Brad Keselowski will not miss the Daytona 500 after successfully passing a pivotal test at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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The RFK Racing driver-owner has been medically cleared to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series just shy of eight weeks after breaking his femur during a family trip. He will return to the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse as he continues his pursuit of his first Daytona 500 win.
Hard work pays off. There's no one else we'd rather have in the seat.💪
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗶. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝟱𝟬𝟬. 🦅 🦅
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"This process was about discipline and patience. There were no shortcuts," Keselowski said in a press release.
"I had a poster in my workout area that said, 'Daytona. Earned not given,' and that became my mindset every day. The focus was on getting stronger, improving mobility, and making sure I was truly ready to race."
Getting back to the track required extensive rehab and multiple tests. Keselowski first underwent surgery and then he worked with his medical team and physical therapists so that he could regain the strength and mobility in his leg.
This rehab process led to one important test with the medical team. He underwent an extensive evaluation in late January. According to RFK Racing, the X-ray showed "remarkable healing."
Keselowski then turned his attention to another test, which took place behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang. He headed to Charlotte Motor Speedway a bit later than planned due to inclement weather and he completed laps.
He also showed that he could get in and out of the car, a necessity considering that the first two races on the schedule take place at tracks known for multi-car wrecks.
Now that he has received clearance, Keselowski will try to add another crown jewel to his collection. He already has a Coca-Cola 600 win, a Southern 500 win, and a Brickyard 400 win. He just does not yet have the Daytona 500. Though he has a summer race win at Daytona.
"The Daytona 500 is the most coveted race we have. The history, the names on that trophy, it speaks for itself," Keselowski said.
"I've won at Daytona, but I haven't won the 500, and that's always been one I want. After everything it took to get back to this point, having another chance at it means everything."
