Keselowski says he plans to ask NASCAR to define ‘boys, have at it’ policy in meeting

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Keselowski to ask for boundaries in NASCAR meeting

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Brad Keselowski wants NASCAR to explain the limits on the “boys, have at it” policy series officials are applying this season to self-policing between drivers.

Keselowski said Friday he plans to ask NASCAR for a definition when he meets with series officials, Carl Edwards and their respective owners at Bristol Motor Speedway. The meeting, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, was called to discuss Edwards’ intentional accident with Keselowski two weeks ago at Atlanta.

Keselowski’s car went airborne after the contact, and Edwards’ was placed on probation for three races for actions some felt warranted a suspension.

The deliberate contact was the first test since NASCAR decided to relax its stance on aggressive driving.

“That will be my question when I meet with them,” Keselowski said when asked what “have at it” means. “That’s something that we’re all trying to understand and it sounds like it is somewhat of a work in progress.”

Keselowski has been unbowed by criticism from veteran drivers, who have publicly complained he’s too aggressive, makes too many enemies and is unrepentant for his on-track actions. That hasn’t changed in the fallout after the Edwards accident, and he chose “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers as his song for driver introductions before Sunday’s race.

“If you watch the Nationwide races, there’s a long list starting with Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards and there’s just like an overall brewing of thought and discussion in the garage area,” four-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson said of Keselowski. “I think some of it has to do with when you come into the sport, especially at the top level as a rookie, if you like it or not, you’re going to take a few lumps before you’re given that opportunity to pass some out.

“And I believe he’s come in and has passed out more bumps than he’s taken.”

Keselowski, who lost control of his Dodge during qualifying but kept it off the wall, maintained his defiant attitude during his first open media session since the Edwards incident. He nearly spit out a gulp of water when he learned Kevin Harvick had called Edwards “fake as hell,” and said he’s more concerned with how fans react to him than he is with other drivers.

“The fans are like the ultimate gauge in our sport and ultimately dictate what’s right or wrong,” he said. “So far I’ve gotten a lot of positive response.”

But he admitted that he hasn’t talked to many other drivers. Aside from a conversation with four-time series champion Jeff Gordon, Keselowski said he’s not had much contact with anyone else.

“Nobody reaches out to me, so, no, not really,” he said. “The only time I really talk to other drivers is when I bump into them. I’ve tried talking to a few of them, but they didn’t really seem all that interested, to be honest. Even ones that I didn’t feel like I’ve done anything to make mad. I think everybody is just trying to do their own thing.”

Keselowski, though, said he plans to go into his meeting with Edwards and NASCAR with an open mind.

“I know I’m going to bring my ears. I’m going to listen as much as I talk,” he said. “There are a lot of high-profile people that will be there and I think you have to come in with the right mindset to take something away from it.”