Jeff Gluck: Brad Keselowski's aggressive style should be embraced, not criticized
Brad Keselowski celebrates his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway earlier this year. // LaDon George, NASCAR Scene
COMMENTARY
AVONDALE, Ariz. - If you listen to the rumblings about Brad Keselowski, NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series is about to get hit with a menace.
Keselowski is entering Cup competition full time next season, and some fans and drivers are already bracing for his arrival.
The guy has talent and combines it with an aggressive driving style that proves he isn't afraid to stake his claim to a spot on the track or even nudge another competitor out of the way for a position.
He's even won races by using his bumper to ensure others do not.
Oh, the horror! A race car driver trying to do whatever it takes to win the race? Quick, NASCAR, act before it's too late!
Save your outrage. Please.
For all the criticism, you'd think Keselowski had better shape up soon or risk becoming an unpopular outcast in the garage. Apparently, veteran drivers don't take kindly to being pushed around by a guy who hasn't paid his dues yet.
But let's not send a mob after Keselowski for being too aggressive before he has "earned" that right. Put down the pitchforks and torches for just a minute.
Here's a young driver wrestling his way to the front in order to win races shouldn't we be applauding that, not condemning it?
Seems to me that's the very thing we want to see out of drivers. And it's why people call for NASCAR to award even more points for wins.
Fans bristle when drivers say they're pleased after settling for a top-five finish. Points racing isn't overly entertaining, and people love the drivers who go for it ˆ like Carl Edwards did at Kansas last year.
In that respect, we should applaud Keselowski for doing whatever it takes to win. Who cares if the other drivers don't like it? His job isn't to make friends, it's to win.
Ultimately, Keselowski may ruffle some feathers in the garage based on his driving style. And veteran drivers may become upset with him for not racing as cleanly or respectfully as they prefer.
But if the sport is about excitement, he brings it.
Aggressive drivers also breed conflict. If Keselowski creates a rivalry with another competitor like the budding one he has with Denny Hamlin, the fans benefit. If his actions result in some pit-road shoving or a fight, the fans benefit there as well.
Dale Earnhardt was revered for his no-holds barred approach. He'd move another competitor out of the way without a second thought.
If fans admired the Intimidator for that, why get upset with Keselowski for doing the same thing?
Let's be careful not to talk out of both sides of our mouths. It would be a mistake to complain drivers don't do enough to win, then get upset with those who do.
