Brad Keselowski and Roush Fenway enter into driver-owner partnership



[ad_1]

NASCAR Digital Media | Getty Images

Roush Fenway Racing team president Steve Newmark told the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday that Brad Keselowski will come on board as a driver with a minority stake in the organization, starting in 2022. Keselowski is leaving the team Penske, where he drove thoroughly. time in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2010 and has amassed 34 of its 35 Cup wins and one series championship (2012).

RELATED: The Main Actors of Silly Season

The Rochester Hills, Michigan native will remain in the Ford camp. The news comes after a July 15 announcement from Team Penske that switches Austin Cindric into the No.2 Ford for the 2022 campaign and also confirmed Keselowski’s departure from the team at the end of this season.

Roush Fenway Racing is currently fielding the No.6 Ford for Ryan Newman and the No.17 Ford for Chris Buescher. Keselowski will take over ride # 6 in 2022. Keselowski will also take a leadership role within the organization on the competition committee. The team will provide further details on the rider lineup, partners and other strengths of the team at a later date.

“I am delighted to be able to share the news of this next venture with my fans, peers and the industry,” Keselowski said in a team statement. “This represents an opportunity to continue my success on the right track with a strong team and long term commitment, but also to dive into my passion for team ownership where I know I can be an asset for the future. of the team. I’m optimistic about what Jack (Roush), John (Henry) and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon (with the Next Gen car). Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at the highest level of NASCAR, and we plan to do so. “

RELATED: Dream of Ownership Leads to Relocation | Track changes for 2022

Jack Roush was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the Class of 2019. The 79-year-old team owner has fielded Cup Series entries since 1988 and has compiled 137 wins at this level, including championships in series with Matt Kenseth (2003) and Kurt Busch (2004). He also guided the drivers to five Xfinity Series titles and a Camping World Truck Series championship. The organization was first known as Roush Racing. Majority owner of the Red Sox, John Henry, became an investor in the team in 2007, and the name was changed to Roush Fenway Racing.

“I am really excited about this partnership with Brad,” said Roush. “I think it will bring a lot to the organization, not only through Brad’s ability at the wheel, but also through rejuvenation and a new perspective in our teams. I had the opportunity to watch Brad for a number of years as he fought and rose through the ranks, becoming a champion and one of the best drivers in our sport. I have always admired his determination and determination. I am very happy that he chose to be part of our organization and I am proud to join him in moving into the future.

Since 2011, Keselowski has qualified for the NASCAR playoffs in 10 of 11 seasons. His 11-season winning streak is tied with Kevin Harvick for the second longest among active drivers. At the start of the Olympic break, the 37-year-old sits ninth in the Cup Series points standings with a victory at Talladega – his sixth of his career there – seven top five and nine top 10.

RELATED: Drivers With The Most Wins In A Ford | Recent wins for owners of Cup Series drivers

In a statement posted on Twitter on July 15, Keselowski said that “being able to drive for Mr. Roger Penske in No.2 has been a tremendous opportunity, and I’m proud of the success we’ve had together. His advice has helped me to be both a better competitor, but even more, a better man. …

“Making the decision to part ways with the Penske team for a new opportunity and a new challenge was difficult, and I did not take it lightly.”

This will be Keselowski’s second round to an owner role with a team at the NASCAR National Series level. From 2008 to 2015, he led Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Team Penske’s Cindric, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney were among the drivers who drove trucks for Keselowski during those years. His team have compiled 11 race wins, including one for Keselowski as the owner-driver in 2014 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

RELATED: Brad Keselowski Over The Years, Career Milestones

During his availability to discuss Cindric’s rise in the No.2 Ford, Penske revealed that Keselowski has shown an interest in participating in the talks. “He wanted to have ownership and the way we’re structured, that wasn’t available,” Penske said.

Denny Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, is another Cup Series veteran who serves the dual role of driver and owner at the highest level of NASCAR. Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart are other drivers who currently hold both roles or have done so in the past in the NASCAR National Series.

Keselowski made his Cup Series debut with Rick Hendrick in two races towards the end of the 2008 season. Keselowski then led part of the 2009 season for Hendrick, James Finch and ultimately Roger Penske. Keselowski claimed his first Cup victory that year for James Finch in April at the Talladega Superspeedway.



[ad_2]

Source link