At 41 years old, Brad Keselowski has reached the stage where many NASCAR Cup Series drivers begin contemplating retirement, and he is no different. Following Denny Hamlin’s recent two-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing, Keselowski admitted that he has been wrestling with his own thoughts about stepping away from racing, although he hasn’t fully accepted that possibility yet.
Keselowski shared his internal battle with retirement during an interview at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend, revealing the emotional complexity behind his contemplation of retirement amid his racing career’s ups and downs.
Examining Keselowski’s Career Slump and Uncertain Future
From 2011 to 2021, Keselowski established himself as one of NASCAR’s top drivers by securing 32 Cup Series wins, including the 2012 championship title. However, since the beginning of the 2022 season, he has only managed to win a single race. This decline in performance has fueled ongoing uncertainty about how much longer he will remain active on the track.
Keselowski, now co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, parted ways with Team Penske before the 2022 season, intensifying the questions about his future. He described the roller coaster nature of his career, fluctuating between moments of confidence and periods of frustration.
You go through these stretches where you know you’re winning and you’re super-competitive and you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ll go until my body fails me,’
Keselowski shared.
And then you have a stretch of races where nothing seems to be going right, whether it’s your fault or not. And then you’re like, ‘I don’t want to do this any more.’
I think those are natural ebbs and flows that you work through. And you have to find your own motivation. That motivation changes throughout your career.
What Encourages Keselowski to Keep Racing for Now
Despite a less consistent presence at the front of the pack recently, Keselowski demonstrates that he can still be competitive, as shown during a late June event at EchoPark Speedway. There, he led 46 laps and appeared poised for victory before finishing second to Chase Elliott.
This close result was especially difficult because Keselowski needed a win for an automatic playoff berth, but it also provided a sign of hope amid a challenging season.
You find different things that motivate you,
Keselowski explained.
I know my motivations have changed over the years. And that’s OK. But I’m tying this all back into the thought that if I go out here and run really well, and I have a shot to win, I’ll walk back in the garage area and say that I’ve probably got 10 more years left.
It’s a very strong, emotional roller coaster being a race car driver.
Emotional Challenges Shape Keselowski’s Continued Commitment
The highs and lows Keselowski faces as a driver persistently challenge his desire to continue competing at the top level. His ongoing internal struggle reflects the tough decisions many racers confront as they approach the twilight of their careers.
Despite doubts and moments of frustration, Keselowski appears ready to ride the emotional roller coaster of racing until he decisively chooses to step away from the sport, influenced by the passion and motivation that still drive him forward.