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Martinsville, VA – Brad Keselowski, a 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, is poised to join an elite echelon of drivers by making his 600th career start in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. This significant achievement places him among a select group of drivers who have reached such a considerable career milestone. Historically, out of nearly 3,000 drivers who have competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, only 34 have surpassed 600 starts. Keselowski’s upcoming appearance will mark him as the 35th member of this exclusive club.
Despite managing a leg injury early in the 2026 season, the 42-year-old Michigan native has demonstrated consistent high-level performance. His recent results include a fifth-place finish in the Daytona 500 and a near-victory at Darlington Raceway less than a week prior to this milestone event.
Keselowski’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series began in November 2008 at Texas Motor Speedway, driving for Hendrick Motorsports. Since his debut, he has amassed a career that many consider Hall of Fame worthy. He has secured 36 victories, including triumphs in three of NASCAR’s four "Crown Jewel" races. His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship, besting seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in a closely contested season. One of his most memorable early victories occurred at Talladega Superspeedway, where a dramatic last-lap pass resulted in a multi-car incident, sending competitor Carl Edwards airborne as Keselowski secured the win.
Reflecting on his impending 600th start, Keselowski shared his perspective: "I just wanted to have a career and was trying to prove myself. To think that I’ve had another 599 since then is pretty cool. I just want to sit down with a 24-year-old me and tell him that was going to happen." He further elaborated on his initial aspirations, stating, "When I first got in a Cup car, I just wanted to be here. I didn’t think about anything outside of that. I didn’t think of the stats. I didn’t think about the accolades, I just wanted to be here and I’m lucky to be here."
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Looking ahead, Keselowski expressed a desire to extend his Cup Series career significantly, targeting 800 starts. Currently, only ten drivers in NASCAR history have achieved this mark. Reaching 800 starts would place him in contention for longevity comparable to some of the sport’s most enduring figures, potentially continuing his racing career into the 2031 season. Given his role as co-owner of RFK Racing, Keselowski possesses the flexibility to influence his own racing schedule.
Keselowski’s career has been characterized by a dynamic evolution. He initially entered the sport as an aggressive, young driver known for his intense on-track battles with established veterans, famously engaging in a heated rivalry with Jeff Gordon during the 2014 championship chase. Over time, he has matured into one of the sport’s most respected veterans, recognized for his consistent performance and strategic acumen.
His rapid ascent was notable, securing a championship in only his third full-time season. While that remains his sole Cup Series title, he has consistently been a contender in the years since, including finishing as the championship runner-up in 2020.
Beyond his driving accomplishments, Keselowski has embarked on building a new legacy as a team owner. He made a significant career move by leaving his comfortable position at Team Penske, one of NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations, to take on the challenge of revitalizing RFK Racing. Team Penske enjoyed considerable success during Keselowski’s tenure, including multiple championships and a period of dominance with the Next Gen car at tracks like Phoenix Raceway.
Keselowski’s transition to RFK Racing was driven by a commitment to rebuilding a once-dominant organization. The initial years have presented challenges, both for him as a driver and for the team’s overall performance. In his four years with RFK Racing, Keselowski has secured one victory. However, his presence has been instrumental in the team’s resurgence. RFK Racing, which celebrated championships in 2003 and 2004 and once fielded five full-time entries, had seen a significant decline in performance in the decade prior to Keselowski’s arrival, enduring a four-year winless streak.
Under his and co-owner Bob Jenkins’ stewardship, RFK Racing has since achieved six wins, with Chris Buescher accounting for five of those victories. The team has also expanded its footprint, returning to a three-car operation. Currently, all three RFK Racing entries are positioned within the top 12 of the championship standings. If this trajectory continues, Keselowski’s impact as a team owner could rival his accomplishments as a driver.
Keselowski is scheduled to start 23rd for his 600th career Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The historic half-mile track, known for its tight corners and demanding short-track racing, presents an opportunity for Keselowski to potentially end a 65-race winless streak. His ability to overcome challenges and achieve milestones throughout his career suggests that his 600th start could be more than just a statistical marker, but a platform for renewed success.
The weekend’s events at Martinsville also feature a strong field of competitors, with Denny Hamlin securing the pole position. Drivers like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron are expected to be strong contenders on the paperclip-shaped oval. The performance of Keselowski’s RFK Racing teammates, Buescher and Shane van Gisbergen, will also be closely watched as they aim to capitalize on the team’s improved competitiveness. The race is anticipated to be a significant test of skill and endurance for all participants, with Keselowski aiming to make his milestone start a memorable one.
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