Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has openly criticized how the sport covers its playoff races, particularly after the Round of 12 elimination event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. His Brad Keselowski playoff criticism comes amid ongoing debate about NASCAR’s playoff format and its impact on the sport’s overall direction and popularity.
Keselowski Challenges Focus of Current NASCAR Playoff Coverage
Brad Keselowski, who drives and co-owns the #6 Ford for RFK Racing, made his dissatisfaction clear following a dramatic elimination race where he was not among the playoff contenders due to his team missing playoff qualification this year. Keselowski used social media to voice concerns that media coverage prioritizes the battle for playoff elimination spots—often battles deep in the field—over highlighting drivers who actually win races, which he argues diminishes the significance of race winners and winning as a whole.
On X, responding to ongoing discussion about playoff media focus, Keselowski wrote:
“Clear as day, Not enough talk about winning and winners (star power), but covering 15th for known elimination is easier for media storylines. Fans are voting with their eyeballs and it’s definitively a Net loss for the sport vs full season format. Now is the time to fix this.”
Kyle Larson and Shane van Gisbergen, two notables from this season, were involved in the latest race drama. At the Charlotte Roval, van Gisbergen, known for his strong road course performances, secured a clear victory over former Cup champion Larson by more than 15 seconds, marking his fifth road course win this rookie season. Meanwhile, the final playoff spot for the Round of 8 came down to a tense fight between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain, with Logano narrowly advancing by four points.
Keselowski Argues for Overhaul of NASCAR’s Playoff System
Keselowski’s Brad Keselowski playoff criticism is not limited to race coverage. In a recent conversation with journalist Jeff Gluck, he took aim at the very structure of NASCAR’s current playoff format. He stated that the last ten races are weighted far more heavily than the rest of the season, which, in his view, undermines the recognition and importance given to other tracks and events throughout the year.
“The entire playoff system needs to go. Making 10 races carry more weight than the other 20-plus is very unhealthy for the sport. It undermines the value of the other tracks and events.” Brad Keselowski spoke on the format imbalance.
The current system, implemented since 2017, abandoned the season-long points championship in favor of a playoff-style elimination system. This shift has spurred debate within the sport about its effect on competition and fan engagement. Key figures in NASCAR, including previous champions and teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Ford-backed entities, have been part of this ongoing conversation.
Discussions are now circulating about yet another adjustment, possibly arriving in 2026, which would see the championship final round expand to four races with six contenders, potentially altering the path to the NASCAR Cup Series title once more.
What’s at Stake for NASCAR’s Future
The controversy raised by Brad Keselowski highlights broader concerns within the NASCAR community regarding the sport’s structure and how it is marketed to fans. With high-profile competitors like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano also part of the ongoing playoff battles, and talented rookies such as Shane van Gisbergen making a mark, the conversation around points races, elimination formats, and the value of individual events is likely to remain active.
As NASCAR leadership weighs possible changes to the playoff system and its broadcast approach, stakeholders across the sport—from drivers to fans to teams such as RFK Racing and Hendrick Motorsports—await clarity on whether adjustments will restore focus to race victories and deliver a format that better honors season-long performance.
