Keselowski races way into third round of NASCAR playoffs
TALLADEGA, Ala. — Brad Keselowski was in trouble when he arrived at Talladega Superspeedway ranked 10th in the playoff standings. He knew he’d need a big finish to keep his championship chances intact. He delivered. Keselowski earned an automatic berth into the third round of the playoffs with a victory Sunday at Talladega, where he considered himself lucky to finish after a sloppy day for NASCAR.
“I survived,” Keselowski said. “I feel like only eight cars finished the race. It was one of those crazy days ... a lot of attrition.”
There were just 14 cars running at the conclusion, and only four were playoff drivers.
By avoiding the carnage, Keselowski won for the fifth time at Talladega. Most important, though, is that he knows he’s still in the hunt for his second Cup title. Talladega was the perfect place for Keselowski to take the stress off his Team Penske team. He’d done it at the Alabama track before. When the elimination format was rolled out in 2014, Keselowski had to win Talladega to advance. The race this year was moved to the middle event of the second round, so eliminations weren’t at stake, but Keselowski no longer needs to worry about advancing.
He was the leader when the race resumed with three laps remaining, but was passed by Ryan Newman, who stayed out front until the final lap. Then Keselowski made his move around Newman on the high side of the track to take the lead, and a crossover move held off both Newman and Penske teammate Joey Logano.