While some NASCAR drivers play the villain so well, others chase the hero’s glow, and Brad Keselowski has found the sweet spot. He has managed to strike a chord with fans who crave honesty over polish. The 2012 NASCAR Cup champion has never shied away from speaking his mind, whether it’s ranting about the “way too many road courses” on the 2026 schedule or weighing in on the OEMs and the playoff system. His words have weight, and the fans know that too.

Recently, one bold fan took that admiration a step further, urging the 41-year-old driver to start a post-race podcast or a quick debrief. The idea lit up social media with fans eager for more of his unfiltered insight. But despite the growing demand, the RFK racing driver and co-owner seems to be holding back.

Brad Keselowski shuts down the idea of a post-race podcast

With one swift and short answer, Keselowki slammed the concept, saying, “I can’t afford the fines a weekly podcast would create…” It’s clear that the RFK Racing driver doesn’t want any lawsuits or fines against him, and he is still persistent in being as honest as possible without getting into trouble. After all, NASCAR hasn’t held back from finding other drivers in the past.

Back in 2013, Denny Hamlin found himself in hot water with NASCAR after voicing criticism about the then-new Gen-6 car’s performance. Following the Phoenix race that season, Hamlin told reporters that the car didn’t race as well as its predecessor, remarks that NASCAR deemed “disparaging” towards the sport.

The governing body quickly fined Hamlin $25,000, citing a violation of its policy against actions detrimental to stock car racing. However, the now 44-year-old driver held his ground and refused to pay the financial penalty initially, calling it a matter of free speech and defending his right to give an honest assessment. Ahead of the Las Vegas race that time, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said, “Ultimately, I’m not OK with it. This is the most upset and angry I’ve been in a really, really long time, or anything that relates to NASCAR.”

The incident sparked widespread debate amongst fans and drivers alike, with many viewing it as NASCAR’s attempt to silence legitimate criticism. In hindsight, Hamlin’s penalty became one of the most notable examples of how outspoken drivers risk financial repercussions for candidate opinions, the very concern Brad Keselowski alluded to. The Michigan native doesn’t play around when it comes to NASCAR.

Recently, Brad Keselowski fired off the Phoenix season finale. Responding to a fan on X who asked, “Can someone other than Hendrick, Penske, or Gibbs win the Cup Series championship?” he replied bluntly, “Not realistically with the current OEM rules.”

And there is a good reason behind it. At the 2025 series championship on Sunday, Ryan Blaney took the race win, edging Keselowski by just 0.097 seconds, giving Ford a small victory in an otherwise Chevrolet- and Toyota-dominated showdown. Larson’s title sealed Chevrolet’s supremacy, but Blaney’s win also underscored Ford’s lack of depth beyond Team Penske. That imbalance was exactly what Brad Keselowski jumped on.

As co-owner of RFK Racing, the 41-year-old has long argued that Chevrolet and Toyota’s financial and technical advantages create a closed shop. Historically, since 2004, most of the champions have come from Hendrick, Gibbs, Penske, or their direct affiliate. Even drivers like Kevin Harvick from Stewart-Haas Racing (2014) or Martin Truex Jr. from Furniture Row Racing (2017) get their engine chassis support from the two NASCAR heavyweights. And this pattern is what makes the sport’s biggest prize feel predetermined, and fans couldn’t help but echo the disappointment that Brad voiced.

But now, with fans establishing that they are keen on hearing Keselowski’s opinion, the 41-year-old driver has put his foot down. But the fans are still pushing their luck.

NASCAR fans rally behind Brad Keselowski’s podcast bid

Brad Keselowski’s unfiltered honesty has sparked something rare in the world of modern NASCAR: a genuine wave of fan enthusiasm for authenticity. After his comments made waves online, fans rallied behind him with humor and admiration. “Start a GoFundMe. We need more authentic voices in the sport and less bootlicking,” one fan wrote, while another joked, “Mad Brad at midnight. It would be epic.” Many even called for the return of his legendary online musings, saying, “How about a blog? I sure miss the Brad blogs.”

Keselowski’s blogs were a rare gem in NASCAR—personal, reflective, and brutally honest. On his old site, “The Blog-Brad Keselowski,” he wrote pieces like “My Dad Will Always Be My Hero,” “What Makes a NASCAR Hall of Famer?” And many other personal reflections. In this 2019 blog, in the latter article, he openly shares his criteria for induction and invites fans into the conversation, showing the kind of candid and unfiltered tone that fans miss. And the fans are urging for a return.

Others took their support a step further, offering to literally back up his words with their wallets. “We WILL pay for the fines,” one fan promised. Another chimed in, “We will all chip in to pay for it. We need a real honest voice giving us the scoop.” Keselowski’s bluntness has reignited something the fan base has long craved: the thrill of a driver who speaks from the heart, no matter the cost. As one fan perfectly summed it up, saying, “That’s the realest answer I’ve ever seen on here. 😂”

In an era when many drivers choose caution over candor, Keselowski’s willingness to say what others won’t has reminded fans why they fell in love with NASCAR’s raw, rebellious spirit in the first place