Brad Keselowski, former NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, reflected on his brief experience testing an IndyCar nearly a decade ago. In 2016, Keselowski took part in a private test at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, driving Team Penske’s No. 22 car, which was typically raced by Simon Pagenaud. During the session, Keselowski adapted to the vehicle’s different braking points and downforce dynamics, reaching speeds of around 187 mph on the 4.048-mile road course.
Despite enjoying the test, Keselowski explained that several factors prevented him from pursuing a full IndyCar race opportunity. One crucial challenge was the lack of a manufacturer crossover; the Ford he raced for in NASCAR did not compete in IndyCar, making it difficult for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to support a switch between the two disciplines, which is often costly and complicated.
“I tested a car at Road America IndyCar Road America about 10 years ago and I loved it. I had a lot of fun. What’s really really difficult is all of my time in Cup I’ve never been with a manufacturer in the Cup series that competes in the IndyCar series. And to go back and forth between the two is considerable pain for the OEMs that, is tough to justify. So, I think that window for me has probably come and gone,” Brad Keselowski said (04:30 onwards).
“There was a time where I was very very interested. But life takes us other places and I’m not complaining.”
Return to NASCAR and Preparing for Phoenix Raceway
Keselowski’s focus has since remained on NASCAR, where he is gearing up for a more traditional test at Phoenix Raceway. The track is regarded by Keselowski and many teams as marking the genuine start of the regular NASCAR season due to its conventional layout and the type of racing it demands. This aligns more closely with the challenges the drivers will face through much of the remainder of the year.
“Most of the teams would would tell you is the start of the regular season. It’s more of a traditional racetrack, more of what we’re going to see. It values the the things that most of the races from here on out are going to value,” Brad Keselowski said (6:30).
This season, Keselowski has been returning from a serious leg injury sustained in a skiing accident last December, where he broke his right femur. He missed the preseason exhibition event, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, following doctors’ advice to allow more recovery time. Despite the setback, he returned for the official Daytona 500 and managed a top-five finish, demonstrating resilience heading into the rest of the season.
Upcoming Race at Phoenix and Its Importance
Keselowski enters the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway motivated after finishing second in last year’s championship event at the one-mile oval. As qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 is scheduled for March 7, Keselowski aims to build on his strong prior performances. His experience balancing recovery and competition continues to be a key aspect of his season.
The challenges Keselowski faced in transitioning from NASCAR to IndyCar testing highlight the difficulties many drivers encounter when crossing between major motorsport disciplines. His thoughtful reflection on the manufacturer hurdles and the reality of racing commitments illustrates the complexity behind such career decisions. Meanwhile, his focus on competing at Phoenix and beyond shows his dedication to NASCAR and recovering fully to perform at the highest level.
