“Get Rid of Practice”: Veteran Refutes Brad Keselowski’s Protest Against NASCAR’s ‘Anti-Practice’ Stance

NASCAR’s practice sessions took an interesting turn recently when veteran journalist Pete Pastoni called for their outright elimination. And now, fans and industry insiders are talking about his bold stance, especially when paired with Brad Keselowski’s more traditional view that practice still matters. This means a clash of opinions that offers a glimpse into NASCAR’s future, where cost-saving measures and fairness are always at the forefront.

For Keselowski and RFK Racing, the debate is about maintaining a competitive edge. Keeping in view the results this season, the expectations are high. With a 3-car operation, Keselowski aims to win multiple races and place all three cars in the playoffs in a single season. However, with new cars and teams coming in, the question remains whether practice sessions are an essential part of race weekends or whether Pete’s ask is genuine.

Should NASCAR eliminate practice sessions?

A recent episode saw veteran journalist Pete Pastoni suggest eliminating practice sessions altogether, which was strongly opposed by RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski. In the Beating and Banging podcast, an episode of SiriusXM was reflected upon where Pastoni argued that NASCAR should scrap practice sessions and focus solely on qualifying.

But, when it comes to NASCAR’s cost-cutting measures and how they affect race preparation, Pete Pastoni didn’t mince words. “Get rid of practice and just qualify,” Pastoni said, recalling how COVID-19 restrictions led to competitive races without practice. According to him, fewer practice sessions would reduce costs and improve race predictability. “I thought that was some of the best racing we’ve had,” he claimed as he argued that eliminating practice made events more unpredictable.

However, Brad Keselowski has long maintained that practice sessions are indispensable in NASCAR. Speaking on the matter a year ago, Keselowski argued, “There is value to having some practice, even as a team owner. I don’t think the cost savings [from eliminating practice] are that significant.”

While NASCAR’s cost-cutting initiatives may offer minor benefits, RFK Racing co-owner thinks practice gives a competitive edge. He himself has had a playoff berth and nine top-five finishes, highlighting his 2024 season. So, the opinions Keselowski has based on both his driving and managerial experiences seem to clash with NASCAR’s broader agenda.

On the contrary, Pastoni views reducing or eliminating practices as another step in streamlining operations without compromising the essence of competition. NASCAR’s vision may also be reflected in his role as a SiriusXM host, where he demonstrates the organization’s long-term goals. Several stakeholders, including Pastoni, believe that limited practice places more emphasis on race-day adaptability, which could enhance fan entertainment.

Keselowski’s rebuttal also points out some limitations, as he pointed out, “Maybe [limited practice] increases the competitiveness of the field. Some of that’s happened some of that hasn’t.” NASCAR’s anti-practice stance could stifle innovation and limit a team’s ability to refine its cars, he believes.

Could it be a cost-cutting agenda?

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NASCAR’s aim to reduce costs across the board is at the center of the debate. Several changes are being made to the Craftsman Truck Series by NASCAR. This is a cost-cutting measure that will be enforced by the sanctioning body in 2025. This isn’t the first time NASCAR’s new change has caused controversy among the NASCAR community. The timing of this one, however, is interesting given the 23XI Racing antitrust lawsuit in the background.

In the Craftsman Truck Series, not all teams can roll out with full-time crew members. Many crew members jump from one team to another throughout the season due to tight budgets. Additionally, the teams at the tail end of the grid purchase second-hand firesuits to minimize their expenses. However, with this new rule they won’t be able to do that, and what’s worse is that over-the-wall crews won’t have sponsorship branding.

In order to maintain competitive fairness, NASCAR needs to balance cost control with cost control. The central dilemma facing the sport is cutting costs while maintaining top-tier competition, even though Pastoni’s and Keselowski’s views differ. Whether practice stays or goes, the debate illustrates NASCAR’s challenging future in an industry that is constantly evolving.