Brad Keselowski, a mainstay of the racing world and a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Cup Series, is no stranger to controversy. His audacious entrance into the sport at the tender age of 28 culminated in a resounding victory in the 2012 championship for Team Penske. Yet, despite his prowess on the track, he found himself facing an unexpected adversary – the crowd’s lack of support. This was not entirely surprising as the young and combative Keselowski was seen as a disruptor within the sport.
Always one to push the envelope, Keselowski grabbed headlines a few weeks prior to clinching his title when he took to Twitter during a red-flagged session at Phoenix Raceway. His tweets, aimed at engaging fans, earned him a $25,000 fine from NASCAR officials. But it was these moments that underscored Keselowski’s fierce individuality and unwavering commitment to change.
Fast forward to 2025, and the once unstoppable Keselowski finds himself in a 13-year championship drought. His career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but a bitter memory from 2014 has recently resurfaced. In a poignant social media post, Keselowski, who now co-owns and drives for Roush Fenway Keselowski, reflected on his ill-fated 2014 championship run, which was derailed by mechanical issues.
The 2014 season had all the ingredients of a Keselowski triumph. With a series-leading six victories, he was poised to clinch another title. However, a mechanical failure during the penultimate round at Martinsville saw him sidelined with just 35 laps to go. Over a decade later, Keselowski has publicly acknowledged the devastating impact of this incident on his 2014 championship bid.
A mechanical failure at Martinsville wasn’t the only challenge Keselowski faced in 2014. A pivotal incident with Jeff Gordon during the AAA Texas 500 saw both drivers’ championship hopes crushed. A collision during the closing laps resulted in Gordon’s car suffering a flat tire and spinning out. The ensuing post-race brawl and Gordon’s scathing comments left a lasting imprint on NASCAR history. Keselowski, however, remained unapologetic, defending his aggressive driving style and insisting he was not at fault.
Despite these past setbacks, Keselowski entered the 2025 season with renewed hope. Co-owning RFK Racing and finishing runner-up in the Bowman Gray Clash were promising signs. However, subsequent disappointments, including a rough start in the Daytona 500 and a crash at Atlanta, have put him far behind the championship leaders. But with the season still young, the veteran driver has ample time to turn things around.
In addition to his on-track challenges, Keselowski has been vocal about the energy crisis currently plaguing NASCAR’s manufacturing sector. As a team owner, he has first-hand experience of the issues facing the sport, particularly the rising costs and instability of energy supply. His concerns are shared by NASCAR’s three major engine manufacturers – Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet – who are grappling with supply chain disruptions and escalating energy costs.
Keselowski’s call for NASCAR to adapt to the changing energy landscape is not new. He has previously expressed concerns about the increasing market share of Elon Musk’s Tesla in the American market and advocated for the adoption of a hybrid model. As the 2025 Cup series continues, Keselowski’s focus remains firmly on the track, albeit with a watchful eye on the wider issues impacting the sport.