Brad Keselowski NASCAR drivers have long been a subject of debate when it comes to ranking the best talents on the circuit. Keselowski, who spent over a decade competing against notable names such as Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, and Denny Hamlin, weighs both championship victories and on-track abilities when evaluating greatness. His perspective combines a respect for titles with a keen understanding of racecraft.
Fifteen years ago, when asked by The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck about the best driver on the grid, Keselowski singled out former champion Kurt Busch. Despite Busch’s polarizing reputation among fans, Keselowski admired his sharp decision-making and driving skills, which distinguished him as the standout competitor during that era.
Shifts in Evaluating Driver Excellence Over Time
Now co-owner of RFK Racing and still active in the Cup Series, the 41-year-old Keselowski revisited the question, reflecting on how the sport and its drivers have evolved. In 2010, the primary measure of ability was raw speed—who could push the car to its maximum potential. Applying that old standard to today’s field, Keselowski pointed to Kyle Larson for his unmatched pace on the track.
“same metrics of 2010 for today, I would say Kyle Larson. He has the most raw speed of anyone in the garage.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and RFK Co-owner
Kyle Larson’s speed remains impressive, and Keselowski once expressed his endorsement of Larson for a hypothetical Cup Series team:
If Brad Keselowski was starting a Cup Series team, he’d hire Kyle Larson to be his driver. pic.twitter.com/GWKaZrsITy
—FOX: NASCAR
The Increasing Importance of Well-Rounded Skills in Modern NASCAR
However, Keselowski explains that today’s NASCAR demands more than just speed. Success depends heavily on strategic prowess, including efficient pit stops, expertise in restarts, and endurance across long race distances. These procedural aspects have reshaped what defines a top driver.
Considering the current landscape, Keselowski named Joey Logano as a prime example of a well-rounded competitor. Although Logano may not possess Larson’s sheer velocity, his comprehensive skill set across restarts, pit road execution, passing tactics, and defense makes him exceptionally versatile.
“I’d probably point more at Joey Logano. He probably doesn’t have the go-fast that Larson has, but he’s very well-rounded in all aspects of the game. Restarts, pit road, passing, defense, he’s the most rounded guy in the field.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and RFK Co-owner
Championship Credentials and Current Playoff Standings
Both of Keselowski’s top choices, Larson and Logano, have secured Cup Series championships recently, validating his selections with tangible success. Logano has claimed the title multiple times, while Larson remains a constant threat to add another championship to his career achievements.
As the 2025 Cup Series playoffs approach the Round of 12, Larson sits comfortably in third place in the playoff standings, holding a 24-point lead over the cutoff line. Meanwhile, Logano, representing Team Penske and the defending champion, faces a more precarious position, trailing the cutline by two points as preparations begin for the upcoming USA Today 301 race.
The Impact of Keselowski’s Choices on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
Keselowski’s identification of Larson and Logano as the elite drivers underscores the evolving criteria for success in NASCAR, highlighting the balance between speed and overall race craft. His insights shed light on the qualities teams and fans should watch as the playoff intensity builds. With both drivers poised for contention, the upcoming races will likely intensify the battle for the championship and illustrate how multifaceted talent shapes the future of the sport.
If Brad Keselowski was starting a Cup Series team, he'd hire Kyle Larson to be his driver. pic.twitter.com/GWKaZrsITy
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 27, 2019
