Speed, horsepower, and superior engineering are what NASCAR is all about. However, its fundamental foundation is in danger due to an impending energy crisis; the sport cannot survive without manufacturing, fuel, and innovation. Can NASCAR stay up as the world changes? Co-owner of RFK Racing and seasoned driver Brad Keselowski has been among the most outspoken opponents of NASCAR’s precarious manufacturing industry.
He views supply chain interruptions and growing costs as signs of a more serious energy problem that is impacting the entire sector. As soon as the discussion about their concerning issues poped up on social media, Keselowski couldn’t help but share his few cents on the energy crisis.
Brad Keselowski’s recent social media comments highlighted a sobering fact: pricey and unstable energy is severely taxing NASCAR’s manufacturing industry. “Seeing firsthand how this has become the first question for anyone looking to build a manufacturing plant, ‘How is the power there?’ When it’s unreliable and expensive, your operation is doomed. Unfortunately, this seems to be more and more of a problem with everyone I know in manufacturing. Must build better power infrastructure now!” Keselowski stated.
This affects NASCAR’s three engine manufacturers, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, so it’s not simply a team problem. Since there are so few providers of high-performance engines, any interruption in production has a profound effect on the sport. The largest obstacle? Building and maintaining NASCAR’s most vital components is becoming more difficult due to power constraints and skyrocketing expenses. Keselowski expressed concern because energy dependence is no longer simply a NASCAR issue but a global one. Experts predict that as demand increases, the United States will require 15,000 terawatt-hours per year, which is significantly more than the current 4,000 terawatt production.
Roush Fenway Group from RFK Racing have a diverse portfolio of business apart from just owning a Cup team. They have the Roush Performance, a company involved in making high-performance parts for street and competitive racing. The company makes aftermarket performance parts for cars and trucks, mainly the Mustang, Focus, and the F-150 light-duty pickup. Apart from sponsorship, a good chunk of revenue that is pouring into the racing operation comes from this avenue as well. There’s also Roush Enterprises which works with sectors like Aerospace, Defence, Entertainment, and Energy. No wonder, why Keselowski is worried about the uncertainty that cripples the manufacturing industries.
Manufacturing facilities that make engines, body parts, and crucial next-gen components are impacted by power instability. Manufacturers might find it difficult to meet demand if energy prices spike, which might result in delays, shortages, and less competition. NASCAR is already feeling the effects of this problem. Team preparations for the 2022 Next Gen rollout were delayed due to significant parts shortages. Inconsistent chassis and suspension supplies were a problem for mid-pack teams like Front Row Motorsports and Spire Motorsports. While these issues were prevalent during the pandemic, by no means are the teams in clear with the rising costs of running a race team. A Cup Series team can spend as much as $18 million annually to run and operate a race team.
Agreed
Seeing first hand how this has become the first question for anyone looking to build a manufacturing plant, “How is the power there?”
When it’s unreliable and expensive, your operation is doomed. Unfortunately, this seems to be more and more of a problem with everyone I… https://t.co/FxLu0aPy5N
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 12, 2025
The energy dilemma is a defining issue for NASCAR’s future, not merely a factory issue. Teams will experience escalating expenses, shortages of parts, and a widening competitive deficit in the absence of a dependable energy source. Keselowski’s caution is about preserving NASCAR’s viability for future generations, not just about today. The sport needs to act to keep its engines going as the energy war heats up, or else it could stall out.
Whether NASCAR will lead or wait until it’s too late is the question.
Formula 1’s Energy Breakthrough: The Blueprint NASCAR Can’t Overlook
Formula 1 has made significant progress in sustainability and energy efficiency, underscoring NASCAR’s infrastructure and power dependability issues. To achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030, Formula One plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 13% between 2018 and 2022 and switch to entirely sustainable fuels by 2026. Greener promoter sites, renewable energy at team facilities, and logistical advancements like remote operations and more maritime freight are important goals.
Riley Nelson NASCAR’s Head of Sustainability said, “Measuring our carbon footprint will become an annual process, and as we improve year-over-year with the support of the industry, we’ll identify new ways to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.” F1 has embraced sustainable energy, but NASCAR struggles with power infrastructure and continues to rely on combustion engines. The sport’s quick shift was highlighted by the fact that more than 75% of F1 promoters employed renewable energy for racing events in 2023, up from 50% in 2022.
While the NASCAR pursuits do not entertain the idea of switching to an electric or a hybrid car, Keselowski believes that is the future. “I believe that hybrid vehicles are the future. If we switch to hybrids, we accomplish several things. Right now, OEMs spend millions of dollars in racing and they develop a few parts, none of which are really mission-critical parts for them. Imagine if instead, we’re helping them develop this KERS-style hybrid technology. In that way, NASCAR would be more relevant to the car world than it’s ever been.”
The F1 model demonstrates that increased stability and cost-effectiveness result from investments in infrastructure and alternative energy. In the upcoming years, NASCAR may be at a significant competitive disadvantage if it does not have a clear sustainability path.
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