Pocono Raceway Race Report: Keselowski’s Costly Pit Decision
In a dramatic turn at Pocono Raceway, Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing made a pivotal error during the NASCAR Cup Series race that significantly impacted his performance. On Lap 56, Keselowski, who was leading, mistakenly entered pit road while it was closed, surrendering crucial track position.
“I hold the steering wheel and I’m the one that’s gotta check and I didn’t check the crew chief and the spotter — that’s my fault,” Keselowski stated post-race.
Despite the setback, Keselowski mounted a strong comeback, utilizing a competitive Ford Mustang to re-enter the top five and even briefly take the lead during the final green-flag pit stop cycle. After a strategic call by crew chief Jeremy Bullins, Keselowski opted to stay out longer to capitalize on clean air. Unfortunately, a caution flagged shortly thereafter disrupted this strategy, pushing him back in the field.
Reflecting on the race, Keselowski remarked, “We got the lead there in the first stage and we felt like we were in control… I feel bad about not taking advantage of that." Ultimately, Keselowski managed to finish ninth after starting the final restart from 24th, contributing to RFK Racing’s overall strong showing, with all three cars finishing in the top ten.
This race exemplified the high-stakes decision-making inherent in NASCAR, where timing in strategy can often dictate the outcome. The misstep, though costly, highlights the unpredictable nature of motorsports and the importance of precision in teamwork during critical moments.
In related news from Pocono, Chase Briscoe secured a remarkable victory by saving enough fuel, while Bubba Wallace faced challenges after a brake failure during the event.
