Brad Keselowski issues update after leaving COTA race on stretcher

RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski has broken his silence after he was seen being taken away on a stretcher following the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

After crossing the finish line, the driver of the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse managed to get out of the car, only to be taken to the medical centre on a stretcher.

Brad @keselowski helped off pit road after the race….yikes#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/BmLEdsMQG4
— 24/7 NASCAR (@NASCAR247) March 3, 2025

After worrying footage began to circulate on social media, RFK Racing released a statement, explaining:

“After his cool suit failed during today’s race, [Keselowski] went to the infield care center to get some IV fluids. Can confirm he is feeling much better now.”

After his cool suit failed during today’s race, @keselowski went to the infield care center to get some IV fluids. Can confirm he is feeling much better now.

According to a report from on3, temperatures at COTA at the time were between mid-70 and low 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is no surprise that the driver struggled without the use of his cool suit.

Cool suits are worn underneath a driver's racing suit and pump cool water around the body to prevent them from overheating and potentially becoming dehydrated. The issues endured by Keselowski bring to memory the chaotic 2023 Qatar Grand Prix during which multiple Formula 1 drivers suffered from heat-related symptoms. For example, American driver Logan Sargeant was forced to retire from the race and French driver Esteban Ocon threw up in his helmet due to the extreme heat.

Today, Keselowski posted on X (formerly Twitter) to thank his fans for their support as well as his team and the staff at the infield medical centre. He wrote:

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images

"Yesterday was a tough one at COTA. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, but I’m thankful for my team and the care I received at track. At the end of it all, we came home with a top 15 finish. Appreciate the support - on to Phoenix."

Yesterday was a tough one at COTA. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, but I’m thankful for my team and the care I received at track. At the end of it all, we came home with a top 15 finish. Appreciate the support - on to Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/RxzoMdDOyJ
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 3, 2025

Despite this difficult race, Keselowski still crossed the line in 15th place. After the first three races of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season in Daytona, Atlanta, and Austin, the Michigan-born driver is currently 26th in the standings with 43 points. As he confirmed in his post, he is well enough to compete in Phoenix on March 9.