NASCAR Cup Champion Calls For Huge Changes In NFL Comparison

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, has called for NASCAR to raise the minimum age for drivers.

Keselowski believes young drivers can lack the maturity needed for top-tier competitions, suggesting a minimum entry age of 20 or more.

Drawing parallels with the NFL, which requires players to be three years out of high school before they can be drafted, Keselowski argues for similar rules in NASCAR to better prepare young drivers both mentally and physically for the demands ahead.

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Historically, NASCAR’s top series was reserved for those 21 and older. Over time, age limits have eased, letting younger drivers in. Now, a driver must be at least 18 to compete full-time in NASCAR’s three national touring divisions, though younger drivers can join the Truck Series on specific courses.

This change in requirements has led to very young drivers moving quickly through the ranks, entering competitions like the Late Model Series and the ARCA Series. Keselowski, reflecting on his path, believes starting his professional journey at 20 helped him grow both as a driver and an individual.

Brad Keselowski said via Business and Motorsports:

“I think Cup should have same rules as NFL and these other leagues where you can’t be in Cup until you’re in your 20s, whether it’s 20, 21, 22, whatever.”

He further elaborates on the need for maturity in drivers:

“That’s for a couple of different reasons. One, you need an opportunity for them to grow who they are and mature for not just marketing reasons, but even for competitive reasons.

“You want people in Cup that have a certain level of maturity that just is very rare to find with somebody in their teens … racecraft and just comprehension of what’s going on.”

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In addition, Keselowski touches on the challenges faced as a business leader, noting:

“Amongst many things, information sharing is one of the most difficult things as a business leader to me.

“You know, you want to share the vision of where you’re going so you can get alignment of purpose to your point. But then you’re kind of, How many details do I share, right?”

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Being deeply involved in RFK Racing as a team owner, Keselowski knows the significance of guiding young talent. He maintains that nurturing drivers through slower, more deliberate development will help them mature fully, emerging as well-rounded professionals ready for the NASCAR Cup Series.