sprint cup

Brad Keselowski didn’t dare take his phone in his car before the biggest race of his life. NASCAR’s social media champion handed it over before pulling on his helmet and chasing the Sprint Cup title he promised to deliver to Roger Penske.

But when Sunday’s race ended, Keselowski crossing the finish line at Homestead-Miami Speedway as the champion, he didn’t even consider getting out of his car to celebrate before getting that phone back.

Keselowski, the kid you first heard about when he tweeted from inside his car during the season-opening Daytona 500, opened his championship reign by tweeting from inside his car: “We did it,” he posted with a picture.

He did it with Penske, forming NASCAR’s oddest couple to capture its biggest prize.

Keselowski brought Penske his first Sprint Cup championship 40 years after his first stock car race, beating five-time champion Jimmie Johnson of mighty Hendrick Motorsports while delivering the crown that fills a glaring hole on Penske’s otherwise sterling racing resume.

Penske is considered the gold standard of open-wheel racing — he has 15 Indianapolis 500 wins — and his empire makes him one of the most successful businessmen in America. But until Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, his NASCAR program was never more than average.

“Personally, I feel amazing that I’ve been able to achieve this in racing,” Penske said. “I think it took guts for me to stay in the sport. We could have thought, ‘Well, we won the Indy 500 15 times and we’re a big deal.’ But I’ll tell you one thing … I think I just woke up here tonight, and it’s a big thrill.”

As always, Penske credited the entire program.

But the program really turned behind Keselowski, a blue collar, Michigan native, who chugged sponsor Miller Lite’s product, donned goggles to douse the Blue Deuce crew with champagne, and imagined how his life will change as NASCAR’s champion. At 28, he’s the eighth youngest champion in NASCAR history and proud he doesn’t have a date for the Nov. 30 champions banquet in Las Vegas.

“I’ve always wanted to date a celebrity,” said Keselowski, “I’m just throwing that out there. That would be really cool, don’t you think?”

Penske could only shake his head in bewilderment.

“Maybe I am conservative, but I like to have a little fun, too,” Penske said. “And I think when you’ve won the NASCAR championship, the driver, you can kind of give him a little wider path, and he’s certainly taken it side to side. I think it’s all good.”

Keselowski might not have seemed like Penske material three years ago, but he’s a cornerstone now.

He was a developmental driver for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 when he went to see Penske, determined that he could be the driver to bring “The Captain” a coveted Cup championship. He wiggled free from his contract a year later, and had a second-tier Nationwide championship — and a closet full of starched white Penske shirts — to show for his convictions.

Now, three years into the plan, he and Penske have that Cup championship and a connection no one saw coming.

(Source: WashingPost.com)

Just off a fifteenth place showing at the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, Allmendinger reflected on his first year with Penske Racing last Saturday, “We’ve had fast race cars; we’ve just had a lot of bad luck. I know people can always say that, but we’ve been a lot faster than what we’ve shown.” Then Allmendinger predicted, “I’m really looking forward to Martinsville. I think we can go there and turn the season around and really get the finish we deserve because we’ve had the speed.” Indeed!

During the Likis/Allmendinger bench race, Allmendinger revealed that he is the official spokesperson for Scott® Pro Shop Towels “Take the Challenge” Sweepstakes. The 470-horsepower prize is a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT which Allmendinger will present to the “Take the Challenge” winner live on Spike TV in Nashville in November. Says Allmendinger, “I love the Scott® Pro Shop Towels partnership, and I’ve already got good mojo about the relationship. I started a go-cart team, so this is a product that my team and I can really use when we’re in the go-cart shop.”

Likis chimes in, “I can second that emotion as I switched my automotive service shop to Scott® Shop Towels from cloth rags years ago. And now I’m looking forward to putting the Scott® Pro Shop Towels to the rugged test.”

Click the link below for the interview with AJ Allmendinger.

http://www.carclinicnetwork.com/Allmendinger/

[Source: PRWeb.com]

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 26, 2012) – Penske Racing welcomes a new partner to its NASCAR Nationwide Series program in 2012 as The WURTH GROUP will sponsor the Dodge Challenger driven by Sam Hornish, Jr. The No. 12 WURTH Dodge will be featured as primary sponsor in seven races as it marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership between WURTH and Penske Racing. WURTH will also be an associate sponsor for the remaining 26 Nationwide Series races and also as an associate sponsor of No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series.

A leading supplier of high-quality automotive and industrial parts, cabinet supplies and fasteners, WURTH has more than 40,000 customers across the nation.

