Brad Keselowski, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, recently recalled a harrowing accident at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the Thatlook.com 200 Truck Series race on July 8, 2000. This 15th race of the 2000 NASCAR season left a lasting impression on Keselowski, especially because Dennis Setzer, who he admired as a role model, was at the center of the crash.
Though over two decades have passed, Keselowski vividly remembers the incident. Despite severe injuries, Setzer’s toughness stood out as he continued racing the following weekend. Both Brad and his brother Brian Keselowski had the difficult task of dismantling Setzer’s heavily damaged truck afterward, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Reflecting on the damage, Keselowski noted how extraordinary it was to see such destruction to the vehicle’s central and seat areas with Setzer surviving unharmed.
“Wasn’t at the race but my brother Brian and I got the job of cutting this truck up when it got back to Michigan,” Brad Keselowski wrote. “I’ve never seen so much damage to the center section and seat area with the driver being ok.”
“Dennis was so tough, raced the next week all bruised up. He is/was the guy I looked up to the most at this time as a racer,” he added.
The race itself was won by Kurt Busch, followed by Mike Wallace, Randy Tolsma, Greg Biffle, and Andy Houston. Setzer finished in 33rd place and was one of nine drivers involved in crashes during that event. The incident remains a vivid reminder of the dangers inherent in NASCAR racing.
Kese lowski Shares Concerns Over NASCAR’s Focus on Road Courses
Brad Keselowski, who currently drives the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, expressed his unease with NASCAR’s growing number of road course races. He suggested that the schedule favors road courses excessively, rather than prioritizing venues that fans prefer to attend.
For the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, four road course events are planned, one of which took place recently at the Circuit of The Americas, where Tyler Reddick claimed victory. Keselowski himself finished 20th in that 95-lap competition.
“I just put on my business owner hat and I don’t understand why the sport wants to run so many road course races,” Brad Keselowski said in a statement. “As a business owner, they are the hardest races to sell sponsors for.”
“It has the lowest attendance. That doesn’t make sense to me,” he explained. “We should be going to places where the sponsors wanna be. Where the fans wanna be.”
Keselowski’s next challenge will be the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8. Fans can catch the race live on FS1 or follow updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning at 3:30 pm ET.
The Lasting Impact of Setzer’s Resilience and Keselowski’s Perspective
The intense crash involving Dennis Setzer nearly 25 years ago remains a significant moment in Keselowski’s racing journey, reminding fans and drivers alike of the sport’s risks and the grit required to compete. Keselowski’s respect for Setzer highlights the spirit of perseverance inherent in NASCAR competition.
At the same time, Keselowski’s concerns about the scheduling of NASCAR races reflect ongoing tensions between tradition, fan engagement, and business realities. His viewpoint may influence future discussions about balancing track selection with sponsor appeal and audience attendance as NASCAR evolves.
Wasn’t at the race but my brother Brian and I got the job of cutting this truck up when it got back to Michigan. I’ve never seen so much damage to the center section and seat area with the driver being ok.
Dennis was so tough, raced the next week all bruised up. He is/was the… https://t.co/ZleBBtcxbP
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 4, 2026
