Brad Keselowski Demands NASCAR Practice Reform

Brad Keselowski sparked a debate over NASCAR's practice format, advocating for longer sessions to benefit driver development and team performance.

What's the current issue?

NASCAR reduced practice time during the COVID-19 pandemic to cut costs, relying on simulator programs and limited track activity. The current format creates problems for drivers and teams, according to Keselowski.

How does it affect drivers?

Keselowski believes reduced practice time hurts younger Cup Series drivers who need real track experience. Ty Gibbs completed 86 laps during a recent 90-minute practice session, the most in his Cup Series career.

What do other drivers think?

Gibbs and Chase Elliott reacted to the longer practice session, with Gibbs saying he's good with the current 25-minute sessions. Elliott noted that having extra tires felt unusual after years of shorter weekends.

What's next for NASCAR practice?

Keselowski thinks NASCAR will eventually need to step in and change the system, despite owners opposing more practice time. NASCAR reduced practice sessions in 2020 as part of cost-cutting changes, saving teams money on travel and tires. Keselowski warned that the current format hurts smaller teams and the sport's future. As a driver and owner, Keselowski strongly defended the need for more practice sessions. The RFK Racing owner said the current format creates problems for both drivers and teams across the NASCAR Cup Series. Keselowski explained that limited practice especially hurts smaller teams who lose valuable time to improve their cars. The veteran driver made it clear that he believes NASCAR needs to change the system. A majority of owners do not want practice, Keselowski said, so NASCAR will have to strong-arm owners to make a change. Keselowski's comments exposed a growing divide between NASCAR owners over how race weekends should operate moving forward. The discussion returned during NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway.