In a moment that captured the attention of NASCAR fans nationwide, Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski took center stage in a recent promotional commercial that has set social media abuzz. The commercial, revealed in May 2025, delivered a nostalgic twist as the racing icons joined forces to announce that Homestead-Miami Speedway would return as the season finale in 2026. Set in a playful “Back to the Future” homage, the ad brilliantly blended Hollywood fantasy with the competitive realities of the NASCAR Cup Series, sparking a lively debate about who delivered the most memorable acting performance—Kyle Busch or Brad Keselowski.
The idea behind the commercial was both clever and timely. NASCAR’s decision to bring back Homestead-Miami as the destination for its climactic race called for an announcement that would resonate with long-time fans. Rewinding back to the conclusion of the 2019 NASCAR Cup season, the ad finds Kyle Busch fresh off earning his second Cup title. As confetti fell and celebrations ensued, Brad Keselowski entered the scene, not to challenge his fellow driver, but to present a DeLorean straight out of cinematic legend.
Invoking the spirit of the classic film series, Keselowski proposed that Busch step into the DeLorean and leap into the future to discover what awaited in 2026. The twist? Upon his return, Busch revealed to a newly captive NASCAR audience that he was now driving for Richard Childress Racing, while Keselowski had become both driver and owner. The crowning moment arrived as Busch broke the news: Homestead-Miami would return as the final championship battleground, thrilling fans with both suspense and nostalgia.
Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski are notorious for their on-track rivalry, a dynamic not always characterized by mutual admiration. Their professional history is woven with duels, tense moments, and the kind of animosity that only fierce competition can forge. Notably, prior to the 2017 championship, the tension between the two was palpable, with Keselowski making an unsuccessful attempt at a peace treaty and Busch dismissing it with trademark bluntness.
“Sometimes you just don’t like a guy. Fact of the matter,”
Busch stated, referring to Keselowski, highlighting the tenacity and pride that defines their professional interactions.
Despite these differences, their performance in the commercial surprised many by radiating chemistry and comic timing. Keselowski, clearly pleased with his role, proudly declared,
“Finally, my acting is being recognized and I got my very own academy award for this performance 😂. Thank you to everyone who got me here.”
His lighthearted tone was matched by a competitive edge, quickly picked up by Busch. Taking stock ahead of the next race weekend in Kansas, Kyle Busch offered his own perspective:
“It was fun. We showed up and did our deal, and that was about it. I thought the piece turned out really well. When I saw the script, I was like, ‘What are we going for, here?’ Got the ‘Back to the Future’ vibe and I was like, ‘Alright, I got it.’”
Busch emphasized that, even with their patchy history, professionalism prevailed on set.
“I would say, we just don’t necessarily have a relationship. Just show up, do our deal. But hey, when you’re a good actor, you can make anything work.”
Fans quickly picked up on the playful competition between the two stars and began weighing in on which driver brought their character to life most convincingly. On social media, video clips of the set and behind-the-scenes high-fives went viral, showing a dynamically choreographed exchange that left viewers debating who provided the highlight moment. Even Busch himself joked about one awkward scene:
“(The leaping high five) was weird. But hey, when you’re a good actor, you can make anything work.”
The timing of this commercial was significant, as NASCAR’s broadcasting partner, FOX, has faced criticism for a perceived lack of promotional creativity. By uniting Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, the league sidestepped traditional marketing methods in favor of tapping into star power and fan nostalgia. The risk paid off—few would have predicted the two rivals sharing the screen in such a dynamic way, and the ad’s success demonstrated that bold storytelling can revive excitement in sports media.
Beyond the confines of the commercial, both Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski bring their own unique flavor of Hollywood experience to the table. Busch’s acting credentials include a cameo in the 2017 heist comedy “Logan Lucky,” where he appeared alongside fellow NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Jeff Gordon. It was Busch’s foray into comedic acting, offering fans a lighter side to his competitive persona.
Keselowski, not to be outdone, left his mark on the popular culture stage as well. He also appeared in “Logan Lucky,” but earned extra points with fans after joining the cast of “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No,” the third entry in a disaster-comedy franchise that unexpectedly won over audiences. The movie itself cleverly included a NASCAR-themed scene during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, and Keselowski’s cameo became memorable not only for his presence but for the dramatic twist—his character’s demise at the jaws of a shark. Despite meeting an untimely end, Keselowski made sure to deliver a signature witty line, cementing the impression that NASCAR’s stars are no strangers to the world of entertainment.
This commercial, then, is not merely an isolated moment in sports advertising, but rather a new chapter in the blending of NASCAR culture and pop entertainment. The playful rivalry that Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski brought to their roles has now taken on a life of its own, inviting discussions across forums and social platforms about who is NASCAR’s top commercial actor. Their history ensures that fans are invested in every twist—whether on the track or in front of the cameras.
As debates rage on about who delivered the superior performance, many argue that Kyle Busch’s understated delivery gave the commercial authenticity, while others point out that Keselowski’s humor and energy brought a unique shine. Quotes from both drivers reinforce the sense that, rivalry aside, their commitment to professionalism drove the project. Their willingness to poke fun at themselves while connecting with fans shows a side of NASCAR rarely seen, where competitive boundaries blur in service of storytelling and entertainment.
The implications for NASCAR, as well as for Busch and Keselowski, are significant. The ad demonstrates the value in leveraging personality and narrative to engage audiences, especially as perceptions around the sport and its promotion evolve. Commercials like this could pave the way for future marketing strategies that embrace the authenticity and charisma of the drivers themselves. For Kyle Busch, the opportunity to showcase versatility—on and off the track—cements his reputation as not just a champion, but a compelling ambassador for the sport. Brad Keselowski’s performance similarly highlights his adaptability, reinforcing his dual role as driver and emerging team owner.
Looking ahead, this unexpected partnership has set a new benchmark for NASCAR promotions, leaving fans eager to see what creative collaborations lie ahead. The commercial’s legacy is likely to inspire future debates—not just on who is greatest at the wheel, but who can command the spotlight when the cameras roll. As it stands, the spirited competition between Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski has expanded beyond racing, adding yet another chapter to their storied rivalry and providing NASCAR fans with plenty to discuss as the sport heads into a highly anticipated future.
