DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 15, 2026) – Brad Keselowski led Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing’s charge back to the front Sunday at Daytona, delivering a determined comeback that put him squarely in contention on NASCAR’s biggest stage. His performance embodied RFK Racing’s 2026 rallying cry, “Back to the front,” as Keselowski showcased the team’s continued progress and his own determination to fight his way forward at one of the sport’s biggest and most challenging events.

6 Brad Keselowski
Following a grueling off season, spent rehabilitating from a broken femur suffered December 18th, in an accident outside of racing, Brad Keselowski was primed for a triumphant return. With his eyes set on capturing his first Daytona 500 win, the Castrol Ford rolled off ninth in the Great American Race and Keselowski quickly reminded the field he was a factor. He surged to second by Lap 18 and looked poised to control the early draft before a close call with Kyle Busch. Busch got loose, making slight contact with the 6 car. Keselowski, who showed veteran car control, kept the car from spinning and continued clawing forward. He rose as high as fourth, before giving up track position in favor of a late stage pit-stop.

During stage two Keselowski again demonstrated his escape ability, narrowly avoiding a Lap 85 multi car crash. When racing resumed, he rode the outside lane to drive up to 11th. Still his survival skills were necessary. Another wreck near lap 124 forced him to squeeze through the spinning cars, and once again came out unscathed but still middle of the pack. Keselowski ended the stage 29th, but very much in contention in a race where patience and drafting knowledge are paramount, and hallmarks of Keselowski’s superspeedway skill set.

The final stage delivered the drama. Restarting 10th, Keselowski deftly worked his way into the top five as the draft became an intense three wide battle. After a green flag stop with 14 laps remaining, a late caution set up a sprint to the checkers. Keselowski had one last shot, firing off from fourth. With momentum on the outside and teammate Chris Buescher nearby, Keselowski powered toward the front and appeared on the verge of capturing his first Daytona 500 victory. Instead, a car slid up the track and triggered a crash directly ahead of him, collecting the No. 6 as he crossed line fifth. A stellar run, and impressive return from injury.

“A lot of chaos,” said Keselowski. “The last restart I gave William Byron a great push and just wasn’t enough to move our lane. I was giving him all I had, and then right here at the end I had this huge run and the 35 wrecked us. Really disappointed.”

As for his leg.

“Great. Great,” Keselowski added. “Once you’re in the race car, I’ve got a fast Mustang and you’re just digging.”