Brad Keselowski, the NASCAR Cup Series driver and team owner, has ignited a heated discussion regarding the surge of road course races on the <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR schedule in 2025. As the series prepares for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, Keselowski criticized the shift from traditional oval racing to an increased focus on road courses, expressing concerns over how this change affects the sport’s identity and competitiveness.
Keselowski Highlights Growing Concerns Over NASCAR’s Road Course Expansion
This year’s NASCAR Cup Series calendar features six road course events, including Sonoma, Watkins Glen, the Chicago Street Course, Circuit of the Americas, the Charlotte Roval, and Mexico City. The number has grown significantly from previous years, and rumors suggest a possible seventh road course could be added in 2026, potentially Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. While some fans appreciate the technical challenges and strategy that road courses bring, others, including Keselowski, believe the increase is excessive and threatens the sport’s traditional oval-racing roots.
Keselowski expressed his strong viewpoint on social media, re-sharing an article by Lee Spencer of Motorsport.com and adding a succinct but pointed message. “NASCAR Isn’t IMSA,” he emphasized, underlining the distinct nature of NASCAR compared to other North American road racing series like IMSA, which specializes in sports car racing on road courses.
Brad Keselowski’s Firm Stance on NASCAR’s Road Course Focus
On X (formerly Twitter), Keselowski bluntly stated,
We went from 2 to 6 Road course races, Possibly 7 next year. NASCAR was successfully built as a primarily oval racing series. IMSA was built as the primary road course series in North America. IMSA will always do road racing better than NASCAR and that’s ok. Yes, TOO Many Road courses in NASCAR.
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver and Owner
His message draws attention to the rapid rise in road course events from just two in earlier seasons—Sonoma and Watkins Glen—to six in 2025, with potential for more. Keselowski underscored NASCAR’s origins and history as a predominantly oval-racing sport, founded in 1949 with iconic tracks like Darlington and Daytona. These venues and their style of racing offer high-speed drafting and intense close quarters competition, elements Keselowski feels are being overshadowed by the expanded road course schedule.
Keselowski has voiced his frustrations before; in 2023, he described having six road courses on the schedule as “preposterous.” His career, highlighted by 36 Cup wins and the 2012 championship, has been built largely on success at oval tracks, contrasting his less impressive road course record. Over 28 road course starts, Keselowski has yet to secure a win, and incidents such as his crash due to brake failure at Watkins Glen in 2016 contribute to his skepticism about stock cars’ suitability for such circuits.
NASCAR’s Balancing Act Between Tradition and Innovation
The debate over the number of road course races reflects a broader tension within NASCAR, as the organization seeks to balance tradition with evolving fan interests and competitive dynamics. NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell acknowledged this shift publicly, noting in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that the increase in road courses aims to inject variety and unpredictability into the championship chase.
O’Donnell pointed out the logistical challenges involved in scheduling and accommodating such events, including weather concerns and track infrastructure demands. He referenced the successful weather management at Watkins Glen last year, where Goodyear’s rain tires allowed racing to continue despite wet conditions—something typically impossible at oval tracks, where rain usually results in delays or cancellations.
However, with NASCAR’s current contractual ties to 23 venues through 2026, expanding the number of road courses significantly remains complex. Tracks like Sonoma and Watkins Glen are strategically placed during the season to provide pivotal, high-drama moments, especially heading into playoffs. Meanwhile, other tracks such as Indianapolis and Daytona have attracted suggestions from fans about converting ovals to road courses, similar to adaptations seen in IndyCar and IMSA, but these ideas have yet to materialize.
Fan and Industry Responses Highlight Divided Opinions
The NASCAR fan base is sharply divided on the issue. Some embrace the technical driving skills and strategic depth road courses require, celebrating the excitement they bring to the series. Others cling to the traditional oval format, arguing that it is the defining characteristic of NASCAR racing. One fan summarized the sentiment on social media, stating,
NASCAR’s unique because of ovals, not road courses.
At the same time, officials and track representatives have voiced preferences about race scheduling. Steve Page from Sonoma prefers a June date to avoid conflicts with football season, while Michael Printup of Watkins Glen values the August placement for weather and fan engagement reasons. Meanwhile, the success of Watkins Glen in 2016—despite some pit road penalties related to new timing lines—was highlighted as a positive example of how road courses can thrive in the NASCAR environment. O’Donnell defended these rule changes as necessary to emphasize pit crew proficiency and level the competitive field.
An Underdog Throws Shade: Ty Dillon Challenges Keselowski Amid Road Course Drama
Amid the controversy, underdog driver Ty Dillon has drawn attention for his unexpected performance in the 2025 NASCAR In-Season Challenge, where he upset Keselowski in Round Two at the Chicago Street Course. After Keselowski crashed early following an incident with Carson Hocevar, Dillon advanced, marking his second consecutive upset in the tournament.
In a post-race interview, Dillon praised his team, saying,
We survived and advanced. This No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet team is just a tough team. We never quit. We don’t even know how to. I’m just so proud of Kaulig Racing and our No. 10 team.
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Not stopping there, Dillon playfully poked at Keselowski’s struggles with road courses, joking,
I knew in a basketball city (Chicago), going up against Brad in a game of knockout, I was going to have a good chance.
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Dillon’s career-best finish of sixth place at Talladega in 2019 showcases his ability to seize opportunities despite limited overall success. With only eight drivers remaining in the million-dollar prize chase, Dillon prepares to face Alex Bowman at Sonoma, carrying momentum that could carry him far in the competition. He added,
We’re just going to keep working hard, put pressure on who we’re facing next and see if we can keep it rolling.
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Implications for NASCAR’s Future and Fan Engagement
Keselowski’s outspoken stance has set off an intense debate about NASCAR’s direction, notably how the rise of road course events aligns with the sport’s core identity. While road racing adds complexity and variety, it challenges longstanding fan expectations and driver specialties rooted in oval competition. NASCAR’s efforts to diversify the schedule respond to broader trends in motorsports, but balancing these changes with tradition remains a complex task.
As the 2025 season unfolds and speculation persists about adding further road course races, the sport faces critical decisions on how to maintain its historical essence while appealing to evolving audiences. Drivers like Keselowski, representing the old guard, continue to voice concerns, while emerging talents such as Ty Dillon embrace the new mix and seek to capitalize on it.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. Best wishes to Brad Keselowski, a seasoned NASCAR driver with Polish heritage, competing in the NASCAR Chicago races this weekend. Brad is the full-time driver of the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series.
