Brad Keselowski openly condemned the NASCAR testing ban in 2010, describing the regulation as a “stranglehold” that is suffocating the sport’s growth and competitiveness. In an interview, Keselowski made clear his strong opposition to the ban, emphasizing that if given the authority, he would immediately remove it to improve racing conditions and opportunity.
At that time, NASCAR enforced strict testing restrictions across the Cup, Xfinity, Truck, Truck East, and Truck West series while easing rules for regional tours. The ban was originally enacted to help reduce costs for teams and level the playing field by preventing wealthier teams from gaining advantages through extensive practice sessions. Despite these intentions, Keselowski and other drivers and owners criticized the rule as counterproductive, arguing it provides smaller teams with excuses rather than fostering true parity.
Interview with Jeff Gluck Reveals Keselowski’s Stance on Testing Regulations
During a 12-question interview with Jeff Gluck, a former SB Nation journalist, Keselowski was asked which change he would make if he controlled NASCAR. Without hesitation, Keselowski called for the elimination of the testing ban.
“Without hesitation, I’d get rid of the testing ban, Keselowski said without hesitation. ‘It’s ridiculous. It has a stranglehold on the sport and it’s slowly getting tighter and tighter, like a python.'”
When asked if the ban helps smaller teams compete with larger ones, Keselowski firmly disagreed with that rationale.
“No, that allows the smaller teams to have an excuse, is what it does. That’s the biggest excuse I’ve ever heard in my life. That’s ridiculous. Yes, it costs money. But if you can’t figure out a way to test, you don’t belong in the sport. That’s just all-out honesty.”
Despite these opinions, NASCAR’s testing restrictions remain firmly in place across all national series, including the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck series, with no public indication of a change in policy on the horizon.
Keselowski Reflects on Recent Disappointing Performance at Atlanta
Following another near-miss finish, Brad Keselowski shared his frustration after placing second in the Echopark Speedway Cup Series race, narrowly beaten by Chase Elliott from Hendrick Motorsports. The result marked yet another missed opportunity for victory, intensifying Keselowski’s disappointment.
The RFK driver started the race from sixth position and moved up to second place by the end of the first stage. However, his standing slipped to 10th during the second stage before rallying back to challenge at the front in the final segment, but Elliott ultimately secured the win.
“I don’t think about [the playoffs], I just want to win… every [loss] stings.”
This statement captures Keselowski’s frustration as he continues his pursuit of wins rather than just playoff placement, underscoring his competitive drive despite setbacks.
The Ongoing Impact of the Testing Ban on NASCAR’s Future
Keselowski’s outspoken criticism of the testing ban illustrates deeper tensions within NASCAR about balancing financial restrictions and competitive fairness. While the ban aims to reduce expenses and level competition, many feel it stifles innovation and development, limiting teams’ ability to improve through hands-on testing.
As Keselowski insists, the ban may protect smaller teams from the cost burden but ultimately hinders the sport’s progress by limiting genuine competition and innovation. Without any signs of reconsidering the policy, this ongoing limitation could continue to affect the quality of racing and the future growth of NASCAR.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. The Keselowski family has Polish roots. He spent a lot of his teenage years helping at his dad’s race shop, where he cleaned floors and mowed the lawn. In 2000, Keselowski started competing in stock car races in the Factory Stock division.