NASCAR veteran Brad Keselowski faced a challenging situation during the recent EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) when his cooling suit malfunctioned, leading to heat exhaustion and post-race medical attention.
Despite the equipment failure, Keselowski managed to secure a commendable 15th-place finish. However, upon exiting his No. 6 Ford, he showed signs of distress and was subsequently placed on a stretcher and taken to the infield care center for evaluation.
Addressing the incident, Keselowski took to social media to update fans on his condition. He stated, “Yesterday was a tough one at COTA. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, but I’m thankful for my team and the care I received at track. At the end of it all, we came home with a top 15 finish. Appreciate the support—on to Phoenix.”
RFK Racing, the team co-owned by Keselowski, also provided an update, confirming that his cool suit had failed during the race. They noted that after receiving intravenous fluids at the care center, Keselowski was feeling much better.
The malfunction of the cooling suit is significant, as these systems are designed to maintain drivers’ body temperatures during races, where cockpit conditions can soar 30 to 40 degrees higher than ambient temperatures. Without proper cooling, drivers are at risk of heat-related illnesses, underscoring the importance of such equipment.
Looking ahead, Keselowski remains optimistic and is set to compete in the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway. His resilience and determination continue to inspire fans and fellow competitors alike.
