racing’s plans as the sport heads toward the 2026 season. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1 is a non‑championship event, followed two weeks later by the 68th Daytona 500 on February 15.

Keselowski is 41 years old and owns 36 NASCAR Cup victories. in 2025, RFK Racing failed to win a race across its three-car lineup and narrowly missed the playoffs. Keselowski did come close on several occasions, securing three runner‑up finishes, including a late‑race heartbreak in Phoenix where the lead slipped away in the final seconds.

Key facts at a glance

What this means for RFK Racing

The injury introduces uncertainty as RFK Racing plans its driver lineup for the approaching season. Keselowski’s public vow to pursue a 2026 return underscores a commitment to compete at sport’s pinnacle, even as the team navigates the absence of its lead driver during early 2026 preparation.

With RFK’s 2025 campaign producing no victories and playoff qualification narrowly slipping away, the organization will be evaluating how to sustain momentum while Keselowski recovers. Industry observers will watch closely how the team adjusts its strategy and resources in the interim.

Evergreen insights for fans and followers

Sports injuries shape not only an athlete’s schedule but a team’s competitive arc. In NASCAR, patience, medical clearance, and safe, phased returns are critical to reestablishing peak performance. keselowski’s timeline-surgery followed by a careful rehabilitation path-reflects common best practices designed to avert setbacks and protect long‑term goals.

Historical context shows how veteran drivers frequently enough leverage extended recovery periods to regain form, while teams use the downtime to refine engineering, pit strategies, and driver development. The upcoming Daytona 500 is a marquee event that can set the tone for teams’ early-season narratives, even as individual comebacks unfold.

For fans seeking more background on Keselowski’s career and RFK Racing’s broader framework, official NASCAR resources and team updates remain valuable references. See NASCAR’s official site for standings, schedules, and team news.

Reader engagement

What would you like to see from Keselowski as he works toward a potential 2026 return?

Do you expect RFK Racing to adjust its long‑term strategy during Keselowski’s recovery period?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as Keselowski begins his road to recovery and a potential comeback at the sport’s highest level.