During the NASCAR Cup Series race held Sunday at Gateway, Brad Keselowski, driver for RFK Racing, had an outburst of frustration over the radio after being passed by Joey Logano of Team Penske. Keselowski expressed his dissatisfaction with the support both organizations receive from Ford, pointing out that his team is treated like a ‘second-tier team’.
In an intense moment during the race, Keselowski stated that if he had had one of the ‘quality’ engines that Team Penske uses, he would have been able to advance. ‘Since the moment they passed me, I thought it was a great injustice and that the power difference is noticeable. We feel undervalued,’ he said, expressing his frustration over the inequality in treatment between design teams.
Keselowski has not participated in this year’s playoffs, and his crew chief, Jeremy Bullins, referenced the situation, suggesting that Keselowski had experienced a disadvantage of 1 to 3 horsepower compared to his main competitors. However, Bullins clarified that these reactions are often a result of momentary frustration.‘Once in a competition car, it’s normal for tension to come out in key moments of the race’, he added.
A week after the incident, Keselowski defended his relationship with engine builder Doug Yates and tried to dispel any tensions arising from his comments. While acknowledging it was not one of his prouder moments, he insisted that his main goal was to win.
During a press conference at the Bristol racetrack, Keselowski referenced the idea that not all cars are built or fueled the same way, despite the perception NASCAR has. ‘Cars are not just built to ‘spec’. Although there are common parts, each team adds its own touch that can make a difference in performance.’
Keselowski concluded with a comparison to the movie Days of Thunder, reminding that in the end, reality often surpasses the illusion that competition has tried to create. ‘If you put the best driver in the worst car, he won’t win, and that’s what defines this competition.’
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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