Brad Keselowski knows what it takes to win a race, but after watching the ARCA Menards Series finish at Phoenix, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The former NASCAR Cup Series champion opened up about the controversial overtime format and why it might be unfair to drivers who lead most of the race.
Brent Crews’ Bold Move Sparks Debate
The ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150 race at Phoenix ended in an eventful manner when Brent Crews pulled off an aggressive last-lap move to take the win. With just one lap to decide the race in overtime, Crews dived to the inside, nudging Brenden “Butterbean” Queen toward the wall and snatching the victory.
While some fans saw it as classic short-track racing, others believed Queen was robbed.
🏁 HOLY FINISH! 😱@BrentCrews11 wins in a one-lap shootout at @phoenixraceway! pic.twitter.com/gMpIdztNK6
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) March 8, 2025
Unlike NASCAR’s overtime rules, where drivers get two laps to fight for the win, ARCA Menards’ format only allows for a single-lap dash. This means a driver who has led most of the race can lose everything and have the win taken away, which is exactly what happened to Queen.
For Queen, the result was frustrating. He had done everything right throughout the race, only to see victory slip away in the final seconds. And while he didn’t openly criticize Crews for his aggressive move, he made it clear that he should not have given him the opportunity to take the inside line and get close to him after the restart.
Brad Keselowski Questions ARCA’s Overtime Rules
Keselowski, who has always been vocal about improving the sport, admitted that the one-lap overtime rule does not sit right with him. He pointed out that drivers who dominate the race deserve a fair chance to defend their lead, but the current system makes that nearly impossible.
“As a racer, I feel so conflicted watching overtime races,” Keselowski said. He acknowledged, “Definitely very entertaining and compelling to watch, but I know how hard everyone works at this and can’t help but feel guilty seeing someone lose out on a good day like that…”
As a racer, I feel so conflicted watching overtime races.
Definitely very entertaining and compelling to watch, but I know how hard everyone works at this and can’t help but feel guilty seeing someone lose out on a good day like that… https://t.co/Iopa9YgeGa
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 8, 2025
Keselowski’s comments have reignited the debate about the overtime format. Should it be changed to give drivers a better shot at defending their position? Or is the drama of an overtime shootout just part of the game?
Either way, Phoenix’s wild finish has certainly put the spotlight on this controversial rule.
