For every driver lining up on the grid each week in the Cup Series, the ultimate goal is victory. Yet, the path to the checkered flag is fraught with challenges, and sometimes, circumstances beyond a driver’s control can derail their aspirations.

While a less-then-stellar performance is never the desired outcome, it pales in comparison to the dreaded DNF—Did Not Finish. Whether caused by vehicle damage, mechanical issues, or sheer misfortune, a DNF represents a significant setback. This season, several prominent names have fallen victim to the DNF, but few have experienced it as frequently, or as acutely, as Brad Keselowski.

The veteran driver for RFK Racing has encountered a troubling trend, failing to complete five of his first 12 starts this year. This statistic is especially concerning given Keselowski’s established reputation and experiance in the sport.

A Season Marred by Unfinished Races

Keselowski, a seasoned competitor in the Cup Series, is navigating what could be described as one of the most challenging seasons of his career. Here’s a breakdown of the races that ended prematurely for the No. 6 Ford:

• Atlanta: Keselowski started ninth and showed early promise, but his race ended abruptly on Lap 150 when he was caught in a multi-car collision involving Chase Elliott and Corey LaJoie.
• Phoenix: starting from the 20th position, Keselowski’s race lasted only 98 laps before he was involved in another significant wreck that took out multiple cars.
• Talladega: The Talladega race proved disastrous, with Keselowski failing to even complete Stage 1 after wrecking alongside Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch.
• texas: Entering texas, hopes were high, considering Keselowski’s extraordinary record of six consecutive top-10 finishes at the track. However,late in the race,he lost control of his car,triggering a multi-car pileup and sustaining irreparable damage after hitting the inside wall.
• Kansas: In his most recent outing, Keselowski demonstrated early strength, finishing the first and second stages in 14th and 6th place, respectively. However, on Lap 194, while running close behind leader Kyle Larson, a right front tire blowout sent his No. 6 Ford into the wall, ending his race.

The Kansas DNF marked a particularly unwelcome milestone: three consecutive unfinished races for Keselowski, representing the longest such streak in his Cup Series career.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Prior to this season, Keselowski’s highest number of DNFs in a single year was six, recorded in 2018. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to advance to the Round of 12 in the playoffs and ultimately finished 8th in the overall driver standings while competing for Team Penske.

Joseph Srigley, recently posted about Keselowski on X, highlighting the alarming trend:

after his DNF at Kansas, Brad Keselowski has failed to finish three straight NASCAR Cup Series events for the first time in his 569-race career.
Joseph Srigley, TobyChristie.com

Srigley further noted that Keselowski’s 5 DNFs in the first 12 races of the year are only one fewer than his career-high for a single season (6, 2018).

While statistics provide a snapshot of the situation, they also raise critical questions.Has Keselowski weathered the worst of the season, or are more challenges on the horizon?