Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver Brad Keselowski underwent leg surgery ahead of the 2026 Cup Series season. As a result, the former Cup Series champion will miss the season’s first non-points-paying race. NASCAR veteran Corey LaJoie reacted to the news and will replace Keselowski while the RFK driver recovers.
Corey LaJoie Sends Message to Brad Keselowski
The No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver went on a ski trip with his family in December 2025. During the trip, he suffered an unfortunate accident and broke his leg. Keselowski later underwent surgery, during which a titanium stabilizing rod was inserted in his leg. Following the procedure, he shared an optimistic message with FOX Sports regarding his return for the Daytona 500.
In response to the situation, the NASCAR Cup Series team announced veteran driver LaJoie as Keselowski’s replacement for The Clash. LaJoie expressed his gratitude to the team and shared an X post wishing Keselowski a speedy recovery. He wrote:
“happy to be of service. Wishing BK a speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse.”
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. The 50.6-mile race will be broadcast live on FOX Sports, MRN, SiriusXM, and HBO Max at 8 p.m. ET. Last season, Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott won the 200-lap race, while Brad Keselowski finished P21.
When Brad Keselowski Got Candid About His RFK Teammates’ Performance in the 2025 Cup Series Season
In April 2025, RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski appeared at a media availability ahead of the first Talladega Superspeedway race. During the conversation, Keselowski discussed his RFK Racing teammates Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher and their performances during the season.
The No. 6 Ford Dark Horse Mustang driver endured one of his worst seasons in 2025 since his rookie year. He failed to record a single victory in 36 starts, ultimately missing the playoffs. Meanwhile, Preece and Buescher performed better than he did.
Reflecting on that, Keselowski stated:
“They’re pushing me, which is good. I don’t want it to be a one-directional relationship where I was pushing them. Maybe I got a little more than I hoped for (laughing), but I really like the intensity that both of them have. Ryan has brought a level of thoroughness that is very impressive and the effort that comes with that. Ryan and Chris are two great race car drivers.”
“My goal for them is to put them in equipment and surround them with a team to where they can display that they’re elite race car drivers. I don’t feel like I’ve fully realized that yet. I’m pretty happy with the teams we’ve built around them.”
Keselowski finished the 2025 season ranked 20th, recording 13 top-10 finishes and six top-five finishes. Buescher ranked 17th with 16 top-10 finishes and five top-fives. Meanwhile, Preece finished 18th in the standings with 14 top-10 finishes, three top-fives, and a pole position at Richmond Raceway.
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