Brad Keselowski 2025 NASCAR season was marked by both determination and disappointment, as the experienced driver showed steady improvement throughout the year despite failing to secure a single win. After finding himself as low as 32nd in the standings midway through the campaign, Keselowski managed to climb back up to 16th by the time the season wrapped up in Phoenix.
Historic Record for Closest Calls Without Victory
The path Keselowski traveled in his attempt to regain prominence was especially tough, underlined by a record-breaking statistic. According to NASCAR Insights, Keselowski set a new single-season record by being the driver overtaken for the win seven times in 2025, the most for a winless driver in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series.
“Random stat:Brad Keselowski was the driver passed for the win in seven races in 2025.This was the most by a winless driver in a single season in NASCAR Cup Series history. pic.twitter.com/YPDtObcIpw”— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights)
These near-misses included a particularly crushing runner-up result during the season finale at Phoenix, where Keselowski was passed by Ryan Blaney in the final corner of the race. Additional second-place finishes saw him fall just short against Christopher Bell during a dramatic late restart at the Bristol Night Race and against Chase Elliott at EchoPark Speedway—a race many consider his strongest performance of the year.
Outlook for Keselowski as He Nears Career Milestones
Looking ahead, Keselowski is preparing to enter his 17th full-time season in the Cup Series and his fourth season as co-owner at RFK Racing. Now approaching 42 years of age when the new campaign begins on February 15, 2026, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion and future Hall of Famer continues to aim for another marquee victory. Notably, he is still seeking his first win at the Daytona 500 and will no doubt be targeting that elusive achievement as the new season opens.
With 36 victories across his accomplished career, Keselowski’s 2025 campaign stands out for the persistence he demonstrated, repeatedly challenging for wins despite falling short at the finish line. The season’s series of almost-wins leaves fans and observers watching closely to see if the veteran can break his drought and return to victory lane in 2026.
Random stat:
Brad Keselowski was the driver passed for the win in seven races in 2025.
This was the most by a winless driver in a single season in NASCAR Cup Series history. pic.twitter.com/YPDtObcIpw
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) December 3, 2025
