Brad Keselowski, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, recently recalled a dramatic crash involving Dennis Setzer during the Thatlook.com 200 Truck Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 8, 2000. The incident, which occurred in the 15th race of the 2000 NASCAR season, left a lasting impression on Keselowski, who admired Setzer as a role model for his toughness and resilience.
Setzer’s truck was severely damaged in the accident, but remarkably, he escaped without fatal injuries and even competed in the following race despite his bruises. Keselowski and his brother Brian were tasked with dismantling Setzer’s wrecked vehicle after it was transported back to Michigan, an experience Keselowski described as unforgettable because of the extent of the damage concentrated around the center section and seat area.
“Wasn’t at the race but my brother Brian and I got the job of cutting this truck up when it got back to Michigan,” Brad Keselowski wrote. “I’ve never seen so much damage to the center section and seat area with the driver being ok.”
“Dennis was so tough, raced the next week all bruised up. He is/was the guy I looked up to the most at this time as a racer,” he added.
The race itself was won by Kurt Busch, followed by Mike Wallace, Randy Tolsma, Greg Biffle, and Andy Houston. Setzer finished in 33rd place, one of nine drivers involved in crashes that day.
Keselowski Voices Concerns Over NASCAR’s Growing Number of Road Course Events
Brad Keselowski also expressed unease about NASCAR’s increasing emphasis on road course races in the Cup Series schedule. Driving the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, Keselowski argued that the sport’s direction might not align with business interests or fan preferences. He noted that the 2026 Cup Series includes four road course events, including one recently held at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), where Tyler Reddick claimed victory. Keselowski finished 20th in that 95-lap race.
“I just put on my business owner hat and I don’t understand why the sport wants to run so many road course races,” Brad Keselowski said in a statement. “As a business owner, they are the hardest races to sell sponsors for.”
“It has the lowest attendance. That doesn’t make sense to me,” he explained. “We should be going to places where the sponsors wanna be. Where the fans wanna be.”
Keselowski’s upcoming race is the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway, scheduled for March 8. Fans can watch the event live on FS1 or follow radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio starting at 3:30 pm ET.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Direction
Keselowski’s reflections on Setzer’s crash highlight the physical dangers drivers face, while his comments on NASCAR’s road course strategy reveal growing tensions over the sport’s evolution. His focus on fan attendance and sponsor interest underscores concerns that the current direction may not maximize engagement or financial sustainability. As the 2026 season approaches, how NASCAR balances traditional oval races with road courses could significantly affect its fanbase and commercial partnerships.
Wasn’t at the race but my brother Brian and I got the job of cutting this truck up when it got back to Michigan. I’ve never seen so much damage to the center section and seat area with the driver being ok.
Dennis was so tough, raced the next week all bruised up. He is/was the… https://t.co/ZleBBtcxbP
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 4, 2026
