Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch started their racing careers three years apart. While Busch debuted in 2001, Keselowski began his NASCAR career in 2004. In a recent media interaction, Keselowski admitted he “had visions before his death” about how the relationship between the two drivers would evolve in the final stages of their career. 

He envisioned both of them having entered the NASCAR Hall of Fame, sharing a laugh over moments where their feud peaked. More importantly, Keselowski imagined how they both would get closure after eventually retiring from racing altogether. 

“I thought about this multiple times: What’s it going to be like when we’re both in the Hall of Fame, and we’re doing some kind of ceremony together, whatever that might be?" shared the RFK Racing co-owner. "Will the hatchet be buried? I think so, and will we actually be able to share a laugh about it? I guess in my mind, I hope so, and now obviously not.”

Keselowski also mentioned the final time he interacted with Busch was on a flight to Dover. He sensed something was not right with Busch, as he fell asleep on the flight instead of being his usual outgoing self. 

“Kyle is normally a fairly gregarious person, very outgoing — and he wasn’t," Keselowski recalled. "He sat down one row behind me and next to me and fell asleep right away, and I could tell he wasn’t feeling well.”

For years, Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch were locked in a heated NASCAR rivalry. Emotions boiled over after a 2010 Nationwide Series race in Bristol. Back then, Keselowski voiced frustration toward Busch after their cars tangled. It led to Keselowski’s crash and Busch’s victory.

Keselowski Calls For Hall of Fame Exception for Kyle Busch

The RFK driver called for NASCAR to waive Hall of Fame eligibility rules for Busch. He argued the two-time champion deserves immediate induction following his sudden death. 

“Probably the best one that I know right now that I would like to see is something with effect to the Hall of Fame and so forth, but I understand there's a lot of things to work through on that," he said. "It's very clear Kyle's a first Hall of Famer, and I don't know why that needs to wait another year.”

Keselowski’s comment draws attention to what NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said about Busch’s honorary induction, stating that while they continue to assess the situation,  it is not a top priority.

This further highlights the fact that the NASCAR Hall of Fame recently announced its newest members: Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Larry Phillips, who form the Class of 2027. 

While NASCAR has yet to make a decision, will Keselowski's request be considered? Share your thoughts.

Read more at RFK Racing Digest.

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar