Losing in the Cup Series could be brutal at times. One such scenario took place on Sunday when the defending champion Ryan Blaney registered a devastating loss. While he looked well destined for his first win of the 2024 campaign, the Team Penske driver ran out of fuel in the dying laps. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Blaney would have found some solace given how Brad Keselowski reacted to it.

It is no secret how the #12 driver has yearned for a win in the ongoing season. After 15 races in the 2024 campaign, Blaney is yet to register a victory but it could all have been different had he not run out of fuel on Sunday. While it was unfortunate, Keselowski’s gesture in the end showed how sportsmanship is well and truly alive in NASCAR.

Brad Keselowski sets the right example with his empathetic gesture toward Ryan Blaney

Sunday turned out to be a bittersweet feeling for Austin Cindric. While he triumphed at World Wide Technology Raceway, it came at the cost of his Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney. Winless in 2024, Blaney looked well set to break his winless streak at Gateway in Madison, Illinois.

Heading toward the white flag, the #12 driver maintained a healthy lead over Austin Cindric. Unfortunately, he ran out of gas in the dying moments as the #2 driver roared past the Cup Series defending champion to victory. In the process, Cindric ended his 85-race winless streak.

While he registered his second win in 94 starts, Cindric had mixed feelings after the race. As reported by USA Today, he said, “Honestly, I’m heartbroken for the 12 team. I don’t know what happened to them at the end of the race, but they deserved to win this race. Ryan’s been a hell of a leader on this team.”

Cindric continued, “To have two (Penske) cars in the fight and an eventual 1-2 (finish) there makes it heartbreaking, but this is huge for me and this team.” Understandably, it is a tricky position to be in. While the Ohio-born driver showed sympathy towards his teammate, Brad Keselowski went the extra mile for Ryan Blaney.

With the agony of defeating looming large in the mind of Blaney, Keselowski showed his maturity in the best possible form. Amazingly, the #6 driver consoled the Team Penske driver straightaway after getting out of his car. While the reigning champion looked demoralized, Keselowski performed a noble act.

Unsurprisingly, the NASCAR community was ecstatic witnessing this grand gesture.

Brad Keselowski becomes the perfect NASCAR ambassador following his Ryan Blaney gesture

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It is unfortunate what happened with Ryan Blaney at the Enjoy Illinois 300. To lose a race in the fashion he did, would be mindboggling for any motorsport driver. Luckily for him, Brad Keselowski understood his pain better than other drivers did. After all, the #6 driver just recently ended his 110-race winless streak.

Understandably, his act of kindness toward Blaney went a long way among the NASCAR fans. Keselowski’s gesture was lauded big time, especially on Reddit. One fan highlighted the path the RFK Racing driver showed with this act. He commented, “That’s what leaders do!“

On the other hand, one fan’s faith in Keselowski was restored with this act. He said, “Keselowski has been a favorite driver of mine now going on decades, and this perfectly encompasses why.” On a similar line, another fan highlighted how such little acts do wonders. He said, “Brad is just a good dude. Little things like that go a long way with people.”

While praises came flying in left, right, and center for Keselowski, a few went down memory lane to relate the events. One fan said, “I really like when we see the genuine connections drivers have with each other. Reminds me of the coke zero 400 years ago when Kyle Busch when to check on Willy B after a bad wreck.”

Another fan pointed out how Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric share a deeper connection with Keselowski. He said, “Surprised to see not many people remember BK used to own a truck team with both Blaney and Cindric. They all have history. Makes sense for him to go to Blaney. Probably also got to congratulate Cindric later too.”

Unsurprisingly, a fan shared the common notion among the NASCAR community after Sunday. He said, “This makes me feel better, still upset but I’m glad Blaney has someone like Brad as a friend.”

Truly, it was heartwarming what Brad Keselowski did for Ryan Blaney. Most importantly, this is what makes NASCAR the beautiful sport it is. Hopefully, this act and the fans’ support will help the Team Penske driver bounce back as strongly as Keselowski did during his winless streak.