Connect with us

NASCAR Cup Series

Brad Keselowski Vies for Third New Hampshire Win

Without a doubt, Brad Keselowski seeks another Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 win at New Hampshire. (Photo: Sean Folsom/The Podium Finish)

Without a doubt, Brad Keselowski seeks another Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 win at New Hampshire. (Photo: Sean Folsom/The Podium Finish)

When it comes to NASCAR Cup Series action at New Hampshire, Brad Keselowski consistently contends for victories.

Yes, the 37-year-old Rochester Hills, Mich. native consistently battles for wins on a weekly basis. However, the 2012 Cup champion possesses the magic touch at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Certainly, Brad Keselowski understands what it takes to win at “The Magic Mile.” In this case, the Team Penske racer emerged victorious in 2014 and ’20.

Moreover, Keselowski offered his thoughts on how New Hampshire Motor Speedway suits his distinct driving style.

"I feel like we could have won there half a dozen times where things just didn't quite go our way." - Brad Keselowski (Photo: Sean Folsom/The Podium Finish)

“I feel like we could have won there half a dozen times where things just didn’t quite go our way.” – Brad Keselowski (Photo: Sean Folsom/The Podium Finish)

“That’s been a great track for me, Rob,” Keselowski said. “It’s a track that takes a lot of finesse to get around. It’s really smooth with your inputs. And just take care of your car in some ways, but also know when to push it in others.

“So, we’ve got a lot of top fives here, only two wins. I feel like we could have won there half a dozen times where things just didn’t quite go our way. But, it’s certainly a great track for us.”

Surely, Brad Keselowski excels in the Granite State with an average finish of 10.5 in his past 20 starts. Notably, Keselowski has been consistent as he’s completed 5,398 of 5,992 laps, or 99.1% of the races he’s started.

All in all, Keselowski’s numbers in his past 10 starts at New Hampshire remains outstanding. With four top fives and seven top 10 results, Keselowski feels at home at NHMS.

Man of the People

Undoubtedly, Keselowski’s victory in last year’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 proved quite moving. Chiefly, Keselowski won one of the first races with fans at the track.

In the meantime, the Michigander and his rivals return to New Hampshire with a full capacity crowd. Upon reflection, Keselowski opined how he and racers appreciate race fans.

Man of the people. (Photo: Michael Guariglia/The Podium Finish)

Man of the people. (Photo: Michael Guariglia/The Podium Finish)

“Now, when you’re in the car, you really can’t tell much,” Keselowski observed. “But after the race or right before the race, it means a lot to me. I know that winning the race and getting cheers from the crowd afterwards was really heartwarming to me. And it meant a lot to me personally.

“And I thank the fans for those interactions. Maybe [it was] something that I probably took for granted earlier in my career. Like many things during the pandemic, probably a good reset for that.”

Most importantly, drivers like Brad Keselowski cherish the support and interactions of fans. By the same token, the genuine, outspoken racer receives about the same adulation from New Hampshire racing fans.

Magic Mile Takeaways

Nevertheless, Keselowski, locked into this year’s Playoff field, considers the big picture with this year’s championship. Overall, Keselowski ranks 10th in championship standings and ninth in the Playoffs.

Ultimately, New Hampshire may serve as a prelude to the season finale at Phoenix. In similar fashion, Keselowski noted the two tracks’ comparable traits and the takeaways he can apply for the postseason.

Centrally, Keselowski observes how New Hampshire serves as a prelude to Phoenix. (Photo: Michael Guariglia/The Podium Finish)

Centrally, Keselowski observes how New Hampshire serves as a prelude to Phoenix. (Photo: Michael Guariglia/The Podium Finish)

“Oh, takeaways that can be applied,” Keselowski said. “You know, basic car setups, some of the trade offs and compromises we make. Brake packages, engine packages. …there’s a lot of things that we’ll take out of this race weekend.”

Beyond another victory at New Hampshire, perhaps Keselowski may enjoy another lobster. Even more, a win this Sunday propels Keselowski into New Hampshire’s illustrious three time winners’ club.

Rob Tiongson is a 30-something motorsports journalist who enjoys sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, track and field and hockey. A Boston native turned Austinite, racing was the first sport that caught his eyes. From interviews to retrospective articles, if it's about anything with an engine and four wheels, it'll be here on TPF, by him or by one of his talented columnists who have a passion for racing. Currently seeking a sports writing, public relations, or sports marketing career, particularly in motorsports. He enjoys editing and writing articles and features, as well as photography. Moreover, he enjoys time with his family and friends, traveling, cooking, working out and being a fun uncle or "funcle" to his nephew, niece and cat. Tiongson, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, pursues his Master of Arts in Digital Journalism at St. Bonaventure University. Indeed, while Tiongson is proud to be from Massachusetts, he's an everywhere kind of man residing in Texas.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in NASCAR Cup Series