“The WURTH GROUP is a world-wide leader in the automotive and industrial supply business and we are pleased to have them join our team,” said Roger Penske. “Having WURTH as a partner brings value to every aspect of our company and their involvement will enhance our ability to compete for wins and hopefully the Nationwide Series title this season.”

With WURTH on board as a sponsor for 2012, Hornish and the No. 12 team will compete for the full Nationwide Series season, racing with Alliance Truck Parts as a partner as well.

“We are really excited to bring WURTH into the NASCAR Nationwide Series. I am grateful that they have joined our team because it is their support that makes it possible for us to run for the championship this year,” said Hornish. “We know that they will be a great partner to Penske Racing and we will do our best to get the No. 12 WURTH Dodge into Victory Circle.”

While this season marks its entry into North American motorsports, WURTH has been actively involved in European racing for over 30 years supporting teams in various disciplines including the Formula One and DTM Series.

“Roger and his companies are the epitome of excellence and integrity,” said Robert Stolz, CEO of the Wurth Group, North America.”Their commitment to the highest quality and customer service mirrors our own corporate culture. While we have one of the most recognized brands in industrial distribution in Europe and Asia, we are just beginning to roll it out in America. Our partnership with Penske Racing will be of great value to us as we look to expand further into this market.”

WURTH offers an extensive catalog of hardware, chemicals, fasteners and more, providing customers with everything they need to succeed. Small body shops and nationwide fleet maintenance companies alike can benefit from the unparalleled selection and unbeatable service that is synonymous with the WURTH brand.

Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 350 major race wins – including a record 15 Indianapolis 500 victories, more than 410 pole positions and 23 National Championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

The Newest Member of the Penske Racing Dynasty

On December 21, 2011 Penske Racing announced that AJ Allmendinger would be driving the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series. Allmendinger joins a juggernaut in Penske Racing with a rich history of winning championships. Racing icons like Rusty Wallace, Mario Andretti, and Rick Maers are just a few of the notable performers to come before Allmendinger.  So what does Allmendinger think about joining the team?

“I am really excited about the opportunity to join Penske Racing and drive the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge in 2012. I have always admired Roger Penske and the way his teams compete and win in every series where they race. It is a privilege for me to represent such iconic and respected brands as Shell and Pennzoil, AAA and Dodge. I am honored to join Penske Racing and I will do my very best to continue to build on the standard of excellence established across the organization.”

At 30 years old Allmendinger brings a promising resume to the table. 2011 was a successful season for the California native that saw him finish 15^th in the series standings among other achievements while driving the No. 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports.

Allmendinger Issues a Statement To Penske Racing Fans

Here is what Roger Penske had to say about the new acquisition:

“AJ is a very talented and motivated driver and we believe he will be a terrific fit with our team. He has shown great promise and consistent results on the track over the last few seasons and working with Todd and the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge team will allow him to take the next step and compete for race wins and a spot in the Chase in 2012.”

For more on the newest member of the Penske Racing team visit:

http://www.penskeracing.com/news/index.cfm?series=c&cid=50924

Click here to check out AJ Allmendinger’s personal website.

NASCAR fans all around the country are asking themselves, “Who will fill the void?” As Penske Racing is searching for their replacement candidate for the 2012 season, Penske Racing and NASCAR fans are anxiously anticipating who will be added to their stable of wonderful like Brad Keselowski, who has a fantastic future with Penske Racing, as he is just beginning to hit his stride.

Are all eyes on David Ragan, the currently seat-less driver out of Roush-Fenway Racing? Ragan captured two Coors Light Pole Awards and a win at Daytona International.

Another replacement being considered for the No. 22 Dodge is David Reutimann.

Another driver looking for employment is Brian Vickers. He has made the Chase and has one additional career-win than Ragan. Add to that, he has won a championship in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series, what is now the Nationwide Series

Penske Racing is back into forming a solid stable for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, with a tough decision ahead of them.

The only guy dressed in jeans and a trendy button-down shirt, Brad Keselowski stood out among his impeccably-suited fellow NASCAR top-12 drivers as they posed on stage during an awards luncheon at the grand Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas last week.

With a major shake-up on his Penske Racing team this week, Keselowski is standing out and standing tall — ready or not — to assume the leadership position with the legendary organization only one full season into his Sprint Cup career.

The announcement this week that Penske Racing and Keselowski’s veteran teammate, 2004 Cup champ Kurt Busch, are parting ways immediately puts the 27-year-old Keselowski on center stage. And judging by his effort on the track and his evolving persona away from it, he’s ready.

