Brad Keselowski’s impact on NASCAR extends well beyond his impressive achievements as a Cup and Xfinity Series champion, highlighting the significance of the Brad Keselowski Racing Legacy. As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs advance following the first elimination round at Bristol Motor Speedway, six of the remaining 12 drivers currently vying for the championship began their careers driving for Keselowski’s Truck Series team.
The NASCAR Cup Series field narrowed recently, with Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry eliminated from the playoffs. This intensifies the competition as the remaining drivers pursue the championship over the coming weeks. Among the top contenders, the connection to Keselowski’s Truck Series team is notable: drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, and Tyler Reddick all have roots with Brad Keselowski Racing.
The Origins and Growth of Brad Keselowski Racing in the Truck Series
Brad Keselowski founded his own Truck Series team, Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR), in 2007, simultaneously starting his first full season in the then-Busch Series. The team began active competition in 2008, running the #19 truck, initially driven by Robb Brent. Over nearly a decade, the team fielded several trucks—#19, #29, and briefly #2—providing opportunities for numerous drivers who would later become stars in NASCAR’s top divisions.
Ryan Blaney’s tenure with BKR is particularly notable. He competed in the #29 RAM truck during the 2012 season, securing his first victory at Iowa, and continued with full-time seasons in 2013 and 2014. The #19 truck hosted various drivers in 2013, including Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, and Keselowski himself. From 2014 to 2015, Tyler Reddick drove full seasons in the #19 truck, followed by Daniel Hemric in 2016, while Austin Cindric handled the team’s final Truck Series season with noteworthy performances including one win and eight top-five finishes.
Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe competed in the last season for the #29 truck. Despite registering a respectable record with 11 wins and 18 pole positions, Brad Keselowski Racing ceased operations after the 2017 season. Keselowski later explained that financial viability was the primary challenge, as the team was not sustainable in terms of profitability despite its competitive success.
The Significance of Keselowski’s Mentorship in Today’s Playoff Landscape
Today, Keselowski’s legacy continues to shape the NASCAR Cup Series, as half of the playoff roster emerged from his Truck Series program. The presence of these six drivers—Blaney, Briscoe, Cindric, Logano, Chastain, and Reddick—illustrates the lasting influence of his guidance during their formative years. Among them, two are current Cup Series champions, underscoring the caliber of talent developed under Keselowski’s mentorship.
The success of these drivers in the playoffs is a testament both to their skills and to the foundational experience they gained while racing for Brad Keselowski Racing. As the playoff battle intensifies on tracks like Bristol Motor Speedway, this connection highlights the pivotal role Keselowski’s team played in preparing some of NASCAR’s top competitors for today’s high-stakes competition.
“DYK: Six of the remaining 12 NASCAR Cup Series playoff drivers previously raced for Brad Keselowski Racing in @NASCAR_Trucks.@Blaney, @chasebriscoe, @AustinCindric, @joeylogano, @RossChastain and @TylerReddick.” — NASCAR Classics
DYK: Six of the remaining 12 NASCAR Cup Series playoff drivers previously raced for Brad Keselowski Racing in @NASCAR_Trucks.@Blaney, @chasebriscoe, @AustinCindric, @joeylogano, @RossChastain and @TylerReddick. pic.twitter.com/ICRFtXkhkl
— NASCAR Classics (@NASCARClassics) September 15, 2025
