“Stinks for You, but the Sport Moves On”: Brad Keselowski in Line With Divisive NASCAR System

By most measures, 2023 has been a fantastic year for Brad Keselowski. The RFK driver-owner had a forgettable 2022, both as a driver and owner, with both cars missing the playoffs. Cut to this season, and Keselowski himself sits comfortably ahead of the playoff cutoff on points, with Chris Buescher already locked in the final 16 on the back of consecutive wins. But it could still come crashing down for the 2012 Cup champ though.

With Michael McDowell’s victory at Indiana, things can get really interesting from here. Keselowski could still miss the playoffs if there are two new winners in the remaining regular season races at Watkins Glen and Daytona.

Brad Keselowski has no issue with NASCAR’s win-and-qualify playoff aspect

Last year, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. finished in the top 5 in the regular season but still missed the playoffs as he finished the regular season without a win. With just two races to go, the #6 driver is in the same position.

If there are indeed two winners, that would mean that only one driver between Keselowski and Kevin Harvick would make the playoffs. Is the system fair? According to Keselowski, he feels it is one that provides the best drama to the fans.

“The reality is that’s the moments the system was meant to create. And sometimes it can create those moments whether the sport wants them or the fan base wants them or not.”

“That’s just part of our sport right now.”

Keselowski can feel what Chase Elliott is going through

On how missing the playoffs affects the mental psyche of a perennial winner, Keselowski said, “I missed the playoffs in 2013 and then last year in 2022, and it stinks for you, but the sport moves on it just like you weren’t even there.” 

“It’s a very humbling moment when you miss the playoffs when you’ve had a lot of years of success. I have a lot of empathy for whether it be Chase or some of the other guys on the outside.”

For most of the season, Keselowski has remained in the top half of the points standings on the back of consistent finishes. The only thing that has eluded the RFK driver is a win, and that is what can make the difference in how the season will be viewed after Daytona.