Brad Keselowski faced another setback on Sunday during the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, where a late-race tire issue forced him out of contention despite a strong early performance. Starting from the back due to unapproved adjustments following a rear tire problem in practice, Keselowski surged from 36th to 14th by the end of Stage 1, hinting at notable speed and determination from the #6 RFK Racing team.
Momentum continued to build for Brad Keselowski as he climbed to sixth place by the end of Stage 2, collecting valuable stage points and putting himself firmly in the fight. Yet, as hopes mounted for a turnaround, misfortune struck on lap 195 when his car lost rear tire pressure while running second. The incident forced Keselowski to a stop on the apron exiting Turn 2, resulting in a tow to the garage and a disappointing 37th-place finish out of 38 competitors.
Despite the clear frustration of a third consecutive DNF and being left without a top-10 finish over the opening twelve races of the season, Brad Keselowski maintained an optimistic outlook.
“We put ourselves in position like that, you win races, and I felt like this is a pretty significant overhaul of the #6 team from where we were last year,”
Keselowski reflected after the race. He added,
“There are some pieces that are starting to click, and maybe not getting the result, but showing the potential to get the result. Today was a step forward for us, even though the running order, the finishing order, is not going to show it.”
The veteran driver and co-owner’s determination now shifts to the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, where he hopes the gains made in Kansas translate into tangible results.
“Bring cars and speed like this to the Coke 600 and let’s go win it,”
Brad Keselowski declared, channeling his focus beyond the setback and toward the next major challenge after the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Although Keselowski is already qualified for the All-Star event, the non-points race offers little respite from his current string of tough finishes. The real chance for a resurgence will come at Charlotte, where Keselowski and the #6 team are eager to capitalize on their progress and reverse their recent fortunes. As the season continues, all eyes remain on Brad Keselowski’s quest for a breakthrough and the possible momentum shift that a strong performance at the Coca-Cola 600 could bring.
