Days After Filling In for Brad Keselowski’s Childbirth, Cole Custer Reveals True Intentions Behind Phoenix Qualifiers

As the NASCAR nation processes the happenings of an eventful NASCAR showdown in Phoenix, drivers have come out to reveal their perspectives. And one such driver is SHR’s sensation and 2023 Xfinity Series champion, Cole Custer. The 25-year-old on Saturday had to be on double duty – one to mind his own business in his title fray and another, to be Brad Keselowski’s backup.

Following his emphatic win on Saturday, bringing the Xfinity Series title to the Ford camp, Custer opened up about his double duty on the popular ‘Door Bumper Clear’ podcast, revealing his real objective being the veteran’s backup driver at the time of the emergency.

2023 Xfinity Series champion uncovers his true desire to step in as Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing’s backup driver

Cole Custer just shook up the world, winning the long-sought-after title with a successful Xfinity Series campaign. Despite being in the game, the championship crown has always eluded the 25-year-old who was brought back into NASCAR’s 2nd tier promotion after a rather underwhelming performance in the Cup Series.

However, SHR‘s decision to demote the #00 driver paid off big time. Custer not only got himself his first NASCAR title but also brought his struggling Ford team to the forefront, gifting them their first Xfinity title. But, before he was crowned the 2023 champion, he had another task assigned to him, i.e., to be Keselowski’s backup driver during Saturday’s qualifying session.

With the veteran flying back home owing to a family emergency, Custer had to fill his shoes on Saturday, which he did, qualifying 31st as the driver for the #6 RFK Racing Ford. Speaking about his Saturday grind, Custer got vocal on the DBC podcast when the host asked him, “You filled in for Brad(Keselowski) on Saturday, how chaotic was that, trying to focus on the Xfinity championship and then also working on that Cup car?” 

The Xfinity Series champion said, “It was tough. I mean especially, I got the call at 8 am, I think I was rolling into the track, just the Xfinity garage and I got the call from Zippy and he was like, you know, I think Brad had to fly home, he’s having a baby and I was like, I’ve been the backup driver. I called Roush and Penske and SHR obviously. I’ve been the backup driver for most of the year or you know, wanted to be the first call and it was…It had to be that weekend, you know, like championship weekend, yeah that day.”

He then revealed his main objective behind getting in the #6 car, qualifying for the Cup Series champion decider on Sunday. “It’s like man, this is a tough decision but I had to do it, I wanted to show people that I want the opportunity to go run the Cup cars and be able to be at the top series. So having that opportunity meant a lot and having them trust me with his car,” said the 25-year-old uncovering his true intention. 

WATCH THIS STORY: The unseen costs of NASCAR ownership: Brad Keselowski’s $70,000 revelation 

Custer’s qualifying run gave the veteran a decent chance as he flew back to Phoenix after he welcomed his baby boy to complete his final Cup Series obligation for the 2023 season.

“Fanboy” Keselowski congratulates Ryan Blaney as the fellow Ford takes the title

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The 2012 Cup Series champion is often known as one of the most humble drivers in NASCAR today. His calm demeanor and down-to-earth attitude have earned him a lot of fans. Reacting to fellow Ford driver, Ryan Blaney’s stellar win, clinching the title in Phoenix, the veteran yet again showed true class, congratulating the #12 driver, revealing the Blaney “fan” in him.

Keselowski took to his social media and wrote, “First, congratulations to @Blaney on his championship. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time and he’s earned all of this success. Cheers to you!”

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With Blaney’s win at Phoenix, the #12 brought Team Penske their consecutive 2nd title after his teammate, Joey Logano, won it last year here at the desert track in Arizona.