Brad Keselowski has dismissed the notion of an ongoing feud with Kyle Busch, despite a harsh remark he made about Busch back in 2010. Speaking about their dynamic, Keselowski explained that their relationship has experienced “more lows than highs,” but he does not consider them rivals unless both are consistently performing in the top 10.
The origin of their tensions dates back to an incident at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2010, where Keselowski referred to Busch using an offensive term during driver introductions, reportedly on a dare from fellow racer Juan Pablo Montoya. That night, Busch won the race, while Keselowski finished mid-pack. This episode resurfaced during a Reddit AMA session shared by <a href=”https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/nascar/”>NASCAR on August 21, where a fan directly questioned Keselowski about his feelings towards Busch today.
“Kyle and I have had an interesting relationship over the last decade or so. Probably more lows than highs. Here’s the thing about rivalries. You cannot have a rivalry if the two drivers are not running in the top 10. It’s not a rivalry. It’s just petty argument at that point.
“Until either one of us are consistently running in the top 10, there is no room for me to worry about Kyle Bush. So, I don’t think about him being an a** or not an a**. If Kyle Bush and I are both in the top 10, yeah, he’s an a**,” he added.
Keselowski also recounted a recent on-track collision with Busch at Texas Motor Speedway. Late in the race, Keselowski lost control of his car, inadvertently collecting Busch. He openly admitted that it was a “dumb” mistake on his part, reflecting the intensity and split-second decisions characteristic of NASCAR competition.
Insights into Keselowski’s Most Effective Drafting Partner
During the same AMA, Keselowski shared insights into his best drafting partner from his racing career, singling out Dave Blaney. He reminisced about their collaboration at the 2011 Talladega race, where the two drivers managed to finish in the top five positions.
“Dave Blaney and I drafted in 2011 fall Talladega race. He was so good, so smooth. His car was not the best, but he did everything perfect and we had a great day. That was the best person I’ve ever drafted with. Hands down,” he said, via aforementioned source.
The partnership between Keselowski, racing for Team Penske, and Blaney, who was driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing after missing most of the season, was unusual but highly effective. Despite starting 25 positions apart, they stayed together throughout the 188-lap event, with Blaney finishing third—his first top-10 of the season—and Keselowski just behind him in fourth place.
This unexpected alliance was made possible through a connection between Tommy Baldwin and Keselowski’s rookie crew chief, Paul Wolfe, highlighting the often-overlooked teamwork behind the scenes in NASCAR racing.
What This Means for the Future of Their Rivalry and Career Paths
Brad Keselowski’s comments underscore the evolving nature of rivalries in NASCAR, suggesting that competitive respect hinges largely on consistent high-level performance rather than past disputes. His readiness to put differences aside unless both drivers are contending near the front reflects a mature perspective in a sport marked by fierce competition.
The clarity around Keselowski’s relationship with Busch may ease tensions among fans and spotlight the reality that on-track incidents do not necessarily translate into personal hostility. Furthermore, his respect for Dave Blaney as a drafting partner serves as a reminder of the intricate partnerships and strategy involved in racing success. As Keselowski continues to compete, his approach to rivalry and teamwork will likely influence how engagements unfold in upcoming seasons.