EXPLAINED: Why NASCAR Did Not Throw a Caution for Brad Keselowski Amidst Controversy in Nashville

At the Nashville Superspeedway, there was some drama involving Brad Keselowski. The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver hit the wall late in the race. However, the 2012 Cup Series champion was somehow able to keep the car moving. Admittedly, some were surprised when NASCAR elected not to throw a caution flag.

Now, there is an official explanation for why there were green flag conditions on the track.

Recently, NASCAR vice president of officiating and technical inspection Elton Sawyer spoke to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. According to him, Keselowski and Cole Custer both hit the wall, but the Stewart-Haas Racing driver had less damage. Meanwhile, the RFK driver was forced to wrestle with his ailing car. As such, he limped around the track, even slowing down on the backstretch and keeping off the racing line.

What did Elton Sawyer say about the Brad Keselowski incident?

The official said, “Obviously, we’re monitoring that, the 6 is in the fence. Brad is listening through his spotter and race control that we needed the 6 to get down on the apron. Once he did that, it means he’s kind of out of harm’s way and he’s driving around. If he comes to a complete stop down on the apron at that point, then we’re going to have to go get him.”

However, their investigation revealed that after the impact, the #6 driver limped down to the apron. As soon as he was away from the racing line, Keselowski could make his way back to pit road.

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Admittedly, the sport has often caught some flak for inconsistent officiating. Sawyer acknowledged that fans would question the lack of caution. He insisted that everything is taken on a case-by-case scenario.

The NASCAR vice president of officiating and technical inspection understood that it is frustrating for the fans. Especially when they perceive that their favorite driver is inconvenienced or takes advantage of the caution.

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In Keselowski’s case, he did hit the wall but was still able to move under his own power. He also had the foresight to move down to the apron. Had he been riding the wall, stopped on the track, or if there was strewn debris, then the caution would have been out.