Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing creates memories for race fans each weekend. (Photo: Hayden Hutchison | The Podium Finish)
DEL VALLE, Texas — Over the years, Brad Keselowski has evolved from the tenacious young racer who debuted in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway in 2004 to one of the respected, successful NASCAR Cup Series racers of this era.
The native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, won the championship in the Cup Series in 2012 and won crown jewel races at Darlington and Indianapolis in 2018. Of course, the on track accomplishments are significant to Keselowski, who was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
Most recently, Keselowski’s most remarkable venture in racing was purchasing an ownership stake with one of the stalwart Cup powerhouse teams, Roush Fenway Racing ahead of the 2022 season, moving from his perennial ride with Team Penske.
For the past three years, Keselowski elevated the performance and dynamics of the longtime Ford Performance team. Pairing with Chris Buescher, RFK Racing has won at least one Cup race each season with teammate Chris Buescher scoring five of the team’s six victories in that timespan.
Perhaps one of the crowning achievements of Keselowski’s venture with RFK Racing was driving his No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry to a victory in last year’s Goodyear 400, returning to the winner’s circle since his win at Talladega in the spring of 2021.
It was only matter of time before the floodgates opened for Keselowski’s return to a Cup Series Victory Lane after some close calls since becoming a co-owner of the RFK Racing organization.
“Yeah, that was a big win for us. We had a number of second place finishes over the last two years,” Keselowski said. “It feels like half a dozen or more. And when you’re that close, it doesn’t punch through, it stings a little bit. So to be able to push through and get that win, it’s a big moment for us. And I feel like we have a lot more wins left in us.”
Brad Keselowski takes the unmistakable colors of his No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang Dark Horse around the shorter but action packed Circuit of the Americas. (Photo: John Arndt | The Podium Finish)
Unlike the majority of the drivers in the Cup Series, Keselowski has the unique vantage point of understanding the incredible potential for his team not only as a driver, but as one of the owners of RFK Racing, particularly in his belief, at least in hashtag form of the #6NeverQuits.
With the pair of drafting-style races in the books to start the 2025 campaign, Keselowski knows that insatiable desire to elevate himself and his team may be realized as the season progresses, starting at COTA to the series’ return to Atlanta in June.
“I think about that all the time,” he shared. “I’m really excited when we get to the meat and potatoes of the schedule here this summer, with the effort we’re putting together with our cars and our team to be able to capitalize on that. And I think the best is yet to come.”
As a driver who wears many different hats, Keselowski has that John Madden-like perspective of understanding the big picture. By that, the 36-time Cup race winner serves as an analyst for FOX NASCAR, particularly with their Truck Series coverage.
Following Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions, Keselowski, who will start 26th in Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, considered the positives of the new National Course layout that has promoted more excitement and action for the drivers and fans.
“Well, one thing about NASCAR is it’s always changing. And sometimes it’s a car, sometimes it’s a driver, sometimes it’s the tracks,” Keselowski said. “And, this week, [it’s] a big change in the track. The track has been shortened up by almost a mile with two new corners that kind of cut off a little bit of the track, but I like it.
“It’s a little different change of pace, and I think that’s neat. Maybe some dive bomb opportunities, maybe more passing, but more importantly for the fans, just more laps, more times to see the cars.”
Brad Keselowski appreciates his support system to ride the highs and lows of life in the fast lane. (Photo: John Arndt | The Podium Finish)
For some on the outside, Keselowski’s dual role as a co-owner and driver seems glamorous. But for those in the know, naturally, there are stressful times due to a myriad of reasons, whether figuring out how to improve the big picture for a Cup organization returning toward the front of the field or even the grind of a racing season.
When it all comes down to it, Keselowski can turn to his support system in family and friends to help him cope through the adverse moments of life to fully enjoy the highs when they come.
“Healthy coping mechanisms — that’s really important,” Keselowski said. “Probably one of the biggest things you can do in your life is develop healthy coping mechanisms. You’ll have good days and bad days, and you got to be able to handle the bad days. And being surrounded with a lot of good people that you can rely on to to get you through the process and work through problems.”
