Brad Keselowski has shared insights into the Brad Keselowski driver selection criteria, highlighting how his benchmarks have shifted over the years in NASCAR, and emphasizing standout drivers who fit his evolving standards. The RFK Racing co-owner’s perspective, developed through competing in the Cup Series against notable names like Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin, takes into account both race victories and all-around performance on the track.
Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, and Joey Logano: Standout Drivers by Keselowski’s Standards
Reflecting on his own career journey dating back to over 15 years ago, Keselowski once battled fiercely for the Cup Series title alongside names like Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson. During that era, when asked by The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck to identify the premier driver at the time, Keselowski named Kurt Busch. Although Busch was at times a divisive figure among NASCAR fans, Keselowski respected him for his racecraft and quick thinking in crucial moments.
Keselowski explained that, in 2010, he valued pure speed as the core trait for rating top talent. He regarded those able to push a car to the edge as the elite drivers on the circuit back then. However, as the sport evolved, Keselowski reassessed what matters most in driver performance.
In his present view, with NASCAR becoming more complex and skill sets diversifying, Keselowski now appraises drivers on a combination of operational sharpness and strategic capabilities. Specifically, he points to Kyle Larson’s exceptional raw pace, indicating that using his old evaluation method, Larson would be the natural choice. He commented,
same metrics of 2010 for today, I would say Kyle Larson. He has the most raw speed of anyone in the garage.
— Brad Keselowski, RFK co-owner and driver
Keselowski has consistently reiterated this preference in the past. He once made clear his hypothetical strategy for starting a new team, stating he would advocate for Larson, with the moment being publicly recounted and discussed in major NASCAR coverage.
Adapting to Modern NASCAR: Why Keselowski Also Favors Joey Logano
As speed became only one of several valued skills in recent years, Keselowski’s focus expanded to include a wider range of racing abilities, such as success on pit road, performance during restarts, and consistency over an entire race distance. Today’s consistently strong drivers excel not only at driving fast laps, but also manage race dynamics, strategy, and adaptability more completely.
With this broader set of criteria, Keselowski identified Joey Logano as a modern standout, stating,
I’d probably point more at Joey Logano. He probably doesn’t have the go-fast that Larson has, but he’s very well-rounded in all aspects of the game. Restarts, pit road, passing, defense, he’s the most rounded guy in the field.
— Brad Keselowski, RFK co-owner and driver
Both Joey Logano and Kyle Larson have captured the Cup Series crown in recent years, and their continued high-level performances demonstrate their alignment with Keselowski’s evolving judgment.
Current Cup Series Standings and the Road Ahead
As the 2025 Cup Series playoffs approach the Round of 12, both Joey Logano, representing Team Penske and also the defending champion, and Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports remain viable contenders for another title. However, Larson currently sits in a stronger position, ranked third and enjoying a buffer of 24 points over the next-round cutoff.
Conversely, Logano faces tougher odds as he is in danger of elimination, holding a spot two points below the cutoff heading into preparations for the USA Today 301. This current playoff picture highlights how essential versatility and adaptability—defining elements of the Brad Keselowski driver selection criteria—remain for success in today’s NASCAR landscape.
Looking ahead, the continued evolution of what constitutes a top driver will play a significant role in shaping both careers and team strategies. Keselowski’s nuanced perspective on past and present greats, focused on both raw speed and all-around competency, is likely to influence the next generation of driver assessments as the series advances.
If Brad Keselowski was starting a Cup Series team, he'd hire Kyle Larson to be his driver. pic.twitter.com/GWKaZrsITy
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 27, 2019
