2014 Quicken Loans Race For Heroes 500: Brad Keselowski focused on winning, not payback

Although on the brink of elimination from the Chase for the Sprint Cup and facing a must-win situation, Brad Keselowski isn’t worried in spite of an array of drivers who might want revenge.

A week ago Keselowski was involved in a postrace brawl with Jeff Gordon at Texas Motor Speedway, which left both drivers bloodied. Last month Keselowski was in separate incidents with Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

But because of the stakes -- the eight Chase drivers are separated by 18 points -- Keselowski called the chances of something happening Sunday “doubtful” and is more focused on winning and advancing than anything else.

“I can’t spend all my time worrying about the other people,” Keselowski said Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. “I have to worry about winning this weekend -- this race and this championship. That’s where my focus is and will continue to be.”

Keselowski angered Gordon when he attempted to pass him and Jimmie Johnson for the lead with a bold three-wide maneuver, which left Gordon with a flat tire. Gordon confronted Keselowski on pit road and when Keselowski attempted to walk away Harvick pushed him in the back towards Gordon, setting off the scrum.

Gordon and Harvick each stressed Friday they weren’t displeased with Keselowski racing hard, but how he conducts himself when his actions brings misfortune to others. The comments of Gordon and Harvick echoed remarks Hamlin made earlier in the week.

Keselowski, though, doesn’t feel he did anything wrong at Texas and has nothing to be apologetic over. Team Penske is adamant about not modifying his behavior.

“I’m not looking to become what everyone else wants me to become, so I have not spent a lot of time on that rhetoric and I don’t wish to spend a lot of time trying to justify anything I do or don’t do,” Keselowski said. “I feel pretty good about the actions I’ve taken.

“Certainly, I’m not perfect. I’ve made some bad (decisions), but I didn’t make any bad ones last week and I still feel that way.”