Face Time with Keselowski

“I think we’re losing an alternator boys!”

“Keep doing what you’re doing bud, we got what we got, just drive it!”

“Turn off all the switches except to the rear end cooler bud, let’s try to bring it home.”

Words of adversity echoed through the helmet of Brad Keselowski in his Discount Tire Mustang. Adversity has been something BK has had to face a number of times in his nationwide career in Vegas. Back in 2008, while racing my other hero, Mark Martin, and fellow Ford driver Carl Edwards, contact was made among the three drivers, costing BK his chance at winning his first career NNS race and a race at Vegas.

Fast forward to 2011. BK, in his Penske Challenger coming into turn one of the final lap, cuts a tire and hits the wall, giving up the lead to Mark Martin again — another heart breaker for Brad and the team.

Finally finally, finally the luck stays on the side of BK and the 22 team. Despite the alternator beginning to fail and the home town kid Kyle Busch hot on his tail, BK was able to hang on and win. This was BK’s 28th career win, and 97th career top 5 in 208 starts. BK was dominant throughout the day, leading 144 laps. It was truly great to see Brad and the 22 team bring home a win so early in the season.  They have now moved into a tie with the 54 car in owner’s points, showing the Nationwide series they are back and mean business in defending last year’s title. No matter what is thrown at the team, they learn to adapt, and they overcame. It makes you proud to be a fan of Team Penske. They truly have a never quit attitude. 

Congrats to BK, Jeremy Bollins and the whole Team Penske 22 team on the victory. Good luck to Ryan Blaney as he takes the wheel next week in Bristol.