Brad Keselowski Racing By Damage at Darlington Raceway

[ad_1] Brad Keselowski possesses two victories and a 12.13 common end in 24 races at Darlington Raceway, however that is the primary yr he’s confronted NASCAR’s oldest speedway whereas recovering from a damaged leg.

“Driving the race automotive is a blessing and a curse,” stated Keselowski, who broke his proper femur/thigh bone in December whereas on a snow snowboarding journey together with his household.

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“It’s a blessing as a result of it supplies the motivation for me to essentially push my rehab and do issues sooner than regular, which isn't a foul factor. However it’s a curse as a result of after I get within the automotive it does damage, it does pull me backwards. When I've the adrenaline and all these issues, I don’t actually discover it, however when it wears off, I’ve received to get better from that.”

Keselowski’s damage required surgical procedure and a rod insertion. Initially, he puzzled if he would ever stroll once more when he was given a six-month restoration time. He skipped the Prepare dinner Out Conflict at Bowman Grey however was in his RFK Racing Ford for the season opener at Daytona. Within the season’s first 5 races, Keselowski hasn’t completed outdoors the highest 20. Nonetheless, he solely has one high 5 and two finishes inside the highest 10.

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“I preserve having x-rays,” says Keselowski, whose days are crammed with bodily remedy. “I’ve received loads of {hardware} in my leg that’s holding it collectively and if that {hardware} have been to come back unfastened it might be problematic for me right now.”

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On the 1.366-mile historic Darlington monitor, Keselowski’s 12.13 common end is the third finest amongst lively drivers. First is Denny Hamlin with 7.89 and second is Tyler Reddick with 11.54.

Keselowski’s final Darlington victory got here within the 2024 Goodyear 400, and he believes this yr’s occasion can be a “actually tough race.” Harder than regular due to his bodily scenario and the brand new package deal that has 750 horsepower, much less downforce, and a softer right-side tire.

“My eyes are vast open,” Keselowski says. “The largest factor I’m desirous about at Darlington is to go 50 laps on a set of tires was nearly not possible with the Subsequent Gen automotive within the final two or three seasons, and now that we've got extra horsepower and fewer aero, I don’t know if we’re gonna be capable to go 35 laps. So, maintaining with the tires goes to be a giant problem. It’s at all times a heavy raise, nevertheless it’s a heavier raise now.”