Keselowski Sideways in The Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 is this year’s cut off race for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, and Team Penske’s team owner, Rodger Penske, was at the track this weekend.
2012 Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski (No. 2 for Team Penske) suffered a hard hit in Sunday afternoon’s Brickyard 400 which ultimately ended up with the car sideways.
Keselowski and Erik Jones (No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing) got into each other with two laps left in the first stage. Keselowski got sent down the track and into a wall at a 90 degree angle. The car hit the tires in the SAFER barrier and it stayed up on its side. Keselowski was quick to hop down and out of the sideways No. 2 car.
Thankfully, Keselowski was able to walk away and to give an interview standing outside of the infield care center.
In that interview for the NBC broadcast he said, “This track was part of the safety revolution 15-20 years ago… I think it’s time for another one.” Also that he hit the wall at an “atrocious” angle. In another interview Keselowski gave his views on the tire barriers. He said, “Tire barriers are not appropriate for stock cars. Ever.” If you’re curious as to why this is his opinion, click here.
Are you wondering how Keselowski faired leading up to his wreck? Read on!
The No. 2 pilot started his day in 6th place. His first and only pit this race was on lap thirteen where he took right side tires and fuel. He had no adjustments made to the car under pit and went back out. He restarted in 2nd place and reported later in stage one that the No. 2 was losing its grip (1 and 2).
Then, as stated above, toward the end of stage one the No. 20 car and No. 2 car drifted into each other and Keselowski was sent down the track at full speed. As far the Playoffs are concerned, Keselowski has nothing to worry about losing in todays race. He has three wins already this season and is locked in.
1 - Team Penske (Team_Penske), “.@keselowski pits under caution on lap 13 for right-side tires and fuel, no adjustments. He’s happy with the balance on the @DiscountTire Ford, will restart second when we go back green.” 8 September 2019. 2:25 pm. Tweet.
2 - Team Penske (Team_Penske), “Lap 27:@keselowski says he’s losing grip, currently second-place behind@KevinHarvick” 8 September 2019. 2:37 pm. Tweet.
