Earlier this month, Brad Keselowski, driver for RFK Racing, embarked on a pivotal journey with NASCAR icon Richard Petty, marking their first such meeting in over two decades. The duo traveled to Washington, D.C., on April 7 to engage with congressional members from the National Motorsports Coalition. During this trip, Keselowski seized the moment to delve into Petty’s storied life, later expressing profound admiration by calling him the “greatest race car driver that ever lived,” as reported by NBC Sports.
Brad Keselowski’s interaction with Richard Petty was more than just a fan meeting his idol; it was an insightful conversation that opened a window into the depth of Petty’s legendary career. As Keselowski shared his reflections in a social media post, he showcased immense gratitude toward Petty, affectionately referred to as ‘The King.’ Petty’s illustrious career in stock car racing spanned over three decades, mainly competing for Petty Enterprises. With a remarkable record of 200 wins, 712 top-ten finishes, and 123 pole positions across 1,184 starts, Petty’s legacy includes seven Cup Series titles achieved in various years like 1964 and 1979.
Despite Keselowski’s prestigious recognition of Petty, the current season has proven challenging for him. The 2025 racing season marks one of the toughest starts in Keselowski’s 17-year NASCAR journey, harking back to the difficulties faced during his rookie year in 2010. While his RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece consistently achieved top-ten finishes, Keselowski’s best result was an 11th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Michigan native has yet to lead a lap or earn a pole position this year.
Despite these struggles, Brad Keselowski remains optimistic about the #6 team, believing it possesses the highest potential of any team he has driven for in the past four years. Currently ranking 31st on the Cup Series points table with 132 points across nine races, Keselowski continues to strive for improvement amidst the season’s challenges. His acknowledgment of Petty’s enduring impact serves as a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the potential for future triumphs.
