Joey Logano Talladega controversy intensified following the NASCAR Cup Series race when Logano criticized Brad Keselowski, contending that Keselowski held him back at Talladega Superspeedway. However, Keselowski’s spotter, TJ Majors, publicly rejected these assertions during a widely-heard podcast episode, further fueling debate among fans and drivers alike.
The friction emerged as Team Penske’s drivers controlled the inside lane for several laps, with Keselowski’s RFK Ford following closely behind. Joey Logano, driving the #22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, alongside teammate Ryan Blaney, eventually lost ground. Logano attributed this setback to Keselowski, alleging that the #6 Ford was conserving fuel and thus unable to aid him in maintaining the lead. As a result, Logano slipped to the middle of the pack, sparking claims that Keselowski’s actions directly influenced his race outcome.
TJ Majors Refutes Allegations on Dale Jr. Download
Addressing the incident and Logano’s accusations, Keselowski’s spotter, TJ Majors, joined Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast to share his perspective. Majors, when asked about the allegations of fuel-saving, offered a pointed response:
“False.” – TJ Majors, Spotter for Brad Keselowski
Majors continued his explanation, emphasizing the actual dynamics happening during the pivotal laps. He described the situation in detail, focusing on the team and lane strategy rather than individual blame. He stated:
“Nobody was saving… Well, when you’re fourth, fifth in line, you’re just riding. You can’t go anywhere. Like what happened on the restart was, I mean, we would get to Joey’s bumper, push him a little bit, but you’re not going to shove the 22 through the 12. But this didn’t start until you became the fourth car line. When you’re the fourth car in line, you’re not really the factor anymore. The biggest mistake here is them letting the 34 get clear on the outside.”
– TJ Majors, Spotter for Brad Keselowski
The comments added nuance to the Talladega discussion, highlighting the complexity of high-speed drafting and the limited role a car further back in line can play. Instead of supporting claims of deliberate strategy to hinder teammates, Majors pointed to race positioning and tactical decisions as the main factors influencing the outcome.
Team Finishes and Race Outcome at Talladega
Brad Keselowski managed a strong effort, finishing within the top ten and securing the tenth position after the 193-lap contest at Talladega Superspeedway. In contrast, Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney crossed the finish line in 16th and 23rd positions, respectively. The race was ultimately won by Chase Briscoe, who claimed victory in the YellaWood 500, overshadowing the disputes between the Ford powerhouse teams.
Keselowski Discusses Teammate Dynamics in a Challenging Season
Shifting focus from the Joey Logano Talladega controversy, Brad Keselowski addressed his broader season struggles during a pre-race press meeting. The former Cup Series champion reflected on the performance of his teammates, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, as the 2025 campaign neared its conclusion. Keselowski acknowledged being pushed harder than expected by his peers, expressing appreciation for the intensity and competitive drive within his RFK Racing circle.
He shared with the assembled media:
“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, RFK Racing Driver
This season has marked one of the most trying periods of Keselowski’s Cup Series career since his rookie debut. Failing to secure a victory with only two races left, he also missed out on playoff contention. By the time of reporting, Keselowski occupied the 20th slot in the Cup Series standings with 710 points, while Chris Buescher led their group in 17th with 854 points. Ryan Preece closely followed, ranking 18th with 798 points and a pole at Richmond Raceway.
The Road Ahead for Ford Drivers Amid Ongoing Rivalry
The ongoing debates between drivers such as Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski at events like Talladega reflect the high-stakes and competitive pressure within NASCAR’s top teams. With teammates like Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece stepping up, and with figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. amplifying discussion through his platforms, expectations remain high for future showdowns. The complex strategies and personalities involved promise to keep both fans and rivals engaged as the NASCAR season reaches its finale and drivers prepare for the next chapter in their careers.
Penske thought Brad was saving fuel at the end of the race? 🤔⛽@DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/x8gRlsey09
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 22, 2025
