NASCAR's O'Donnell responds to Keselowski

The sanctioning body's executive vice president and chief racing development officer told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio during his regular Monday appearance he understood Keselowski was frustrated and in the moment. However, calling the 2012 Monster Energy Series champion a leader in the sport, O'Donnell (pictured) said it was still upsetting to hear Keselowski telling reporters that it's time "for the sport to design a new car" that the sport and its racing are worthy of. He went on to describe the Gen6 car as a "poorly designed racecar."

Keselowski got loose racing underneath Clint Bowyer in Turn 3 on Lap 87 of the Quaker State 400. He finished 39th.

"Brad Keselowski had input on this rules package," O'Donnell said, before going into whether there will be an effort to improve the car. "I think he was frustrated, he had a tough night, and the cars are supposed to be hard to drive. These are the best drivers in the world, and you've got one of the best seasons we've had in a while in terms of different winners.

"I chalk that [Keselowski's comments] up to frustration in the heat of the moment. But it's something that, yeah, we always work on improving the racing. We are working as we always do with the industry to put together what could be that future car – but that's down the road. That's years in the making.

"Hopefully [it was] heat of the moment with Brad because he's somebody we need up on the wheel and winning races, as well."

Keselowski, meanwhile, followed up his comments to the media with a tweet late Saturday night:

The Gen6 car debuted in 2013.