Brad Keselowski's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Brad Keselowski. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2008: First Nationwide Series Victory and Sprint Cup Debut

In 2008, Keselowski earned his first career victory in the Nationwide Series at Nashville Superspeedway. He also made his Sprint Cup debut for Hendrick Motorsports, finishing 19th at Texas.

2009: First Sprint Cup Victory at Talladega

In 2009, Keselowski earned his first career Sprint Cup victory in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega after a controversial last-lap incident involving Carl Edwards. The event resulted in injuries to eight fans.

2009: Fourth Win at Iowa Speedway

In 2009, Keselowski secured his fourth win at the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, marking his first-ever Nationwide race victory.

2009: Nationwide Series Title

With crew chief Paul Wolfe all year, in 2009 Keselowski won his first-ever NASCAR Nationwide Series title, collecting 6 wins, five poles, 26 top-fives, and 29 top-tens along the way. His 26 top-fives beat Kyle Busch's record of 25 top-fives set in 2009.

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.

2011: Qualifies for his First Career Chase

In 2011, Brad Keselowski secured a spot in the Chase for the Cup due to NASCAR's rule change designating wild card slots for drivers with the most wins ranked eleventh through twentieth in points. Keselowski finished the regular season eleventh in points, using his three wins to qualify for his first career Chase.

2011: Wins the 2011 STP 400 at Kansas Speedway

In 2011, Brad Keselowski won the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 and then won the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway, holding off Dale Earnhardt Jr. on fuel mileage and running out of fuel after the victory.

2011: Second Place at Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen & Irwin Tools Night Race win

In 2011, Keselowski finished second at the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen after leading late but being passed by Marcos Ambrose. He followed this with a third-place finish at the Pure Michigan 400 and a win at the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol.

March 18, 2012: Wins Food City 500

On March 18, 2012, Keselowski won the Food City 500 at Bristol. He also won the Aaron's 499 at Talladega. It was Dodge's first Sprint Cup Series win at Talladega since Dave Marcis in 1976.

June 30, 2012: Wins at Kentucky Speedway

On June 30, 2012, Keselowski won his third race at Kentucky Speedway, becoming the first driver to win three races in the 2012 Cup season. Starting with Kentucky, he had a hot streak, earning his Sprint Cup title.

2012: Wins Sprint Cup Championship

2012 was Keselowski's best Sprint Cup season to date: he won five races and the Sprint Cup championship. He posted pictures and status updates via Twitter from his car during a red flag period at the Daytona 500 where he finished 32nd due to a crash.

2012: Qualifies for the Chase for the Sprint Cup

During the 2012 Sprint Cup season, Keselowski achieved a second-place finish at Michigan after leading with 10 laps remaining. His strong performance qualified him for the Chase for the Sprint Cup, entering in fourth place due to his three regular-season wins.

2012: Championship Win with Wolfe

In 2012, Brad Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe won the championship, marking a significant milestone in their nine-year partnership which ended prior to the 2020 season.

August 10, 2013: Wins Nationwide Series Race at Watkins Glen

On August 10, 2013, Keselowski won at Watkins Glen in the Nationwide series, giving him four consecutive wins in his last four starts.

September 5, 2013: Wins Nationwide Series race at Richmond

On September 5, 2013, Keselowski won his third Nationwide Series race at Richmond, making it five race wins in his last six starts.

2013: National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame Award

In 2013, Keselowski received the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame Excellence in Sports Award in Troy, Michigan.

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.

2018: Wins at Darlington, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas

The 2018 season saw Keselowski winning back-to-back races at Darlington and Indianapolis, achieving Team Penske's first Brickyard 400 victory. He also won at Las Vegas, giving Roger Penske his 500th overall motorsports victory, but was eliminated from the Round of 12 after the Kansas race.

2019: Wins at Atlanta, Martinsville, and Kansas; Round of 12 Elimination

In 2019, Keselowski won at Atlanta, Martinsville, and Kansas, marking his 60th win with Team Penske and the first MENCS win for the new Ford Mustang GT. He was later eliminated in the Round of 12 after the Kansas race for the second consecutive season.

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.