Brad Keselowski has spoken out about the recent shutdown of his Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) Truck Series team, calling it a “difficult” but necessary decision after fulfilling a long-held NASCAR dream. The former NASCAR Cup Series champion reflected on the legacy of the team, which played a pivotal role in developing future stars and contributing to the sport’s growth.
A Dream Realized, A Chapter Closed
Keselowski founded BKR in 2008 with the goal of giving young talent a platform to succeed in NASCAR. Over the years, the team fielded trucks for drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe, and Austin Cindric, all of whom have since established themselves in the upper levels of the sport. The team achieved success with multiple wins, but despite its contributions, financial and logistical challenges eventually led to its closure.
“It was a difficult decision,” Keselowski admitted. “When I started BKR, I had a vision of building something that would help shape the future of NASCAR. We accomplished a lot, but at the end of the day, the business side of racing is tough. We had to make the call to move on.”
Financial Realities and NASCAR’s Changing Landscape
The closure of BKR highlights the increasing costs of running a competitive team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Many mid-sized teams have struggled with sponsorship and rising operational expenses, making sustainability a challenge. Keselowski, who now co-owns RFK Racing in the Cup Series, ultimately chose to shift his focus entirely to the top level of the sport.
“At some point, you have to prioritize where you can make the biggest impact,” he explained. “Running a Truck Series team was rewarding, but my role with RFK Racing became my main focus. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I know it was the right one.”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite shutting down, the impact of BKR is still felt throughout NASCAR. Many of the team’s former drivers have gone on to achieve significant success, and its contributions to the development pipeline remain noteworthy.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we built,” Keselowski said. “Seeing guys like Blaney, Reddick, and Briscoe excel in the sport makes it all worthwhile. The team may be gone, but the legacy of what we did will always be there.”
While BKR is no longer part of the Truck Series, Keselowski remains committed to NASCAR’s future through his work at RFK Racing. With the team’s resurgence in the Cup Series, Keselowski continues to shape the next generation of talent—just in a different way.
