A Sudden Setback for a NASCAR Legend
Brad Keselowski, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion who now co-owns RFK Racing, announced on Friday that he broke his right leg while on a ski trip with his family. The injury forced him to undergo surgery on Thursday and has put his hopes of competing in the season-opening Daytona 500 in February on hold.
Medical Update and Recovery Outlook
Doctors performed a routine surgical procedure to repair the break, and they have told Keselowski to expect a quick and full recovery. In a social-media post, the driver thanked his family, the medical team, and expressed optimism: “Life has a way of reminding you to slow down,” he wrote, sharing photos of himself in the hospital surrounded by his wife and children, a picture of the broken leg, and a video of him using a walker. He added, “Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus – I’m now bionic!”
Impact on RFK Racing and the Racing Community
RFK Racing released a statement that mirrored the driver’s sentiments while also acknowledging the broader tragedy that struck the team earlier in the week. “First and foremost, our hearts remain heavy with the news of yesterday’s tragic events,” the team said. “The RFK Racing family, as well as the NASCAR community, as a whole, continues to keep those close to The Biffle Family and all those affected in our thoughts. Albeit untimely, we feel that in the interest of transparency we share RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg while on a ski trip with his family Thursday.” The statement underscored the team’s commitment to transparency amid the loss of longtime driver Greg Biffle and six others in a fatal plane crash.
Keselowski’s Career Context
At 42, Keselowski is entering his 17th full season at the Cup Series level. He spent the bulk of his driving career with Team Penske before purchasing a stake in Roush Fenway Racing in 2022 and becoming an owner-driver of the rebranded team. The driver has 36 career victories in the top tier, won the 2012 Cup Series championship for Penske, and captured the Xfinity Series title in 2010. He has 39 wins in NASCAR’s second-tier series and has only one points-paying race since leaving Penske.
Keselowski’s injury is not his first major leg break. In 2011, he fractured his ankle during a test session and went on to win a Cup Series race at Pocono just days later. The recent break, however, comes at a time when the driver is eager to return to full strength and compete for the Daytona 500, the season’s flagship event.
The Broader Racing Landscape
Keselowski’s injury is one of several recent leg injuries that have impacted top NASCAR drivers. Chase Elliott missed six races in the 2023 season after a snowboarding crash that broke his leg early in the year. Kyle Busch, who broke his leg in a crash at Daytona in 2015, missed 11 races that season but recovered to win the Cup championship that year. These incidents highlight the physical risks inherent in motorsports and the resilience required of drivers to return to competition.
Key Takeaways
- Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, broke his right leg on a ski trip and underwent routine surgery.
- Doctors expect a quick recovery, but the driver will miss the Daytona 500 in February.
- The injury coincides with RFK Racing’s recent tragedy involving the death of Greg Biffle and six others.
- Keselowski has a storied career, including a 2012 Cup Series championship and 36 top-tier victories.
- The incident underscores the physical dangers faced by NASCAR drivers, as seen with recent injuries to Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch.
The driver’s public statements and the team’s transparent communication illustrate a focus on recovery and support for the broader racing community during a challenging time. Keselowski’s return to the track will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike as the season approaches its most anticipated race.
