NASCAR Bristol 2014: Brad Keselowski opens up about friend’s suicide

It wasn’t necessarily something he wanted to write, but it was something Brad Keselowski felt compelled to do despite those around him who felt otherwise.

In a blog post on his Brad Keselowski Racing website, the 2012 Sprint Cup champion shared a very personal experience about the struggles of a close friend who ultimately took his own life.

The events that unfolded prevented Keselowski from celebrating his lone victory of 2013, which came in October at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At that time police were looking for his friend, who was being investigated for a series of thefts including guns missing from Keselowski’s residence.

For fear of his safety, Keselowski didn’t sleep at home following his Charlotte win, instead staying at the home of crew chief Paul Wolfe. Two days later Keselowski was informed that his friend had committed suicide.

“I think it’s important to show personal stories because there’s so much going on in this garage at all times,” Keselowski said Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway. “... That particular story fell through the cracks, and, at the time, I was really glad it did, but then with a little bit of time I realized how important it was to share it and help others with it.”

Many close to Keselowski were reluctant for him to post his blog, titled, “The Meaning of Winning.” His lawyers and agent even advised him not to. But in the end he thought the message was too important not to share. And when he did post, Keselowski made sure to include information on how those dealing with depression can seek help.

“It was one of those decisions where my lawyers and agent said no and my heart said yes and I followed my heart, and I pushed the send button before they could get too involved,” Keselowski said.

Keselowski says the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

That he posted the blog just days after a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was not a coincidence. What Keselowski wanted to do for some time was find the appropriate moment. He didn’t want to create the impression that he was using the tragedy as an excuse for why his 2013 season didn’t fulfill expectations.

“I was afraid to share it because of the negative ramifications it might have on my team from having to deal with media that might have pointed at that for any lack of success we had last year.” Keselowski said. “And I felt that all kind of just go away instantly as soon as we won the race last weekend on the Cup side. That put me in a really strong position to share it. I hadn’t really planned on it.

“It’s just one of those things that kind of happened and it felt right to me, and I think sometimes you’ve got to follow your heart and my heart said that was the right thing to do. The positive response has really meant a lot to me and I’ll cherish forever.”