During the NASCAR Cup race, Brad Keselowski’s attempt at a five-wide pass on Lap 118 ended in a multi-car crash, significantly impacting the event and highlighting risks tied to daring maneuvers. The Brad Keselowski five-wide pass crash became the turning point as several high-profile drivers, including Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez, were swept into the chaos.
Key Details of the Incident and Its Aftermath
The restart saw drivers aggressively fanning out three and four-wide through the opening corners, but Keselowski, representing RFK Racing, pushed the limits by attempting five-wide on the apron. As he forced the move, he quickly found there was not sufficient room to fit so many cars side by side. He veered onto the apron, ran out of space near the inside wall, and made contact with Shane van Gisbergen. This contact sent van Gisbergen spinning at the exit of Turn 2, triggering a major pileup.
Despite the intensity of the wreck, all playoff drivers managed to avoid involvement, but the crash brought a premature end to one of van Gisbergen’s most promising oval performances. He had qualified in tenth position, his best starting spot on an oval, and had just scored his first points in an oval stage, making the incident particularly disappointing for him and his team.
Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez, and Justin Haley could not evade the aftermath, with Suarez’s car even leaving the ground upon impact. The crash nearly eliminated all three Trackhouse Racing cars, as Ross Chastain, the team’s only playoff contender, escaped the incident by a narrow margin. Suarez, van Gisbergen, and Haley sustained severe enough damage that they were forced behind the wall, while both Busch and Keselowski managed to continue, albeit with their cars clearly damaged.
Other Dramatic Moments in the Race
The race atmosphere was further charged by incidents involving Joe Gibbs Racing teammates. Denny Hamlin, frustrated with Ty Gibbs’ approach while racing against championship contenders, intentionally spun Gibbs out, adding tension and competitiveness among the top drivers. This intra-team altercation contributed to the overall sense of frustration and disappointment during the event.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for the Drivers
The Brad Keselowski five-wide pass crash served as a cautionary example of how aggressive strategies on restarts can lead to damaging outcomes for multiple teams, especially when the playoff race is in full swing. For drivers like van Gisbergen, who was showcasing newfound strength on ovals, such incidents are particularly disheartening. As the series progresses, teams and drivers may reconsider the risks they take during restarts, knowing how quickly fortunes can change in high-stakes NASCAR events.
