Brad Keselowski, known for his innovative approach on the race track, has adopted a technique commonly used in football by applying eye black under his eyes during NASCAR events. This practice helps reduce glare from sunlight while driving, enhancing his vision and performance during races. Keselowski has shared that this simple step allows him to better manage sunlight without compromising his ability to see crucial track conditions.
In the past, NASCAR teams relied on tinted windshields to minimize sunlight glare, but this approach came with drawbacks. Tinting made it difficult for drivers to spot wet patches on the racetrack, which could be hazardous. Keselowski’s decision to use eye black is a clever solution that addresses both visibility and safety concerns during sunny races.
“When you have tint on the windshield, you can’t see those (rain) spots on the racetrack. So, what we tend to do with my cars is try not to run the tint on any races where we think it might rain. The problem with that is it makes it very bright inside the race car. The glare gets worse. Using eyeblack helps to offset that without making it to where I can’t see the racetrack when it’s wet,” Brad Keselowski said via NASCAR’s YouTube channel (4:58 onwards)
This football-inspired adjustment highlights Keselowski’s practical and adaptive mindset, showing how borrowing tactics from other sports can provide an advantage in the highly technical environment of NASCAR racing.
A Challenging Season and Personal Milestones for Brad Keselowski
Outside of his race-day strategies, Brad Keselowski experienced a significant personal event as he and his wife, Paige, welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy, shortly before the conclusion of the regular NASCAR season. This positive moment came amid a challenging year for Keselowski, who has struggled to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Despite not qualifying for the postseason, Keselowski expressed hope for a strong finish at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, aiming to end the season on a high note after a series of competitive performances.
“It has been a good week; I’d like to finish it strong. We’re running really well, we’re competitive. Obviously, off the track, having a baby was great. A lot of really good things are going on.” Brad Keselowski said via NASCAR on FOX.
Although Keselowski showed promising performance throughout the latter half of the season, including four top-five finishes, he was unable to capture a victory at Daytona, which ultimately kept him out of the playoff race. This outcome marks a setback for the RFK Racing team, adding to the uncertainty about their future playoff prospects.
What Brad Keselowski’s Eye Black Strategy Reveals About His Approach
Keselowski’s use of eye black exemplifies his detailed focus on optimizing race conditions, combining athletic techniques with motorsport requirements. His ability to identify and incorporate straightforward yet effective solutions paints a picture of a driver who continuously seeks to maintain an edge at critical moments on the track.
As Keselowski and the RFK Racing team look ahead, this adaptive mindset could play a key role in overcoming the challenges faced during this season and beyond, especially as they prepare for future events where weather and visibility will remain crucial factors.
