Keselowski Recalls NASCAR Boss Saving Him From Helton's Wrath

Former Cup champion shares story of Brian France intervening during heated rivalry with Denny Hamlin.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than a decade later, Brad Keselowski is reflecting on a memorable moment from early in his NASCAR career when then-CEO Brian France stepped in to prevent a stern lecture from longtime NASCAR president Mike Helton over a heated on-track incident with Denny Hamlin.

Why it matters

The story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the power dynamics and interpersonal relationships within NASCAR leadership during a pivotal time in the sport's history, as well as Keselowski's own rise through the ranks.

The details

In 2009, while Keselowski was still competing in the Xfinity Series, he and Hamlin had an on-track incident at Phoenix Raceway where Keselowski retaliated against Hamlin after being nudged on a restart. Hamlin reported the incident to NASCAR, leading to a meeting with Helton, who was preparing to lecture Keselowski. But just as Helton was getting into the "get your shit straight" part of the conversation, France walked in, grabbed a drink, and told Helton not to yell at Keselowski, saying "What he's doing is awesome." Keselowski was then kicked out of the meeting, avoiding the expected punishment.

  • The incident occurred during a late-season race at Phoenix Raceway in 2009.
  • The meeting with Helton and France took place the following Sunday morning.

The players

Brad Keselowski

A former NASCAR Cup Series champion who was climbing the ladder in the sport at the time, competing in the Xfinity Series and trying to break into the Cup Series.

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR driver with whom Keselowski had a heated rivalry in the late 2000s.

Mike Helton

The longtime president of NASCAR who was known for ruling the sport "with an iron fist" during that era.

Brian France

The CEO of NASCAR at the time, who intervened in the meeting between Keselowski and Helton.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, are we yelling at Brad right now?”

— Brian France

“No, no, no, don't yell at him. What he's doing is awesome.”

— Brian France

What’s next

The story does not mention any clear future newsworthy moments related to this incident.

The takeaway

This story provides a rare glimpse into the power dynamics and interpersonal relationships within NASCAR leadership during a pivotal time in the sport's history, as well as the early career of a future Cup champion in Keselowski.