Brad Keselowski Warns Next-Gen Car Is Raising Driver Hand Injuries

Brad Keselowski says the Next-Gen NASCAR car is causing a surge in driver hand injuries, noting the shift to rack-and-pinion steering on 18 Jun 2026.

What did Keselowski reveal?

On 18 Jun 2026, the 2022 Cup champion and RFK Racing co-owner explained that the modern rack-and-pinion system transfers more impact directly to a driver’s arms. He contrasted it with the older steering box, which featured a center link, idler arm, Pitman arm and toe links that naturally absorbed collisions. "A steering box had a lot of crush zone built in," Keselowski said, emphasizing that the old design protected hands during wheel-to-wheel contact.

Why are injuries spiking now?

The new steering setup uses fewer parts and requires less energy, making the car more efficient on the track. But that efficiency comes at a cost: energy from impacts travels straight into the driver’s wrists, fingers and forearms. Keselowski pointed out that this design flaw is evident in recent incidents, such as Christopher Bell’s broken left wrist at Michigan International Speedway on 12 Jun 2026. Bell’s crash with Chase Elliott highlighted how the steering forces can bypass the car’s chassis and strike the driver’s hands.

How is the series responding?

Teams are already adapting. After Bell’s injury, an OrthoCarolina specialist molded a custom cast to fit his steering wheel, while veteran Max Papis helped modify the wheel’s left-hand side for a better grip. Bell still ran the full race at Pocono on 19 Jun 2026, finishing 26th after a fuel-mileage gamble forced a late pit stop. He led 18 laps before the issue. The upcoming Naval Base Coronado street race will see Bell hand the car to relief driver Brent Crews, and he may need another substitute at Sonoma Raceway on 24 Jun 2026.

What does this mean for Keselowski and the sport?

Keselowski’s comments put pressure on NASCAR to revisit the steering design before more drivers suffer similar injuries. As a co-owner, he has a vested interest in keeping the field healthy and competitive. The discussion also fuels debate among engineers about balancing performance gains with driver safety. If the series tweaks the rack-and-pinion geometry or adds supplemental crush zones, it could curb the injury trend without sacrificing the car’s speed.

What’s next for the Next-Gen car?

NASCAR officials have not announced immediate changes, but the growing chorus of driver complaints suggests a review is imminent. Keselowski hinted that future iterations might incorporate hybrid steering solutions that retain efficiency while re-introducing some of the old box’s protective characteristics. Until then, teams will continue to fine-tune driver ergonomics, and medical crews will stay on high alert for hand-related trauma during the summer schedule.