“That really meant something to me” - When Brad Keselowski admired Jimmie Johnson's selfless act after a severe NASCAR crash

Brad Keselowski has a lot of respect for seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, not only for his achievements as a driver but for his supportive nature. Keselowski has often spoken highly of Johnson, but the RFK Racing owner once spoke about Johnson’s selfless act that left a lasting impression on him.

13 years ago, Johnson helped Keselowski when he suffered a severe crash during a NASCAR test session at Road Atlanta. The incident occurred when Brad Keselowski experienced brake failure in his Penske Racing (now Team Penske), resulting in a violent crash into the wall with no SAFER barrier. The impact was so severe that Keselowski sustained a broken left ankle.

Johnson, who was also present at the track testing with Hendrick Motorsports, was among the first to help Keselowski after the crash. Johnson reportedly rushed to his fellow driver’s side to offer support and ensure his well-being.

Eight years ago, during an interview with “In Depth With Graham Bensinger,” Brad Keselowski recalled how Jimmie Johnson helped him through a severe crash in 2011.

“Jimmy had pulled up to the scene in a round car; he took a round car from the pit lane and drove over there, and that stark contrast, his ability to understand the moment and understand it, the severity of what was going on, and overcome I think the fear that every driver has, which is seeing another driver hurt and care more about the person than his own reflection on mortality. I think that really meant something to me,” Keselowski said [3:04].

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Brad Keselowski once praised Jimmie Johnson as the most balanced driver in NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson is arguably one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, with seven championships at Cup level, tying with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most all-time. He is also a most accomplished NASCAR driver who has raced in several racing disciplines like sports car racing and IndyCar Series.

In the aforementioned interview with Graham Bensinger, describing Johnson as the most balanced driver, Keselowski said:

“I think of him as one of the most balanced race car drivers, probably the most balanced race car driver we've ever seen in the sport. He’s not really; I'm trying to measure my words here; he's good in every category. Every category. Mental strength, physical strength, talent, and leadership qualities. All those things, and on. He's good at every category. He's the most balanced driver the sport has ever seen.”