Brad Keselowski, reflecting on his NASCAR participation, confirmed that NASCAR did not prevent him from taking part in other racing series, highlighting the flexibility allowed by the governing body amidst legal challenges involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. This disclosure was brought forward following legal developments and questions about NASCAR’s role in permitting drivers to seek competing opportunities outside the main series.
NASCAR’s Stance on Driving in Multiple Series
NASCAR recently filed a statement that included comments from Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski, emphasizing that the organization has not stopped drivers from participating in other racing series. The statement became public knowledge as NASCAR faces a legal dispute with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, who are challenging the body’s handling of charter agreements ahead of the 2025 season.
The controversy began when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign new charter agreements. Their refusal led to a lawsuit targeting NASCAR CEO Jim France, accusing him of exerting monopoly control over the sport. While the US Court of Appeals ruled that these teams would not be recognized as charter entries, it allowed them to compete as open entries within the series, providing a degree of access despite their legal challenge.
Brad Keselowski’s Experience with SRX and NASCAR’s Response
In an effort to demonstrate the openness of the series, NASCAR highlighted the case of Brad Keselowski when he was approached by Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) for participation in their 2023 short-track series. Keselowski accepted the opportunity and took part in all six races of the SRX season, which included several high-profile drivers from the NASCAR community such as Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Kenny Wallace, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Preece, and Austin Dillon.
Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney, both notable names in the motorsports world, were not part of the SRX lineup that year, but the presence of established figures like Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin added to the competition’s prestige. Only Tony Stewart and Brad Keselowski earned points in the SRX series, finishing the season in third and fourth place respectively.
Responding directly on the matter, Keselowski said,
“I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver
Keselowski Reflects on Challenging Cup Series Season
In April 2025, prior to the race at Talladega Superspeedway, Brad Keselowski appeared at a media event where he openly discussed the challenges of his current NASCAR Cup Series season. The former series champion, now 41 years old and driving the #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK), acknowledged that this has been one of his most difficult seasons since his rookie year. Keselowski has yet to secure a win in 31 starts and did not qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, RFK teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece have outperformed him, ranking above him in the championship standings.
During the media session, Keselowski expressed genuine admiration for his teammates’ progress while also reflecting on the competitive environment within the team:
“They’re pushing me, which is good. I don’t want it to be a one-directional relationship where I was pushing them. Maybe I got a little more than I hoped for (laughing), but I really like the intensity that both of them have. Ryan has brought a level of thoroughness that is very impressive and the effort that comes with that. Ryan and Chris are two great race car drivers.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver
“My goal for them is to put them in equipment and surround them with a team to where they can display that they’re elite race car drivers. I don’t feel like I’ve fully realized that yet. I’m pretty happy with the teams we’ve built around them.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver
As the Cup Series standings currently show, Keselowski sits in 19th position with 654 points. Chris Buescher holds 17th place with 789 points, and Ryan Preece is just ahead of Keselowski in 18th position with 717 points. These internal team rankings underscore the heightened competition driving RFK’s recent performance.
What This Means for NASCAR’s Future and Keselowski’s Career
The ongoing legal actions involving the charter system and NASCAR leadership add a sense of uncertainty to the sport’s future, but the organization’s approach to allowing drivers like Brad Keselowski to race in other series suggests a flexible stance that could benefit both teams and competitors. With the high level of internal competition at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Keselowski’s own motivation and the performance of drivers such as Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece are likely to fuel advancements both within the organization and on the broader Cup Series grid.
Brad Keselowski’s perspective on his NASCAR participation and the freedom to compete in multiple series demonstrates adaptability in a changing sports landscape. His experience with SRX, combined with his current Cup Series challenges, highlights both opportunities and pressures facing top drivers in the sport as the next season approaches.
.@Keselowski in new @NASCAR filing tonight: "I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series."
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) October 4, 2025
