For NASCAR drivers, sometimes life outside racing takes precedence. As was the case for Brad Keselowski during the final weekend of the season. During a crucial qualifying session at Phoenix, Keselowski was notably absent from the No. 6 car. The reason? His wife had gone into labor, and family came first. On a day when Keselowski couldn’t qualify the No. 6 car in person, it was Cole Custer who stepped up to the plate, ensuring the car’s presence at Phoenix.

However, the racing community is abuzz with speculation that Keselowski might be gearing up for a grand comeback. RFK Racing, the home of the No. 6 car, took to Twitter, declaring the possible comeback. The tweet ignited hope among fans and insiders, suggesting that Brad Keselowski might just rejoin the action in the season finale.

Brad Keselowski is set to race in the season finale after welcoming baby boy

When Brad Keselowski rushed to the hospital for the birth of his third child, RFK Racing promptly made the announcement, revealing that Cole Custer would step in to qualify the No. 6 car in Keselowski’s absence.

In a tweet, RFK Racing expressed the situation, stating, “Brad Keselowski will not qualify the No. 6 car today, due to his wife, Paige, going into labor. In place of him, Cole Custer will qualify the car later this afternoon. The expectation is that Brad will return to Phoenix Sunday to drive the No. 6 in the NASCAR Cup Series Race.”

Keselowski will start the race at the back of the grid

Cole Custer, known for his stints in the Cup Series, took the wheel in Keselowski’s stead. However, it now appears that Keselowski may return for the final race of the season. Custer’s appearance at the wheel added a twist to the story. The young driver has been on the Cup Series circuit before, racing full-time from 2020 through 2022. He also had an eventful Saturday, winning the Xfinity Series Championship after pulling the double duty, a testament to his racing prowess.

Although Cole Custer did run the qualifying laps for Brad Keselowski on Saturday, the RFK Racing team owner will have to start the race from the back of the grid on Sunday’s season finale at Phoenix. How far can he go in the race from the back? That remains to be found out, but the team has said that they want to end their season on a high note.

The official word from RFK Racing carried an air of optimism as they tweeted, “Let’s end ’23 on a high note.”

Adding fuel to the fire of anticipation, David Segal, a host at SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, tweeted, “.@ColeCuster says ‘it sounds like’ Brad @keselowski will indeed be back @phoenixraceway to pilot the No. 6 Ford for @RFKracing Sunday after the birth of their son. Didn’t want to 100% confirm, but all signs point to the big championship celebration being a go 🍻 #NASCAR.”

READ MORE: Proud Dad Brad Keselowski Welcomes Baby Boy to His Family Hours After Missing Phoenix Qualifiers

NASCAR fans and enthusiasts are keeping their fingers crossed for Brad Keselowski’s return, as he aims to end the season on a high note and, quite possibly, with a big win to celebrate the birth of his son.