The Brad Keselowski rivalry with Kyle Busch, once known as one of NASCAR’s fiercest duels, could see new sparks as both drivers prepare for the upcoming Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis amid urgent playoff hopes. With neither driver currently inside the playoff cutline and a history of high drama between them, attention now turns to whether renewed battles can emerge as they each fight to revitalize their seasons.
In media sessions leading up to Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Keselowski candidly addressed the present status of his rivalry with Busch, pointing out the reality both men face.
“I think we’re both in a position where it’s hard to have a rivalry — and I’ve said this throughout my career — when you’re not competing for wins. And right now, neither of us are have been consistently in a spot where we’re competing for wins. And so, any type of rivalry is really just a distraction.”
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver
Longstanding Rivalry Marked by Highs, Lows, and Iconic Moments
For over a decade, the dynamic between Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch has stood out in NASCAR. Their initial on-track exchanges evolved into some of the most memorable confrontations in recent Cup Series history, each episode adding a new chapter to their shared story. From the infamous moment at Bristol in 2010, when Keselowski publicly insulted Busch, to high-stakes collisions at Watkins Glen in 2012, few pairings have been more combustible. Notably, Busch’s spin of Keselowski in the 2013 Xfinity race at Kansas drew fire, and in 2017, Keselowski’s remarks about Toyota teams “sandbagging” stoked further tension in the paddock.
Yet, despite the backdrop of animosity, both drivers have shifted focus in recent years. No longer frontrunners each week, the intensity has cooled, replaced by mutual acknowledgment of their current challenges. Their lack of regular race-winning form is apparent in both the statistics and their demeanor.
Both Drivers Face Steep Odds in Pursuit of Playoff Berth
Entering the Brickyard, neither Keselowski nor Busch is in a playoff position, with only five regular-season races remaining. Kyle Busch trails by 39 points, while Keselowski stands in 27th place with 360 points—still 140 points below the cutline. The competitive landscape is tight, with just four playoff spots remaining and 12 different winners so far this year.
Busch has not found victory lane since June 2023 and missed the playoffs last season, signaling an unusually prolonged drought for the two-time champion. By contrast, Keselowski’s sole triumph over his last 154 starts came at Darlington in May 2024. Still, he has presented moments of promise, even if a return to consistent contention has proven elusive.
Keselowski commented on the situation with honesty and a longing for their old rivalry to signify more than nostalgia:
“I’d love to rekindle that rivalry because in my eyes what that would mean is that we’re competing each other for wins. I always tell our people like, you have disagreements throughout the year — you don’t get in a fight over 15th place finishes… But, when you’re running up front, those are the good rivalries. I don’t think the two of us have seen each other much up front,”
he added. —Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver
So far this season, the pair have jointly led 163 laps, underscoring the struggle for outright speed that has kept them out of regular contention. As both drivers seek a turnaround in Indianapolis, their shared desire for a meaningful rivalry hinges on rediscovering the kind of pace that once defined them.
Indianapolis Offers Faint Glimmer of Redemption and Rematch
The Brickyard 400 could provide a pivotal point for both drivers. Brad Keselowski’s own record at Indianapolis Motor Speedway includes a Cup Series win in 2018, victory in the 2012 Xfinity race, and six top-10 finishes from twelve Cup starts. Busch has been even more successful at the iconic oval with two Cup wins and five top fives. His recent stats quietly show six top-15s in the last nine visits, hinting that the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing team might be building momentum at just the right time. Meanwhile, Keselowski’s No. 6 car has achieved five top-10s in his latest nine attempts, with an average result of 14.7.
Their playoff hopes are on the line with pressure mounting, and the backdrop of historic clashes looms as motivation. If either driver regains their once-dominant performance and begins challenging for wins, the stage would be set for their rivalry to reignite in a manner worthy of NASCAR’s grandest venues. Until then, the drama remains layered and unresolved, as both veterans strive to write a comeback story and reignite a battle that has shaped a generation of stock car racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. The Keselowski family comes from Polish roots. During his teenage years, Keselowski spent a lot of time at his dad’s race shop, where he cleaned floors and mowed the lawn. In 2000, he started his career in stock car racing in the Factory Stock division.
