Brad Keselowski has never been content with being just a NASCAR legend. While his grit and championship-winning drives have etched his name in racing history, Keselowski’s ambitions have always extended beyond the track. Now, as a team owner and entrepreneur, Keselowski is taking the motorsport world by storm with his groundbreaking work in advanced manufacturing—a journey that began with a bold vision and a love for innovation.
Racing Roots with a Twist
Unlike his father and grandfather, who were mechanical masterminds, Keselowski’s fascination has always been with the strategy and business aspects of the sport. After shuttering his Truck Series team, Brad Keselowski Racing, in 2017, Keselowski didn’t slow down. Instead, he channeled his efforts into solving complex challenges in the racing world, inspired by his former boss and mentor, Roger Penske.
Keselowski’s forward-thinking approach found its ultimate expression in Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM), a company focused on pushing the boundaries of 3D metal printing and advanced engineering solutions. By merging his passion for racing with cutting-edge technology, Keselowski has positioned himself as a trailblazer in both motorsport and manufacturing.
Behind the Scenes of 3D Innovation
Recently, Keselowski shared an exciting but revealing insight about his high-tech manufacturing venture. In a social media post, he expressed his awe over 3D-printed metal parts that are typically shrouded in secrecy.
“So cool. I get to see these parts and a lot of non-public 3D-printed metal parts. The lightweight, internal structures and super-alloys are unbelievable. We can’t show the parts ourselves, so it’s super cool when they become public,” Keselowski wrote on X.
This glimpse into Keselowski’s world highlights both the potential and the limitations of his cutting-edge work. While he’s at the forefront of innovation, strict non-disclosure agreements and the proprietary nature of the technology often prevent him from showcasing the full scope of what KAM is capable of. Still, this secrecy only adds to the intrigue surrounding his mission.
The Penske Influence
Keselowski’s fascination with 3D printing was sparked during his time with Team Penske, where partnerships with companies like Siemens introduced him to the transformative potential of this technology. However, Keselowski saw a problem: the exclusivity of such advancements. The idea that only select teams could access these innovations didn’t sit well with him, and it drove him to create KAM as a way to democratize advanced manufacturing for the entire racing industry.
KAM’s Role in Racing and Beyond
Since its inception, KAM has been revolutionizing how parts are designed and produced for the racing world and other industries. By leveraging lightweight materials, super-alloys, and internal structural innovations, KAM is creating components that improve performance while reducing costs—an invaluable combination in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
Keselowski’s entrepreneurial journey has also had a direct impact on his ownership role at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK). Since taking a stake in the team in 2022, RFK has made strides, including breaking a four-year winless drought with Chris Buescher’s victory at Bristol.
What’s Next for Keselowski and KAM?
For Keselowski, this is just the beginning. His vision extends far beyond racing, as KAM continues to explore applications for its technology in aerospace, defense, and other high-tech industries. But Keselowski’s heart remains firmly tied to motorsport, where his innovations have the potential to redefine the limits of what’s possible on the track.
As Keselowski pushes forward, fans and industry insiders alike can’t help but marvel at the unique blend of passion, talent, and business acumen that he brings to the table. Whether it’s through championship-winning performances or groundbreaking technological advancements, one thing is clear: Brad Keselowski is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the track.