Brad Keselowski NASCAR race preparation involves much more than tuning the car and spending time on a simulator, revealing a complex process behind every race weekend. TJ Majors, Keselowski’s spotter and a co-host of Dale Jr. Download, recently shared insights about the extensive effort that goes into readying both the driver and the car for competition.
During an appearance on the RFK Racing podcast with Chris Childers and Mike Massaro, Majors described how preparation begins immediately after one race ends, focusing on studying tendencies and tactics from previous events. He explained,
You go back (from one race to another) and you and you try to prepare the driver and give him things that tendencies to happen and how passes were made, how certain guys set up passes. If there’s something he didn’t try before, you try to find a lot of that stuff. If you try to refresh his memory, the best you can.
—TJ Majors, Spotter
A Crucial Role for Simulation and Data Analysis
Simulation plays a vital role in Keselowski’s preparation, providing valuable practice when actual track time is limited during race weekends. Majors noted the importance of virtual track familiarization, adding,
Sometimes (it takes) some sim work… Brad will do a lot of Ford sim stuff, but sometimes there’s other sim work you can do, just getting acquainted with the track again,
enabling Keselowski to approach each race with refreshed knowledge and strategic thinking.
The team also prioritizes getting Keselowski comfortable with the car as early as possible, allowing the crew to make quicker adjustments and execute their race plan efficiently. Race prep is a cohesive team effort that focuses on equipping the driver with every conceivable advantage before hitting the track.
Evolving Spotting Strategies and Increased Preparation Demands
Spotting has transformed significantly over the past several years. Majors revealed that today, the job requires much more weekday commitment compared to a decade ago, incorporating advanced technological tools to study competitors closely. This includes analyzing top performers’ habits and breaking down their racing styles to deliver tailored advice to Keselowski.
Majors shared how he often compares Keselowski’s previous laps to current performances to identify areas of improvement, stating,
Look, I think you were better at doing this. Hey, I think he was better doing that,
ensuring Keselowski has detailed feedback to rely on during races.
Dedication to Preparing Every Detail for Race Day Success
Beyond pre-race weekends, Majors commits to thorough preparation throughout the week, highlighting the intensity and dedication required to support Keselowski’s success. While he acknowledged that not all spotters may have the same approach, Majors takes pride in providing every tactic and tool possible to give his driver a winning edge when it counts most.
