Brad Keselowski has addressed his past controversial remark about Kyle Busch, clarifying that there are no ongoing hard feelings between them. Reflecting on their decade-long dynamic, Keselowski emphasized that unless both drivers are competing within the top 10, their interactions don’t qualify as a true rivalry.
Back in 2010, during driver introductions at Bristol Motor Speedway, Keselowski made a spontaneous disparaging comment about Busch, calling him an ‘a**.’ The remark was later revealed to have been made on a dare by fellow competitor Juan Pablo Montoya. That evening, Busch won the race while Keselowski finished mid-pack.
The topic resurfaced in a Reddit AMA video posted by NASCAR on August 21, when a fan inquired whether Keselowski still felt the same way about Busch. He responded:
“Kyle and I have had an interesting relationship over the last decade or so. Probably more lows than highs. Here’s the thing about rivalries. You cannot have a rivalry if the two drivers are not running in the top 10. It’s not a rivalry. It’s just petty argument at that point.
“Until either one of us are consistently running in the top 10, there is no room for me to worry about Kyle Bush. So, I don’t think about him being an a** or not an a**. If Kyle Bush and I are both in the top 10, yeah, he’s an a**,” he added.
Keselowski also recalled a recent incident on the track at Texas Motor Speedway, where an on-track collision occurred between him and Busch. Late in the race, Keselowski lost control of his car and inadvertently made contact with Busch’s car. He admitted this was an unwise mistake:
This candid reflection indicates that while their past included tension, Keselowski now views their relationship through a more pragmatic lens focused on performance and competition.
Best Partner in Drafting: Keselowski Picks Dave Blaney
During the same Reddit AMA, Keselowski shared insights about the best drafting partner he has ever raced with, naming Dave Blaney. He specifically pointed to a 2011 Talladega race where their teamwork led to strong finishes in the top five.
“Dave Blaney and I drafted in 2011 fall Talladega race. He was so good, so smooth. His car was not the best, but he did everything perfect and we had a great day. That was the best person I’ve ever drafted with. Hands down,” he said, via aforementioned source.
At that time, Keselowski was racing for Team Penske and actively competing in the Chase. Meanwhile, Blaney, driving for the relatively new Tommy Baldwin Racing, had not been a regular presence throughout the season. Despite a starting position 25 places apart, the two drivers worked together seamlessly over the 188 laps.
The partnership ended with Blaney securing his first top-10 finish of the season in third place, followed closely by Keselowski in fourth. This successful alliance was attributed to the connection between team owner Tommy Baldwin and Keselowski’s rookie crew chief, Paul Wolfe.
Significance and What’s Next
Brad Keselowski’s recent comments demonstrate a matured outlook on past disputes, notably with Kyle Busch. His distinction between rivalry and mere argument highlights how competition shapes relationships among top-level NASCAR drivers. Additionally, his appreciation for effective collaboration with Dave Blaney underscores the importance of teamwork in achieving race success.
As both drivers continue their careers, such reflections may influence how rivalries and partnerships are viewed in the NASCAR community. Keselowski’s acknowledgment of mistakes and strategic alliances suggests a focus on performance over personal animosities moving forward.
