Following a December 18th skiing trip, Brad Keselowski came home with a broken femur, and he has been on the mend ever since. But announced today by Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, the 2012 Cup Series champ will be forced to sit out of the preseason opener at Bowman Gray Stadium, the annual Clash.

Brad is fully focused on healing up and being ready for the high banks of Daytona for the Daytona 500 and qualifying duels. So in his stead in the No. 6 Ford Mustand will be a familiar face, Corey LaJoie. LaJoie hasn’t made a Cup Series start since the summer Atlanta race last season, but he has been in a Ford since being traded to Rick Ware Racing late in 2024.

“I’m happy for Corey to get this opportunity. I’m laser-focused on being ready for Daytona.” – Brad Keselowski

Image Credit: Patrick Vallely