Brad Keselowski (left) - Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Austin Dillon (right) - Credit: © Scott Kinser-Imagn Images.
Brad Keselowski (left) - Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Austin Dillon (right) - Credit: © Scott Kinser-Imagn Images.
The Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville left Brad Keselowski furious as Austin Dillon made contact with him, which ruined his race. While contacts during the race aren't a rare sight, Keselowski felt Dillon wrecked him on purpose. However, NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte thinks otherwise.
Speaking about the incident in the recent "Inside The Race" podcast, Letarte broke down how the contact can be considered a racing incident. Even though Dillon wrecked Keselowski, per Letarte, it was far from intentional.
"Did the 3 wreck the 6? Absolutely," Letarte said. "Was it on purpose? I don't think so. The 3 of Austin Dillon is still wide open until right here. Could he have just lifted completely? That's not what race car drivers do."
The incident occurred on lap 193, when Keselowski wanted to cover off Dillon. But it appeared as if he, along with the pack ahead, slowed down. Without a way out, Dillon bump-drafted Keselowski, sending him spinning against the wall.
"I also look at the circumstances, all the cars around, and I just don't believe that a driver is going to retaliate at this point on the racetrack. Frustration, for sure. Blame, absolutely. But do I think it was retaliation? I do not," Letarte further added.
Following the incident, Keselowski was strong with his views. The No. 6 driver pinned the blame directly on the Richard Childress Racing driver and demanded a penalty.
However, Dillon had clarified his stance on the radio immediately after the incident. He stated that the wreck was not his fault, as the pack of cars in front of him suddenly slowed down.
Jordan Bianchi, another NASCAR analyst, agrees with Dillon.
Bianchi Sides With Austin Dillon After Brad Keselowski Incident
For the pair involved in the incident, it wasn't their first in the race. Earlier in the race, Austin Dillon had to take evasive action when Brad Keselowski, in front of him, slowed down. Consequently, Chris Buescher bumped into Dillon from behind and sent him spinning.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Austin Dillon 3 Richard Childress Racing Bass Pro/Winchester Chevrolet is being interviewed during Media Day for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 11, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 11 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Media Day EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602113990500
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Austin Dillon 3 Richard Childress Racing Bass Pro/Winchester Chevrolet is being interviewed during Media Day for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 11, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 11 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Media Day EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602113990500
It was this backdrop that made Dillon's second incident with Keselowski seem intentional. However, journalist Jordan Bianchi sided with Dillon and, calling the wreck unintentional, he said:
"I don’t think he did. I watched it many, many times. It looks like a lot of accidents you see on these kind of things where things are happening in front of you, and you hit the brakes, and the guy in front of you slams on his brakes, and you hit him. I don’t take umbrage with it. I didn’t think so."
Brad Keselowski had to accept the DNF after the race, while Austin Dillon went on to finish the race in 18th. Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing won the race, ahead of his teammates, Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe.
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Written by
Sabyasachi Biswas
Edited by
Yask Kotak