Challenges in the Life of Brad Keselowski in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Brad Keselowski's life and career.

Brad Keselowski is a prominent American professional stock car racing driver, team owner, and entrepreneur. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing, a team he co-owns. Previously, Keselowski owned Brad Keselowski Racing, which operated two full-time trucks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for a decade, showcasing his involvement and success in multiple facets of the racing industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2007: Competed in Busch Series Full-Time

In 2007, Keselowski began competing in the Busch Series full-time driving the No. 23 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for Keith Coleman Racing. During the 2007 Truck Series season, he replaced Ted Musgrave and won his first career pole at Memphis. He also drove for JR Motorsports. He was involved in a violent accident at California Speedway, but was cleared to race at Richmond.

November 2009: Controversy at Talladega

In November 2009, Keselowski met controversy at Talladega when he bumped Kurt Busch causing a fifteen-car melee.

2009: Run-ins with Denny Hamlin

Throughout 2009, Keselowski had a series of run-ins with Denny Hamlin in the Nationwide Series, including an incident at Phoenix where Keselowski punted Hamlin, leading to retaliation from Hamlin the following week.

2010: Replaced David Stremme in Cup Series

In 2010, Keselowski replaced David Stremme in the No. 12 Dodge Charger in the Cup Series and ran the full Nationwide Series schedule. He was involved in a wreck at Atlanta after contact with Carl Edwards.

2010: Nationwide Wins and Rivalry with Carl Edwards

In 2010, Keselowski scored his first Nationwide win at Talladega and went on to win five more races. He also had a continued rivalry with Carl Edwards, culminating in a controversial incident at Gateway International Raceway.

2012: First DNF since the 2012 Daytona 500

In 2013 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, Keselowski was wrecked by Danica Patrick, resulting in his first DNF since the 2012 Daytona 500.

April 17, 2013: NASCAR announces penalties

On April 17, 2013, NASCAR announced penalties related to a rear-housing infraction on Keselowski and Logano's cars before the NRA 500. Penalties included suspensions, fines, and docked driver points.

May 2013: Worst spring start of a NASCAR season

From April–May 2013, Keselowski had one of his worst spring starts of a NASCAR season.

2013: Contention to win the race after two crashes

In 2013 at Talladega, after a long red flag due to rain, Keselowski drove his way up to contention to win the race after two crashes. Keselowski was not happy with David Ragan after the race due to restarting on the low line and ended up in the fifteenth spot.

2014: Controversy at AAA Texas 500 and strong season finish

In 2014, during the AAA Texas 500, Keselowski's contact with Jeff Gordon led to a pit road brawl. He finished fourth at the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500, missing the final round, but achieved a personal best of six victories in the season.

2014: Disappointing season compared to 2013

Keselowski's 2014 season was considered more disappointing compared to his 2013 performance, ending with one win, nine top-five finishes, 25 top-tens, three poles, and one DNF.

2015: Pole position at Texas and Chase elimination

In 2015, Keselowski started on the pole at Texas, leading the most laps but finishing second. After a bad finish at Phoenix, he was eliminated from the Chase. He led the most laps at the Ford 400, finishing 3rd after a late caution.

2017: NASCAR Penalty and Auto Club 400 Finish

Following the 2017 Camping World 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, NASCAR penalized Keselowski with a $65,000 fine, a 35-point deduction, and a three-race suspension for crew chief Paul Wolfe due to a failed post-race laser inspection. In the 2017 Auto Club 400, Keselowski finished second.

2017: Daytona 500 Crash and Atlanta Win

In 2017, Keselowski crashed out of the Daytona 500 after leading thirteen laps. At Atlanta, after pit issues and a penalty for Kevin Harvick, Keselowski won the race after battling with Kyle Larson.

2021: Daytona 500 Crash and GEICO 500 Win

In 2021, Keselowski crashed in the Daytona 500 final lap but later won the GEICO 500. He made it to the Round of 8 in the playoffs before being eliminated and finished the season sixth in points.

March 24, 2022: Matt McCall Suspension and Penalty

On March 24, 2022, crew chief Matt McCall was suspended for four races and fined US$100,000 for an L2 Penalty. The No. 6 team was also docked one-hundred driver and owner points and ten playoff points.

December 2025: Skiing Accident

In December 2025, Keselowski injured his leg in a skiing accident.

2025: No Playoff Appearance and Season Result

Keselowski started the 2025 season with a 26th-place finish at the Daytona 500. With no wins during the regular season, he failed to make the playoffs and finished the season 20th in the points standings.