Kyle Busch recently addressed his relationship with Brad Keselowski, following their much-discussed commercial collaboration. Although both drivers are former Cup Series champions who successfully worked together in a recent commercial, Busch made it clear that any camaraderie did not extend beyond their brief business dealings. Speaking with reporters during the AdventHealth 400 weekend at Kansas Speedway, Busch was direct in explaining that, despite the viral commercial, his off-track relationship with Keselowski is minimal, stating,
“that same could be said for many of the other drivers.”
The commercial in question was created to promote Homestead-Miami Speedway’s return as host of the championship race in 2026. Drawing inspiration from the iconic film Back to the Future, Keselowski played the role of a time-travel guide, encouraging Kyle Busch to travel to the “future” in a DeLorean. The advertisement culminates with the two NASCAR stars giving each other a ‘leaping high five’ after learning about the speedway’s big news. When asked about the on-screen high five, Busch admitted with a slightly awkward smile that the interaction felt uncomfortable, reinforcing the notion that their long-standing rivalry remains present despite moments of partnership for promotional purposes.
The rivalry between Busch and Keselowski is one of the sport’s most recognized. It reached a memorable flashpoint in 2010, when Keselowski publicly called Kyle Busch an “a**” during pre-race introductions at Bristol. While their decades of racing have produced countless on-track battles, both drivers continue to pursue their goals in the Cup Series, even if their interactions off the track are limited to what is necessary for their professional obligations.
Kyle Busch’s weekend at Kansas Speedway added another chapter to his season’s challenges. In the closing stage of the race, he found himself caught in a four-wide battle with Ross Chastain, Josh Berry, and Noah Gragson. This intense moment left Busch spinning down the backstretch, resulting in lost ground and frustration. Busch voiced his disappointment after the incident, ultimately finishing 21st, marking his fifth finish outside the top 20 this season. As of now, Busch is ranked 18th in the points standings, with just one top-five finish this year, continuing his search for the kind of success that brought him his last Cup victory at St. Louis in June 2023.
The engaging but uneasy collaboration between Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski not only underscores the professional demands placed on drivers but also highlights the enduring nature of NASCAR rivalries. This recent interaction demonstrates the intensity and underlying emotional tensions that color their relationship, leaving fans and analysts to wonder if further commercial work could soften their rivalry, or if the animosity will remain as fierce as ever both on and off the track.
