Brad Keselowski’s 2024 NASCAR Season was a wild ride full of highs and lows. From a big win at Darlington to a tough playoff exit, this season kept fans on the edge of their seats. What went right for Keselowski, and what went wrong? How did his challenges affect RFK Racing’s future? Get into the details of his season, the unexpected twists, and what lies ahead for this NASCAR veteran.
2024 Season Overview
Brad Keselowski finished the 2024 season ranked 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, a notable decline from his 8th place finish in 2023. His season included one victory, nine top-five finishes, and 14 top-10 finishes, alongside leading 318 laps throughout various races. The highlight of his season came during the spring race at Darlington, where he secured his first win since 2021, leading to a significant boost in momentum for both him and the RFK team.
Key Statistics
- Final Ranking: 13th
- Wins: 1
- Top Fives: 9
- Top Tens: 14
- Laps Led: 318
Challenges Faced
The season began on a rocky note for Keselowski. He suffered back-to-back crashes in the opening races—the Daytona 500 and Atlanta—both resulting in identical 33rd-place finishes. This poor start left him at the bottom of the standings, from which he struggled to recover. It wasn’t until the Coca-Cola 600 that he managed to climb back into the top ten, finishing as a runner-up.
Keselowski’s playoff journey was cut short after disappointing performances in the Round of 16. He finished 19th in Atlanta, followed by two consecutive 26th-place finishes at Watkins Glen and Bristol, which ultimately eliminated him from contention. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated resilience by achieving strong finishes post-elimination, including a runner-up finish at Talladega and a ninth-place finish at Martinsville.
Best Race of the Season
Keselowski’s standout performance came during the spring race at Darlington Raceway. Starting from the outside pole, he led for a total of 37 laps, including the final nine laps to secure victory. This win not only ended a lengthy winless streak but also marked his second career win at Darlington, solidifying its status as one of his favorite tracks.
Notable Highlights
- Achieved a three-race stretch where he finished 1st at Darlington, followed by a 2nd place at Charlotte and a 3rd place at Gateway.
- Led an impressive 170 laps during the fall playoff race at Martinsville, showcasing his capability to dominate races despite finishing ninth.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
As Keselowski looks ahead to the 2025 season, significant changes are underway within RFK Racing. Crew chief Matt McCall will step down after three seasons with Keselowski, making way for Jeremy Bullins—a familiar face who previously worked with Keselowski during their time at Team Penske. Bullins brings experience and success; together they celebrated multiple wins and a second-place finish in the Cup standings during their previous collaboration.
Goals for 2025
Brad Keselowski has set ambitious goals for RFK Racing moving forward:
- Aim to match or exceed six wins in a single season—a target that reflects their performance over the last three years combined.
- Ensure all three RFK cars qualify for the playoffs, enhancing their competitive presence in NASCAR.
Keselowski emphasized that this expansion—adding a third car to their lineup—is crucial for both financial viability and competitive success. He believes that “strength in numbers” will allow RFK Racing to maximize data collection and improve overall performance on race weekends.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on his season, Keselowski stated, “The 6 team had a strong middle part of the season and faded come playoff time. I learned a lot this year and we will come back smarter and recharged.” His commitment to growth as both a driver and co-owner of RFK Racing is evident as he gears up for another competitive year.
New in Brief: Brad Keselowski’s 2024 NASCAR Season
Brad Keselowski’s 2024 NASCAR season was filled with both victories and setbacks. His win at Darlington highlighted his resilience, but a tough start and playoff struggles showed the challenges faced by him and RFK Racing. Despite the disappointments, Keselowski’s strong performances post-elimination, like his runner-up finish at Talladega, prove he’s far from done. Looking ahead, RFK Racing is gearing up for a better 2025 with new changes.
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