RFK Racing is set to start from the back of the field at Phoenix Raceway after Brad Keselowski suffered a crash during practice, forcing the team to deploy a backup car and adjust their race strategy. The RFK Racing Phoenix crash backup situation developed after a blown tire sent Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford into the wall, prompting immediate changes ahead of the Sunday race.
Keselowski’s Practice Crash Alters Weekend Plans
On Saturday morning at Phoenix Raceway, Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion and current RFK Racing driver-owner, encountered trouble during Group 2 practice. A blown right front tire sent his No. 6 Ford Mustang into the outside wall at Turn 3, bringing his session to an abrupt end. Initially, the visible damage appeared minor with only some surface scraping; however, closer inspection led Keselowski to believe that a backup car would be necessary. The team quickly confirmed his suspicion as they began unloading the backup from their hauler, preparing for a significant change in strategy.
Analyzing the Impact on Practice Performance
Keselowski’s struggles were apparent before the crash, as his best lap time of 27.381 seconds placed him 34th out of 37 drivers competing, and his 10-lap average speed ranked 32nd overall. Mechanical inspection revealed a bent front clip on the steering shaft, requiring the use of the backup vehicle. RFK Racing’s pit crew acted swiftly to address the problem and ensure that Keselowski could still participate in the main event, albeit without the opportunity to qualify.
Tire Troubles Affected the Entire Team
Brad Keselowski was not alone in facing tire problems during practice. His RFK Racing teammate, Chris Buescher, also experienced a flat right-front tire early in the session and was forced back to pit road. Keselowski noted that the No. 6 team tried to counteract known tire issues by increasing air pressure, but the move did not prevent the crash.
Starting at the Rear and Career Stats at Phoenix
With the backup car in play, Keselowski will start from the rear of the field on Sunday and relinquish his qualifying run, as per NASCAR protocol. This situation demands that Keselowski executes a careful comeback at Phoenix Raceway, a one-mile oval in Arizona where holding position is often critical to success. Over his career, Keselowski has tallied 33 starts at Phoenix, posting 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, though he has yet to secure a victory at the track. In last season’s championship race, he managed an impressive climb to second place after starting 19th, demonstrating his ability to recover from less-than-ideal circumstances.
Team Preparation and Ongoing Challenges
As Keselowski and RFK Racing prepare for Sunday’s race, they remain focused on overcoming adversity and maintaining a strong presence in the NASCAR Cup Series chase. The team’s quick action following the crash underscores their commitment to keeping Keselowski competitive, with hopes to advance through the field despite the setback. The RFK Racing Phoenix crash backup situation is a clear example of the unpredictable challenges drivers face and how resilience, teamwork, and experience play a role in a successful recovery amid tough race weekends.
There are more practice problems!
This time, it's @keselowski! pic.twitter.com/JNPknAy874
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 7, 2026
