Brad Keselowski has raised questions about NASCAR’s increasing focus on road courses, bringing attention to both business and fan concerns. His comments highlight ongoing debate in the sport, especially as the 2024 Cup Series schedule adjusts its mix of race formats, making the topic of “Brad Keselowski on road courses” a major point of discussion.
Keselowski Voices Concerns About NASCAR’s Direction
In a recent interview, Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion and RFK Racing co-owner, shared his thoughts on the direction NASCAR is taking with more road course events. Speaking from a business owner’s standpoint, he observed that road course races struggle to attract the same crowds and television audiences as traditional oval events, making them harder to market to sponsors.
“I just put on my business owner hat. I don’t understand why the sport wants to run so many road courses.”
– Brad Keselowski, Co-owner, RFK Racing
He stressed that the available data doesn’t justify expanding road course events and expressed that NASCAR should prioritize locations that are most attractive to both fans and sponsors. He explained,
“That doesn’t make sense to me. We should be going to places where sponsors want to be, where fans want to be, and where TV gets the best ratings,”
pointing out the commercial realities faced by teams and organizers.
“Road courses have historically been the worst in all of those categories. So I don’t feel any obligation to that,”
Brad Keselowski concluded.
Mixed Reactions from NASCAR Fans Online
Fans were quick to respond across social media after Keselowski’s interview went public. Some supported his view, while others defended the presence of road courses or suggested compromises. Matthew Bruner commented,
“I like road courses; they’re fun to watch. Brad is not the best at road courses, so we shouldn’t be surprised he’d prefer fewer.”
– Matthew Bruner, Fan
Offering a middle ground, Joshua Reynold said,
“My proposal has been Watkins Glen, Sonoma, one street course, and one rotating road course. A lot of fans agree with Keselowski, probably the majority, especially older fans. I think younger fans are more receptive to road courses. Personally, I believe four is a perfect balance. Two is too few, but last year’s six was too many.”
– Joshua Reynold, Fan
D.L. Duggan shared a pragmatic view on the business and entertainment aspects, stating,
“Whether or not he’s factually correct on viewership, he’s right about sponsorship and fan attendance. By and large, road course races, there are a few exceptions, are BORING,”
– D.L. Duggan, Fan
However, other fans offered opposing insights. Maui James suggested shaking up the entire format:
“I wish every race were a road course. Or even better, have a separate championship for road courses, then a playoff including both divisions at the end, like Supercross and Motocross.”
– Maui James, Fan
Disagreeing with Keselowski, Brian Twining argued,
“Absolutely NOT. Including even four road courses like this year, and sometimes six like last, opens the door for more racers to potentially get into NASCAR. It also introduces the sport to fans who might not have otherwise seen it. They’re not constructing ovals for one of the races.”
– Brian Twining, Fan
Context: Changes in the NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
This year’s Cup Series calendar features four non-oval points races—three at traditional road circuits and one as a street course—down from six the previous season. NASCAR made this change partly in response to feedback, including removing the Charlotte Roval from the lineup. The debate reflects both a reverence for the series’ oval-track roots and the ongoing question of how to grow the sport’s fan base and attract new sponsors.
Despite criticism, some road events have demonstrated strong viewership, with the Circuit of the Americas drawing over four million television viewers last season, underscoring that the conversation about road courses is multifaceted. The Cup Series continues to balance legacy with adaptation as key figures, such as Brad Keselowski, and fans alike remain deeply invested in its future.
Do you agree with @keselowski on the amount of road courses on the #NASCAR schedule? pic.twitter.com/6o8NA7Hybk
— SpeedFreaks (@SpeedFreaks) March 2, 2026
I like road courses they’re fun to watch
Brad is not the best at road courses
So we shouldn’t be surprised he’d prefer less road courses https://t.co/kNT5AT7PML
— Matthew Bruner (@Matthew__Bruner) March 3, 2026
My proposal has been Watkins Glen, Sonoma, one street course, and one rotating road course. Though, a lot of fans agree with Keselowski. Probably the majority. Almost certainly the majority of older fans. I think younger fans are more receptive to road courses though. I…
— Joshua Reynolds (@theJoshRey) March 2, 2026
Whether or not he is factually correct on viewership, he’s right about sponsorship and fan attendance. And by and large, road course races (there are a few exceptions) are BORING.
— D.L. Duggan (@WHODATDuggDat) March 3, 2026
I wish every race was a road course. Or even better a separate championship for road course then a playoff including both divisions in the end like Supercross and Motocross.
— Maui James (@jhg01234) March 2, 2026
Absolutely NOT. Including even 4 RCs like this year, and sometimes 6 like last, opens the door for so many more racers to potentially get into NASCAR, as well as introducing the sport to fans who would never have seen it otherwise. They're not constructing ovals for one of races
— brian twining (@Brian_Twining) March 3, 2026
