During Sunday’s NASCAR event at Sonoma, the Brad Keselowski Amazon pit crew response became a central point of discussion after an on-track incident involving the pit teams of Ty Gibbs and Keselowski drew attention to safety and tempers in the pit lane. As tensions escalated following a near-physical confrontation, Keselowski offered a pointed reply online, spotlighting concerns over crew safety and competitive boundaries.
Tempers reached a peak midway through the Sonoma race when Ty Gibbs, the race leader at the time, steered his car through Brad Keselowski’s pit area as he entered his own stall. Telvin McClurkin, a member of Keselowski’s pit crew, was caught off-guard while holding two tires, and Gibbs’ car made contact with McClurkin’s hands during the maneuver. This brief but significant encounter led to McClurkin entering the neighboring pit stall visibly upset, sparking a heated exchange just yards from the racing action.
Keselowski’s Wry Social Media Jab Highlights Crew Safety Concerns
No serious injuries resulted from the incident, but Brad Keselowski, who co-owns RFK Racing, made sure his reaction was publicly known. Disturbed by what unfolded, Keselowski did not react immediately during the race, waiting instead to comment once all facts were in. Later, using social platform X, the 41-year-old issued a tongue-in-cheek remark directed at Gibbs’ camp. Referencing a popular online marketplace, he implied his crew might need added protection should a similar close call occur in future events.
“Amazon really does have everything a pit crew could need. Legal too!”
—Brad Keselowski, Co-owner, RFK Racing
The post included a link to a stitch-on spike stud product, suggesting — possibly in jest — that his crew might consider sewing such items onto their race suits for increased safety. The suggestion carried a sarcastic edge, directed at Gibbs’ crew and alluding to the unpredictable nature and risks faced during live pit stops.
This swift, sharp online commentary quickly caught the eye of fans and industry insiders, who speculated about the ongoing intensity and rivalries in the pit lane. Keselowski’s reference to legal, Amazon-sourced safety gear underscored the seriousness of the situation, despite the humor.
Mixed Reactions and Rule Review Amidst the Pit Lane Drama
In the aftermath of the close call, NASCAR confirmed that it would not review the pit stop, stating that Ty Gibbs had done nothing wrong under current rules. Gibbs asserted he had the right of way through Keselowski’s pit area as the lead driver, maintaining that crews should move aside when required. Some argued that the Keselowski team might have been pushing the limits, but McClurkin was reportedly within his rights, standing in his assigned pit stall while juggling two tires — a standard part of his role.
While Telvin McClurkin did not suffer critical injuries following the contact, he later explained to NASCAR on TNT that the impact left him in enough pain to slow down Keselowski’s subsequent pit stop. This added context reinforced ongoing concerns about pit crew safety, especially in high-pressure scenarios where split-second decisions can affect both results and health.
The controversial encounter at Sonoma placed renewed scrutiny on NASCAR’s pit lane procedures and the need for clear boundaries between drivers and crew members. With intense emotions and split loyalties in play, the debate is likely to continue as teams seek ways to protect staff while staying competitive.
Keselowski’s pointed Amazon reference left many wondering whether teams would adopt new precautions or lobbying for rule changes in the wake of such incidents. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both RFK Racing and Ty Gibbs’ crew to see if further confrontations can be avoided—or if the pit lane rivalry will only intensify.
