Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR participation has been clarified amid ongoing disputes surrounding the sport’s governance. NASCAR affirmed that Keselowski was permitted to compete in multiple racing series, addressing concerns raised during a legal dispute involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports as of early 2025.
Background of the Legal Dispute Involving NASCAR and Racing Teams
The controversy surfaced prior to the 2025 season when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign NASCAR’s charter agreement, resulting in a lawsuit against NASCAR CEO Jim France. The teams accused France of monopolistic practices within NASCAR. While the US Court of Appeals ruled against recognizing these teams as charter entries, it permitted them to continue participating as open entries in the Cup Series, affecting the competitive landscape.
Brad Keselowski’s Role and Statement Regarding Participation in Other Events
To support its position, NASCAR submitted a statement from Brad Keselowski regarding his involvement in other racing events. Keselowski, a driver for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, confirmed his participation in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) for the 2023 season after being invited to compete. Keselowski emphasized that NASCAR allowed him to race in the SRX full season without restriction, underscoring the governing body’s approval of his multi-series involvement.
“I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series.”
— Brad Keselowski, Cup Series Driver
During the SRX 2023 season, Keselowski raced in all six events alongside notable NASCAR drivers including Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Kenny Wallace, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Preece, and Austin Dillon. Of those competitors, Keselowski and Stewart were eligible for series points, finishing third and fourth in the standings respectively.
Keselowski’s Reflections on Teammates and His 2025 Season Performance
At a media day in early 2025 before the Talladega Superspeedway race, Keselowski openly discussed his performance relative to his RFK teammates. The 41-year-old driver, competing in the #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, described the 2025 season as his most challenging since his rookie year. Despite 31 race starts, Keselowski has yet to secure a victory or qualify for the playoffs this season, with his teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece ahead in points standing.
“They’re pushing me, which is good. I don’t want it to be a one-directional relationship where I was pushing them. Maybe I got a little more than I hoped for (laughing), but I really like the intensity that both of them have. Ryan has brought a level of thoroughness that is very impressive and the effort that comes with that. Ryan and Chris are two great race car drivers.”
— Brad Keselowski, Cup Series Driver
“My goal for them is to put them in equipment and surround them with a team to where they can display that they’re elite race car drivers. I don’t feel like I’ve fully realized that yet. I’m pretty happy with the teams we’ve built around them.”
— Brad Keselowski, Cup Series Driver
Currently, Keselowski holds 654 points, placing him 19th in the Cup Series rankings, while teammate Chris Buescher is 17th with 789 points, and Ryan Preece follows closely in 18th with 717 points. The competitive push among these teammates reflects a dynamic environment within RFK for the 2025 season.
Implications for NASCAR and Keselowski’s Career Moving Forward
This clarification regarding Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR participation amid the legal conflict highlights the sport’s complex regulatory environment and driver freedoms. With NASCAR allowing multi-series racing activity, Keselowski’s involvement in SRX demonstrates the organization’s willingness to permit driver engagement beyond just the Cup Series. Meanwhile, Keselowski’s candid assessment of his struggles and the rising challenge from his teammates suggests pressure to elevate his performance this season.
As the legal dispute unfolds, Keselowski’s role and status in NASCAR will remain of interest, particularly as RFK builds around their drivers for future seasons. His openness about internal competition and NASCAR’s position on driver participation could influence how teams and drivers navigate multi-series racing opportunities going forward.
.@Keselowski in new @NASCAR filing tonight: "I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series."
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) October 4, 2025
