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 an American professional stock car racing driver, team owner, and entrepreneur. Currently, he races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing, which he co-owns. Previously, he owned Brad Keselowski Racing, a team that competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2007: Moved to Busch Series and Replaced Ted Musgrave

In 2007, Keselowski began competing full-time in the Busch Series, driving the No. 23 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. He also replaced Ted Musgrave in the Truck Series and was involved in a fiery crash during the Camping World 300 at California Speedway.

November 2009: Talladega Controversy

In November 2009, during the fall race at Talladega, Keselowski caused a fifteen-car melee by bumping Kurt Busch, leading to criticism and jeers from other drivers and fans.

2009: Feud with Denny Hamlin

In 2009, the feud between Keselowski and Denny Hamlin intensified in the Nationwide Series. After Keselowski punted Hamlin at Phoenix, Hamlin retaliated the following week, causing Keselowski to wreck. NASCAR penalized Hamlin for aggressive driving.

2010: Replaced David Stremme and Ran Full Nationwide Series

In 2010, Keselowski replaced David Stremme in the No. 12 Dodge Charger in the Cup Series and ran the full Nationwide Series schedule in the No. 22 Discount Tire car. He was involved in a retaliatory crash with Carl Edwards at Atlanta.

April 17, 2013: NASCAR Announces Penalties for Keselowski's Team

On April 17, 2013, NASCAR announced penalties for rear-housing infractions found in Keselowski and Logano's cars. Penalties included suspensions and fines for crew members, and a 25-point deduction for Keselowski.

2014: AAA Texas 500 Controversy and Season Achievements

In 2014, during the AAA Texas 500, Brad Keselowski was involved in a controversial incident with Jeff Gordon, leading to a pit road brawl after the race. Keselowski finished the race in third place, while Gordon finished in 29th place. Keselowski finished the 2014 season with a personal best of six victories.

2017: Penalty after Camping World 500

Following the Camping World 500 at Phoenix International Raceway in 2017, NASCAR announced that Brad Keselowski's car failed post-race laser inspection. Keselowski was penalized with a $65,000 fine, a 35-point deduction, and a 3-race suspension for crew chief Paul Wolfe.

2017: 2017 Season

In 2017, Brad Keselowski crashed out of the Daytona 500 after leading 13 laps. At Atlanta, Keselowski won the race after a penalty to Kevin Harvick.

2019: 2019 Season

In 2019, Brad Keselowski started the season with a 12th-place finish at the Daytona 500. He then won at Atlanta, Martinsville, and Kansas. Keselowski dominated the early stages of the Coke 600 but spun out with 5 to go. He was eliminated in the Round of 12 after the Kansas race.

2021: 2021 Season

Brad Keselowski started the 2021 season with a near-win in the Daytona 500, ultimately finishing 13th after a last-lap crash. He later won the GEICO 500 and reached the Round of 8 in the playoffs before being eliminated. He finished the season 6th in the points standings.

March 24, 2022: Penalty for Modification of Part

On March 24, 2022, crew chief Matt McCall was suspended for four races and fined US$100,000 for an L2 Penalty, and the No. 6 team was docked 100 driver and owner points and 10 playoff points, after the 2022 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta for modifying a single source supplied part. Team engineer Josh Sell was announced as Keselowski's crew chief for the 2022 Texas Grand Prix.

2023: 2023 Season

Brad Keselowski began the 2023 season with a 22nd-place finish at the 2023 Daytona 500. Keselowski made his 500th career start at Gateway. He made it to the playoffs and was eliminated from the Round of 12 at the conclusion of the Charlotte Roval race. Keselowski finished the season eighth in the points standings.

2024: 2024 Season

Brad Keselowski started the 2024 season with a 33rd-place DNF at the 2024 Daytona 500. He took advantage of a collision at Darlington to secure his first win of 2024, ending a 110 race winless streak for himself and a 33 race winless streak across all three series for Ford. Keselowski was eliminated from the playoffs at the conclusion of the Round of 16.