Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski align on Steve O’Donnell's NASCAR is "open to changes" message

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott and RFK Racing driver Brad Keselowski both featured in an interview with Motorsport.com. During the interaction, Elliott and Keselowski commented on the NextGen cars' increasing similarities on the grid.

The HMS ace pointed out that, following the governing body’s strict rules, all the cars feel similar on the grid. He claimed that cars with the same speed make it harder to pass rival drivers. He further added that the sport is now only about qualifying better and having a pit stop strategy.

However, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell claimed to be open to changes and stated:

“We’re always open to changes. The one piece I really look at, and I think our group does, we have this car and some things contained from a cost standpoint, but what does everyone really like?”

Meanwhile, Cup Series drivers Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski had different opinions on the situation. Elliott stated:

“We’ve talked about this before, but for sure, the more we’re the same, the harder it is to be different.”

Brad Keselowski's thoughts aligned with Chase Elliott and told Motorsports.com:

“It’s hard to provide an answer without knowing what exactly they would want to do.”

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will begin with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, 2026. Followed by the first points-paying race at Daytona International Speedway on February 15.

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"They’re pushing me": Brad Keselowski opened up about his performance in the 2025 Cup Series season

Ahead of the Talladega Superspeedway race, RFK Racing driver Brad Keselowski sat down for the media day availability. During the pre-race interaction, Keselowski highlighted that his teammates, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, pushed him in the 2025 season.

The #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver has had the worst season of his career since his rookie season. Keselowski failed to land a victory in the 2025 season and missed the playoffs. Meanwhile, his teammates rank higher.

Reflecting on the same, Brad Keselowski told the press:

“They’re pushing me, which is good. I don’t want it to be a one-directional relationship where I was pushing them. Maybe I got a little more than I hoped for (laughing), but I really like the intensity that both of them have. Ryan has brought a level of thoroughness that is very impressive and the effort that comes with that. Ryan and Chris are two great race car drivers."

"My goal for them is to put them in equipment and surround them with a team to where they can display that they’re elite race car drivers. I don’t feel like I’ve fully realized that yet. I’m pretty happy with the teams we’ve built around them,” he added.

Brad Keselowski wrapped the 2025 Cup Series season in 20th place with 762 points. While teammates, Ryan Preece ranks 18th with 861 points, and Chris Buescher ranks 17th with 889 points to their credit.