Brad Keselowski Talks Driver Contracts and a "Dynamic Shift" In The Sport

By: Tom Luttermoser  Image Via Brad Keselowski Twitter

First off I want to thank the folks over at NASCAR for the opportunity, but this morning I got to join the local and NASCAR media folks on a Zoom call with my fellow Michigan boy, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Co-Owner and former Cup Champion Brad Keselowski. I joined with names such Bob Pockrass and Claire B Lang which, let's be honest... is pretty damn cool to say. Although I did not get an opportunity to ask my question, I am still honored to have even been offered that opportunity after over 2 years of trying to grow Seriously Fast Media.

One of the big issues Brad addressed was the changing landscape for drivers fighting sponsorship and contract issues. This question was about (of course) Kyle Busch and his struggles. Brad was asked if Kyle had reached out to him concerning a ride and potential of adding a car for Kyle. Brad stated that they are in a "really good spot with Chris Buescher" and the 17 team, that he sees him being a long term driver for the team. 

As for the contracts and financial issue, Brad made references to back in the day "Before my time" (as he put it) drivers made incredible amounts of money, even when I started, and the team owners had no value at all." Brad would go on to reference Yates Racing and Robert Yates. "Yates was a staple of the sport for 30 years and had to sell his team for nearly liquidated value when he was ready to retire. Brad called it a travesty. He went on to say that at the same time, drivers were making as much as if not more than the liquidated value of RYR in a single year. 

Keselowski said that the sport is in a "dramatic reset" and the tides have changed over the last decade or 2. Now team owners assets are worth considerably more money and that the drivers pay is declining... and rapidly calling it a "Dramatic shift." Brad added. He wasn't sure which was better for the sport.

7x Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson mentioned to Graham Bensinger a couple years ago in his interview that Driver Salaries are almost half since 2015.