Brad Keselowski, a notable figure in the NASCAR Cup Series and co-owner at RFK Racing, has explained his unique use of black eye paint during races, revealing how it gives him an edge when weather conditions shift. This Brad Keselowski eye paint NASCAR trick was detailed after a fan questioned him during a recent Reddit Q&A, shining light on a lesser-known adaptation drivers use to handle tricky glare inside their vehicles.
Like football players and other athletes, Keselowski applies a horizontal black streak below his eyes to combat the challenges brought by varying track conditions. Drivers usually rely on tinted windshields to block intense sunlight, but those tints can make it difficult to spot rain on the track—a critical hazard in NASCAR. Keselowski shared that instead of using tints during races with rain in the forecast, he opts for the eye paint. This approach helps him better judge track conditions without sacrificing visibility.
“The problem with that is that it makes it very bright inside the race car. The glare gets worse. Using eyeblack helps to offset that without making it to where I can’t see the racetrack when it’s wet.”
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver and RFK Racing Co-Owner
The science behind the practice explains why it works: black, being a shade that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, helps prevent sunlight from bouncing off the skin into a driver’s eyes. This minimizes disruptive glare, which in fast-paced racing scenarios, can make depth perception challenging as drivers assess the track ahead. Even slight improvements in visibility can offer a competitive advantage in split-second racing decisions.
Keselowski’s Playoff Hopes Riding on Daytona
As the NASCAR postseason approaches, Brad Keselowski and other drivers still chasing a berth have only one more chance: this Saturday’s race at Daytona. With just 16 playoff spots available, the pressure mounts for competitors like Keselowski, especially those who haven’t clinched a win yet this season.
Despite a lackluster early stretch, Keselowski’s recent results suggest he is regaining momentum with his No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. He’s finished ninth in Richmond, taken third at Iowa, and secured a fifth-place result in Indianapolis—all evidence that he may be a strong contender as the field heads to Daytona. A stellar performance could secure his place among the postseason’s elite, making the race a potential turning point.
Adding to his motivation, Keselowski will be racing just days after welcoming his fourth child, a son, born on August 20. This significant personal milestone could provide extra drive as he pursues victory and a shot at the Cup Series championship. The upcoming race at Daytona stands as his final opportunity to claim a spot in the playoffs and continue his campaign for the title.
