Brad Keselowski has made headlines this weekend as he secured pole position for the All-Star Race and followed up with a victory in his heat race. As he prepares to compete for the substantial $1 million prize on Sunday, Keselowski took the opportunity to engage with media regarding the future of the All-Star Race’s venue.
Expressing his thoughts in a recent press conference, Keselowski stated, “I think this needs to be a points racetrack.” He was referring to North Wilkesboro, which returned to the Cup calendar for the All-Star Race in 2023. Notably, this historic track has not hosted a points-paying Cup race since 1996. He emphasized the significance of the venue by highlighting its place in NASCAR history, being one of the original eight tracks that hosted races during the inaugural Cup season in 1949.
Keselowski’s comments also pointed towards a longing for the All-Star Race to move back to Charlotte Speedway, which was the event’s host from 1987 to 2019. He believes reinstating the All-Star Race at Charlotte could enhance the format. “That’s a miss for our sport,” he mentioned, referring to the current arrangement where Charlotte hosts only one race on the oval.
However, his vision for Charlotte isn’t without controversy. Keselowski expressed a desire to eliminate the Roval race, an event that utilizes both the oval and an infield road course during the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. He conveyed skepticism about the Roval’s appeal, noting, “I look at the stands and there are more fans that come to the oval race and better ratings too.” This sentiment reflects ongoing discussions within the NASCAR community regarding the effectiveness of the Roval configuration and its overall reception among fans.
This weekend’s events not only underscore Keselowski’s competitive spirit but also ignite conversations about the evolving landscape of NASCAR tracks and events that could shape the future of the sport. As NASCAR navigates the balance between tradition and innovation, Keselowski’s insights could play a crucial role in determining the direction of iconic events such as the All-Star Race.