Brad Keselowski addressed the recent penalties that have hit RFK Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, detailing that the team is taking steps internally to avoid future mistakes involving the sport’s complicated rulebook. The penalties have cost the RFK Racing teams valuable points at a crucial point in the season, prompting Keselowski to initiate changes focusing on compliance and oversight within the organization.
Recent Penalties Impact RFK Racing’s Playoff Chances
Over the past five weeks, RFK Racing teams have suffered two penalties adding up to a loss of 69 points and five playoff points. This setback comes at a critical juncture, with half of the regular season remaining for teams striving to maintain a playoff position. The organization recognized the importance of these lost points, which could affect playoff eligibility for drivers like Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher.
In late April, Ryan Preece initially finished second at Talladega, but his car failed post-race inspection due to a spoiler violation. NASCAR officials determined that Preece’s car had three shims instead of the required two, resulting in the disqualification of his finish and a deduction of 39 points. Soon after, Chris Buescher’s team received a penalty following a front bumper cover infraction discovered at NASCAR’s R&D Center after the Kansas race. This incident led to a 60-point penalty and the loss of five playoff points for Buescher and his team, although an appeal later reduced the point penalty to 30, with the playoff points penalty retained.
Keselowski Points to Rulebook Complexity as Key Factor
Brad Keselowski was candid about the reasons behind the penalties, emphasizing that they were not the result of intentional boundary-pushing but rather a lack of thorough understanding of NASCAR’s intricate regulations. He explained,
“not having enough regard to understand the rule book and all of its complexities.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-owner
He addressed further,
“The situations at hand were not items I would call ‘pushing too much’ as much as I would call just not having enough regard to understanding the rule book and all of its complexities,”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-owner
The burden, Keselowski noted, lies with the team’s organization, adding,
“Ultimately, that burden falls on us and we have had those conversations internally. I think everyone knows what is expected of them moving forward.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-owner
Internal Changes Aim for Rulebook Compliance
When asked about how RFK Racing plans to keep up with the challenging and extensive NASCAR rulebook, Keselowski compared its complexity to the IRS tax code, explaining that compliance often requires referencing multiple sections and documents. He recognized the high intensity of competing and managing a race team over the 38-week schedule and admitted that oversights can occur, but insisted that this does not excuse the infractions.
To increase preparedness, Keselowski revealed,
“I can’t really speak to other teams and how they handle it. I can speak to ours and we made a small restructuring this week to be better prepared and more mindful of what it takes to be in compliance. We just changed a few roles and responsibilities.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver and Co-owner
The reorganization within the RFK Racing structure is intended to ensure all staff members are more vigilant and better equipped to navigate NASCAR’s demanding standards. Keselowski’s focus remains on compliance and avoiding similar mistakes for the rest of the season.
Playoff Race Tightens for RFK Racing Drivers
As the series heads to Nashville Superspeedway, the penalties have real consequences in the battle for the playoffs. Ryan Preece currently holds onto the last available playoff spot, while Chris Buescher, impacted by the recent points penalty, remains just six points out. With the season’s second half approaching, every point takes on added significance for the team and its drivers.
The measures implemented by Keselowski signal RFK Racing’s commitment to addressing its recent setbacks and reinforcing compliance with NASCAR regulations. Whether these adjustments will translate into on-track stability and playoff success remains one of the key storylines as the Cup Series moves forward.
