Brad Keselowski, the veteran NASCAR driver, has set his sights on reaching the impressive milestone of 900 Cup Series starts, a goal that would demand over 300 additional races. As he continues to recover from a recent leg surgery, Keselowski is mapping out his future in the sport with a determined mindset.
Setting a New Goal During Recovery
While recuperating from his injury, Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, announced that he aspires to reach 900 starts before concluding his career. This goal fuels his motivation as he undergoes rehabilitation, preparing for his return to the track with RFK Racing. Currently, Keselowski stands at 593 career Cup Series starts, ranking 35th on the all-time list and fourth among active full-time drivers.
“900 starts sounds nice to me,”
Brad Keselowski, Driver
Sharing his milestone aspiration on social media, Keselowski posted a chart featuring the top 10 Cup Series drivers by starts, further underscoring the significance of this personal target.
“Will take about 8 more seasons, Definitely doable. Great broken leg recovery motivation. Thanks to all who’ve sent this to me.”
Brad Keselowski, Driver
The Challenge of Joining NASCAR’s Elite
The quest to reach 900 Cup Series starts is no small feat. The historical list is topped by Richard Petty, who raced 1,184 times, followed by Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, and others such as Dave Marcis, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Bill Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon. Keselowski is aiming to join this exclusive club, despite his current tally placing him outside the top 30.
Among currently active drivers, Kyle Busch has 750 starts, with Denny Hamlin at 721, and Joey Logano logging 615. Martin Truex Jr. participated in 694 Cup Series events prior to his 2024 retirement. Should Keselowski keep racing as planned, reaching the goal is possible, but it will hinge on his dedication and longevity in the sport.
Calculating the Timeline to 900 Starts
With his current number of races, Keselowski estimates that eight more seasons would be required to achieve 900 Cup starts. Motorsports analyst Seth Eggert has supported this calculation, noting that Keselowski could possibly reach his 900th start around the 19th race of the 2034 season. If this unfolds, Keselowski would become only the third driver in Cup Series history to reach such a milestone, placing him alongside legends like Richard Petty and Ricky Rudd.
Age and Experience: A Tough Road Ahead
Keselowski, who has 36 Cup Series wins, will be 42 years old when the 2026 season starts. Should he continue until 2034, he would race until the age of 50. Historical precedent offers encouragement: Mark Martin, another decorated driver, competed until he was 54, achieving five race wins at age 50. This demonstrates that age, while a hurdle, need not be a deterrent for determined veterans.
A New Chase Begins at Daytona
The next step in Keselowski’s journey toward 900 Cup starts will come at the Daytona 500, scheduled to open the new season on Sunday, February 15. His participation, however, relies on his ongoing recovery and timely return behind the wheel of the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang, aiming to continue his storied career amid a field of accomplished contemporaries and racing icons.
Significance and Expectations
If Brad Keselowski reaches 900 Cup Series starts, he will cement his name among the true endurance legends of NASCAR. His goal not only motivates his recovery but also sets an example for perseverance within the sport. Fans of NASCAR, fellow drivers such as Darrell Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, and Jeff Gordon, and entities like RFK Racing will closely follow Keselowski’s progress as he chases this rare achievement, ensuring that each upcoming race carries added weight for his legacy and the ongoing narrative of the NASCAR Cup Series.
A few people have sent me this which got me thinking…
900 starts sounds nice to me.
Will take about 8 more seasons, Definitely doable.Great broken leg recovery motivation. Thanks to all who’ve sent this to me. https://t.co/HYv96UTFwI
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) January 17, 2026
Unless @NASCAR adds more points races per season or reduces the schedule, @keselowski should reach 900 #NASCAR Cup Series starts in race 19 of 2034, or ~8.5 seasons from now. https://t.co/ii6sNvfs7c
— Seth Eggert (@SethEggert91) January 17, 2026
