Brad Keselowski has become a central figure in the aftermath of Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega, as Kyle Busch detailed on the Bumper Door Clear podcast. Following a tense final stage, Busch offered a firsthand account of the dramatic sequence that unfolded late in the race when the Richard Childress Racing driver found himself sandwiched between Brad Keselowski and Josh Berry on the high-speed Alabama track. The incident, which resulted in Brad Keselowski finishing in 36th place and Busch in 27th, has sparked fresh debate about the intricate dynamics and razor-thin margins of success and failure at Talladega Superspeedway.
The drama began as Busch exited turn four flanked by Brad Keselowski and Berry, both in Ford Mustangs. As the group navigated the crucial stretch, the Ford drivers unexpectedly checked up, slowing their pace. Busch recounted during the podcast,
I was between Brad Keselowski and Josh Berry, and when they backed up, there was nowhere for me to go.
This sudden shift left Busch caught in traffic, while Brad Keselowski’s chances evaporated instantly, consigning both experienced drivers to disappointing results despite promising starts.
Busch’s interview also brought attention to the NextGen cars, which have generated significant conversation since their introduction, particularly in superspeedway environments. According to Busch, these machines amplify the need for driver cooperation and careful drafting.
You rely on the energy from behind—without it, you’re a sitting duck,
Busch explained. In a season where every point is fiercely contested, the Talladega incident underscored how even subtle missteps can have major consequences for seasoned drivers like Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch.
With Busch currently ranked 16th in the Cup Series standings and Brad Keselowski still seeking momentum, the Talladega fallout could influence strategies in upcoming races. As teams process what unfolded, many wonder whether the partnership and rivalries between drivers will change. NASCAR fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Brad Keselowski and others return to the track, hoping to avoid a repeat of the misfortune that defined this year’s dramatic Talladega showdown.
