Brad Keselowski’s rise through the NASCAR ranks started with a standout Xfinity Series career that set the stage for his Cup-level dominance. Racing mainly for Team Penske, he notched 39 wins and captured the Xfinity championship in 2010, showcasing an aggressive yet calculated driving style that made him a threat on tracks of all types. That remembrance of his roots was seen in his Kansas track presence on Saturday.

His success in Xfinity not only proved his talent but also built the foundation for his future as a Cup Series champion and one of NASCAR’s most respected competitors. Beyond his on-track achievements, Keselowski has also earned praise for the way he connects with fans and fellow drivers, a side of him that recently shone through in a heartwarming gesture by him at the Xfinity race in Kansas.

Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece bring fans closer at Kansas Xfinity race

The 2025 Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway delivered plenty of excitement for NASCAR Xfinity fans. Brandon Jones led 54 laps on his way to a dominant victory, marking his second win of the season and seventh of his Xfinity career. Jones finished nearly three seconds ahead of the field, executing two flawless stages that earned him praise from competitors and fans alike.

Adding to the excitement, NASCAR fans were treated to a surprise appearance by Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece. The two drivers made their way through the campgrounds, interacting with fans and watching the race up close from the stands, ahead of their Sunday race.

Keselowski, a former Xfinity champion, and Preece, known for his approachable personality, spent time chatting, taking photos, and signing autographs, giving fans a rare chance to meet current and past stars of the series in a relaxed setting. Their visit highlighted how much they value the fan experience and the connection between drivers and the people who support them race after race.

They enjoyed the drama in the race, which saw Connor Zilisch continuing his remarkable consistency but narrowly missing the win and securing his 16th consecutive top-five (a NASCAR Xfinity record), while Austin Hill completed the podium in third. The race saw 16 lead changes among seven drivers, with Justin Allgaier claiming stage wins in both stages one and two, proving once again just how competitive the Xfinity Series has become as the playoffs near the Charlotte Roval.

For those in attendance, the fan interaction with Keselowski and Preece was unforgettable. From shared laughs to candid conversations, fans left with stories they’ll tell for years. From just the on-track action, the Kansas Xfinity event became about bringing the NASCAR community together.

And judging by the fan reactions, the real magic seems to have happened off track, too, setting the stage for some heartwarming stories and social media buzz that followed.

Fans celebrate Brad Keselowski’s gesture

Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece’s surprise stop in the campgrounds instantly went viral, and the fan reactions say it all. Many couldn’t get enough of Keselowski’s Boston ties, with one fan gushing, “Love Brad K repping the Boston cap.” That nod connected back to his BuildSubmarines.com paint scheme at New Hampshire, which carried Boston Red Sox-inspired colors. A crossover that showed how much Brad embraces the culture of his supporters.

But fans weren’t just talking about paint schemes. RFK Racing loyalists took the opportunity to once again call for the revival of the team’s Xfinity program, which closed in 2018 after producing stars like Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Reed. One fan wrote bluntly, “Now we just need the RFK Xfinity program to return!” This is a statement that echoed a wider sentiment across social media. With RFK’s rich history in the series, many still dream of seeing the team back where it once dominated.

Meanwhile, Keselowski’s new look didn’t go unnoticed. Fans playfully nicknamed him “Brad JACKEDlowski” after noticing his toned physique – a lighthearted moment that further fueled the chatter online. Others highlighted the personal connections drivers like Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece create with their fanbase, with one calling their gesture, “the COOLEST EVER!!!! They both are so awesome to their fans. Such incredible memories made right here.”

For many, these experiences represent more than just race day entertainment; they’re about being part of a community. As one long-time attendee put it, “These are memories that last a lifetime.” Between the calls for RFK’s return, Brad’s evolving persona, and the genuine fan-first energy, Kansas proved that NASCAR’s heartbeat remains as much in the campgrounds as it does on the track.