NASCAR explains why Brad Keselowski wasn’t sanctioned for red flag violation at Daytona

Brad Keselowski was spotted doing circles under red flag but escaped any penalties.

NASCAR explains why Brad Keselowski wasn’t sanctioned for red flag violation at Daytona

Brad Keselowski (Via IMAGO)

During the recent NASCAR showdown at the Daytona International Speedway, RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski faced an unusual moment. Amid a red flag triggered by a multi-car crash, he engaged in unconventional antics. NASCAR’s VP of Competition, Elton Sawyer, explained why Keselowski’s actions didn’t lead to penalties.

Under the red flag, Brad Keselowski’s car emitted smoke, prompting fire concerns. He took an unconventional approach, driving in circles during the race pause. Keselowski explained that as the smoke enveloped his feet, the ECU’s red light clarified as the fire waned, suggesting it was ‘not a dumb’ move that worked.

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Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Sawyer explained the decision not to penalize Keselowski, stating, “You know obviously we’re under red flag conditions, and our pace car driver, when he was making laps there, he had noticed that the No. 6, there was smoke coming out of it.” He added, “I don’t know if we actually ever witnessed any actual fire, but there was smoke. Brad, you’ve got to give Brad a lot of credit there. Creativity there.”

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Sawyer’s explanation highlights that, despite the unconventional nature of Keselowski’s actions, they did not warrant a penalty. The NASCAR VP further explained, “We sat there in the tower thinking, ‘There isn’t a penalty there. He hasn’t advanced his position.’” Crucially, Keselowski’s maneuver did not result in any positional advantage, and he had distanced himself from the incident site, where track personnel were attending to other matters.

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Elton Sawyer lauds Brad Keselowski for thinking on his feet

Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski (credits: @RFK/Twitter)

Sawyer mentioned that during the red flag, the pace car driver noticed smoke coming from another car (No. 6), and Keselowski’s creative response was commendable. He explained, “So we looked at it and actually commended Brad, for being able to do that.” Sawyer added,  “Think on his feet, if you will. To not make that situation any worse.”

The RFK team secured a remarkable 1-2 finish, with Keselowski and his teammate, Chris Buescher, performing admirably. Despite the initial car problems and the humorous interlude, Keselowski’s actions ultimately did not hinder his team’s success. Furthermore, Keselowski played a significant role in propelling his teammate, Buescher, to victory. Buescher credited Keselowski’s assistance as a crucial push for his triumph in the race.

 Brad Keselowski’s unconventional response to a car issue under a red flag at Daytona garnered attention and amusement from fans. NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer praised Keselowski’s quick thinking in a unique situation, and the RFK team achieved a remarkable 1-2 finish in the race, showcasing their strength and teamwork. It will be intriguing to watch if the team can carry this momentum into the playoffs. 

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