Brad Keselowski has been cleared to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series season opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway after completing NASCAR’s required on-track medical evaluation Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Drivers returning from injury must pass an on-track test before being approved to race, a requirement Keselowski satisfied following continued progress in the healing of a broken leg suffered during the offseason.
A Jan. 30 X-ray showed enough improvement for NASCAR medical officials to allow the test and grant clearance.
“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.”
Keselowski missed the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium earlier last week after breaking his leg in a skiing accident.
Corey LaJoie replaced him in the No. 6 Ford last Wednesday, but failed to advance to the main event.
A former Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, Keselowski is now expected to return for the Daytona 500 this weekend, ending any uncertainty surrounding his availability for NASCAR’s most prestigious race.
