Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and accomplished NASCAR Cup Series driver, has expressed strong opinions regarding the growing number of road courses on the NASCAR schedule. He emphasized that NASCAR was originally designed as an oval racing series and questioned the recent expansion of road course events.
Keselowski, who holds 36 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including prestigious races such as the Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500, made his remarks in response to discussions about fan interest in road racing within NASCAR.
Debate on NASCAR’s Road Course Expansion Sparks Reactions
The conversation was sparked after motorsports reporter Pete Pistone shared fan enthusiasm for more road courses across social media platforms. He noted the irony amid criticism about having “too many” road courses given the fans’ earlier calls for additional events of this type.
“The criticism from some today about “too many” road courses is ironic to me because fans literally strongly asked for more just a handful of years ago – so many callers to the channel and as this story reminds on other platforms.”
—Pete Pistone, Motorsports Reporter
Keselowski replied by highlighting how NASCAR has expanded from two to potentially seven road course races next season. He pointed out that NASCAR was built primarily around oval racing, while IMSA remains the dominant road racing series in North America, excelling at that discipline.
“We went from 2 to 6 Road course races, Possibly 7 next year. NASCAR was successfully built as a primarily oval racing series. IMSA was built as the primary road course series in North America. IMSA will always do road racing better than NASCAR and that’s ok. Yes, TOO Many Road courses in NASCAR.”
—Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner and Driver
His views reflect ongoing debates within the sport about balancing the mix of oval and road racing events, suggesting that while road courses showcase driver versatility, the heritage and identity of NASCAR remain rooted in oval competition.
Keselowski’s Early Exit at Chicago Highlights Road Course Challenges
Keselowski’s recent race at the 2025 Chicago Street Course underscored the difficulties oval specialists face on road course layouts. His event ended prematurely due to a multi-car wreck just four laps in. Carson Hocevar’s wall contact exiting turn 10 led to a spin that blocked the narrow street course track.
Trying to avoid the incident, Keselowski braked hard, but was pushed into the wreck by Daniel Suarez from behind. The resulting pileup involved several drivers, including Austin Dillon, Todd Gilliland, AJ Allmendinger, Will Brown, and Riley Herbst. The crash damaged Keselowski’s #6 Ford Mustang with a broken left front suspension, forcing him to retire early. This marked his sixth Did Not Finish (DNF) of the season.
“Wrong spot, wrong time. The #77 (Carson Hocevar) wrecked and blocked the track. I was going to get stopped to not hit him, or if I was going to, it was going to be light, then like three cars came from behind and blasted us.”
—Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner and Driver
“It broke the left front suspension off the car. It’s a shame we never got a chance to show what we had. I thought we were pretty good, but that’s just how it goes,”
—Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-owner and Driver
The incident highlighted the narrow layouts and limited passing opportunities common on street circuits, which can quickly turn minor mistakes into race-ending crashes for drivers used to wide oval tracks.
What Keselowski’s Comments Mean for NASCAR’s Future
Brad Keselowski’s firm stance on the number of road courses in NASCAR raises questions about how the series will balance fan interest, driver skill sets, and traditional racing roots. While road courses add variety and excitement, Keselowski’s remarks suggest a need to preserve NASCAR’s core identity as an oval racing series.
With the potential increase to seven road course races next season, the discussion will likely continue among drivers, team owners, and fans about the ideal mix of race types in the Cup Series schedule. Keselowski’s perspective reinforces that while road racing is respected, oval racing remains NASCAR’s foundation and competitive trademark.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. Facebook wishes good luck to Brad Keselowski, a seasoned NASCAR driver with Polish roots. He’s racing in the NASCAR Chicago event this weekend. Brad competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.