Brad Keselowski’s frustration at the Iowa Speedway Cup race on Sunday was clear as multiple yellow flags disrupted his strategy and playoff chances. Despite finishing third, Keselowski’s hopes for a win—and a stronger playoff position—were repeatedly undermined by a series of cautions during the 350-lap event.
The intense communication between Keselowski and his crew chief Jeremy Bullins highlighted their efforts to adapt to the unpredictable race conditions. At Lap 212, Keselowski urged Bullins to be aggressive but avoid pitting, a strategy disrupted by the late-race cautions that reset track positions.
Fuel Strategy and Pit Decisions Complicate Keselowski’s Race
The team faced a critical challenge when Keselowski was informed during Lap 204 that less fuel than planned was delivered at a previous stop, forcing a shorter fuel window. This limitation restricted Keselowski’s run to about Lap 250, instead of the desired extension by 20 to 25 laps. As a result, Keselowski stayed out longer to preserve track position but eventually had to pit at Lap 231 following a caution triggered by Zane Smith’s accident. This pit stop dropped him back to 26th place before the restart.
Keselowski struggled to regain his position as passing was difficult on the track, and subsequent cautions disrupted the fuel advantages he had hoped to maintain.
“Every yellow was bad for us,”
he said, venting his frustration over the high number of wrecks on the track.
“You get frustrated at the field for wrecking so much.”
William Byron Capitalizes to Take Victory
Meanwhile, William Byron navigated the caution-filled final laps effectively to earn the race win—the first of his season since the Daytona 500. Earlier in the race, Byron benefited from a caution during pit cycle, which allowed him to gain a free pass from being a lap down. The consistent interruptions by cautions during the last 119 laps enabled Byron to stretch his fuel successfully and seize the lead on the final restart, holding it for 74 laps to the finish.
Keselowski’s Team Shows Improvement Despite Setbacks
Keselowski’s recent performance showed signs of consistency, with this race marking his third consecutive top-10 finish and fifth in the past seven events after a slow start to the season. Crew chief Bullins expressed confidence in the team’s progress despite the missed opportunity.
“I wished things would have gone a little differently and we could have got the win, because, obviously we need it to get in the playoffs, but we’ve been capable of this all year,”
Bullins said.
“It’s all starting to come together. There’s no doubt in my mind that this team can win races and we’re not done yet.”
Keselowski’s Post-Race Reflections and Playoff Outlook
Keselowski acknowledged the disappointment but remained resolute in his assessment of the team’s effort. After the race, he told his team over the radio,
“I know it stinks not to win. We did all the things we could do. It just didn’t come to us.”
With only three races left in the regular season and Keselowski still needing a victory to secure playoff entry, the pressure and tension continue to mount as the team seeks the breaks necessary to advance.
