Appreciating the Excellence of Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski has often said we are not judged by what we’ve accomplished once, but which accomplishments we are able to claim multiple times.

It’s why the 2012 Cup Series champion has conceded that he will not entertain his own Hall of Fame credentials until he wins another championship or a Daytona 500.

Both accomplishments are extremely important to him, but his victory on Sunday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway is a snapshot of why the 37-year-old will be enshrined first-ballot within five years after his final full-time season.

Keselowski matched Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for second on the all-time wins list at NASCAR’s largest and most spectacular superspeedway and is four away from the record (10) set by Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Maybe The Intimidator is out of reach, but if accomplishing anything twice is what separates great from elite, surely six wins at Talladega has to mean something when that enshrinement conversation begins in earnest over the next decade.

"It's more than I ever dreamed, I can tell you that," Keselowski said. "I would pause and say Dale's record is so far out there, yeah, I have a shot at it, but it's a distant shot.

"I think you got to get seven before you can even think about 10. It's still pretty cool to be on the same list with him on anything, that's for sure, even if it's second."

To be sure, the Hall of Fame is already packed full of superstars that finished second to Earnhardt in every category.

Keselowski neared another record too, with 11 consecutive seasons with at least a single victory, 14th on the all-time list with that record currently held by Richard Petty with 18. Again, Keselowski doesn’t have to top The King or The Intimidator to reach greatness.

In his own era, he’s already there.

"I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I was thinking about that. It's very special to me," Keselowski said. "Kind of gives me some chills. I started out racing just hoping I could have a job, be able to race in the Truck Series with my family. I never envisioned winning at the Cup level, let alone even being at the Cup level.

"To win six races here at Talladega, it's an incredible feeling. Have 11 straight winning seasons, that's pretty cool, too. I'm sure I'm a long way behind (Petty) but hopefully we can catch up."

Keselowski has such an interesting blue-collar pathway to the top that doesn’t receive enough attention due to his current stature as a superstar.

The comparison will be met with opposition because it’s borderline sacrilegious, but not only is Keselowski nearing various territories occupied by Earnhardt, but he’s the closest thing the Cup Series has to No. 3.

That’s not to say he is Earnhardt or should be celebrated like Earnhardt, but there are certainly some parallels. Consider that Keselowski, just like Earnhardt, was the second-generation son of an everyman, journeyman short tracker turned NASCAR winner in Bob Keselowski.

Keselowski, like Earnhardt, quickly became a champion after gritting his way to the highest levels of the discipline.

While Earnhardt never particularly liked the idea of full-throttle superspeedway racing once restrictor plates were added in 1987, he took to it and became the all-time winningest driver in that category. It also took him 20 years to win the Big One at Daytona.

Keselowski now has six wins at Talladega, and despite all the speed and chances to win at Daytona, is still seeking his first in the Great American Race.