Keselowski won three races — including two with a broken ankle — and finished fifth in the Sprint Cup championship in his first full year of competition driving Roger Penske’s famed No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge. His candor and humor on the social network Twitter has garnered a large following from fans and even a secret fine from NASCAR, which practically makes him a bona fide star these days.

“I’m having fun,’’ Keselowski said while taking his seat at the luncheon last week, dismissing the smirks and head-shakes from his fellow competitors over his casual clothing choice. Tech-savvy, fan- and media-friendly, and wildly talented, Keselowski is exactly the kind of driver fitted for NASCAR’s new generation and, just perhaps, the guy to land Penske its first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship among 12 IndyCar crowns. Keselowski’s 2010 Nationwide Series championship was Penske’s first NASCAR title. And the fact that he has already established himself among NASCAR’s elite talents will serve him well, as will his ability to prove himself a capable leader on the team. His Twitter adventures serve as good examples of that. He was handed a $25,000 “secret fine” by NASCAR for criticizing — via Twitter — the electronic fuel injection that will be introduced next year.

But when asked about his opinions by Twitter, later conceded, “I think you can continue to have the same candor and continue to be authentic, but . . . you can use a little discretion, absolutely.’’ This week he showed the kind of discretion and professionalism more aptly associated with the Penske organization — traits that ultimately cost Busch his job.

 

“Kurt has been a great teammate and friend to me over the last 2 seasons. I truly do wish him the best, wherever and whatever he does,’’ Keselowski posted on his Twitter account Monday.

 

Brad Keselowski takes us on a tour of of his hometown.

Date 8/16/11, Duration 9:06, Views 7267

And just like that, Keselowski is about to have the blessing and the challenge of leading one of the most respected teams in auto racing history. He is “the guy.”

One with a strong season under his belt as he prepares for that new role. “I don’t think anyone really expected that (fifth-place championship finish) out of us, but I never stopped believing that we could be a contender and have a lot of fun and do well as a team,’’ Keselowski said after the Homestead-Miami season finale.

 

 

“I think we have a lot to build off of.’’

Source: Fox Sports

 

One of the most successful combinations in NASCAR will continue for years to come at Penske Racing as the organization announced today that both driver Brad Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe have agreed to multi-year contract extensions.

Keselowski and Wolfe will continue to lead the No. 2 team as it pursues the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2012 and beyond.

“It’s great to know that Paul and I will continue to work together to bring wins and championships to Penske Racing and its sponsors,” said Keselowski, the native of Rochester Hills, Mich., who first joined Penske Racing for the final three races of the 2009 season.

“We’ve definitely built something special here with this team and we’ll continue to get better to reach our goals. I’m already fired up about 2012 and the future with the ‘Blue Deuce.’”

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kurt Busch upstaged everyone again in Sprint Cup qualifying Saturday.

The Penske Racing speedster claimed his third consecutive pole for today’s Cup race at Michigan International Speedway with a blazing run in his No..22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge.

Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, ripped off a lap at 188.699 m.p.h. It gave Penske its fourth Cup pole in a row this season, with Busch’s teammate, Brad Keselowski, starting first at Charlotte in May. Busch has 15 career poles in 379 Cup races.

“Incredible — a lot of hard work by everyone on the No..22 team,” said Busch after the run. “Our Dodge is fast. It feels great to find good results now. I think we just got back to basics, and the results are showing on the track.”

David Reutimann in the No..00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota qualified second at 188.684, and Matt Kenseth was third in the No..17 Crown Royal Ford at 188.620. Cup points leader Carl Edwards managed only 23rd best at 186.601.

Crew chief Steve Addington made some quick changes to Busch’s car before he qualified after Keselowski missed the setup of the car, which resulted in his No..2 Miller Lite Dodge being too tight. Fighting an ill-handling car, Keselowski managed just 41st.

“It’s nice we have confidence in each other right now to know exactly how much air to put in the tires,” said Busch, whose pole Saturday was his second at MIS in 21 Cup starts. “We were sitting there on pit road the whole time wondering, ‘Do we add air? Do we take out air?’ We watched Brad’s run, and we were in a panic because we really didn’t know where Brad set his car up exactly. It was cool to call the team engineer on the radio back at the truck; he analyzed Brad’s setup versus ours … just a quick check of basically one thing that we gauged, and we saw that he was quite a percentage tighter than us on that check.

“If he was that tight and we were set up that loose, we didn’t need to go any looser with our setup. It was nice to have that correction of watching your teammate go out just a fewcars ahead and still make an adjustment in time.”

Keselowski was understandably not pleased with his performance.

“Not the lap we were looking for,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be with the handling of our Dodge. But if you have a good car, you’ll find your way up (to) the front in the race.”

Busch said he was in favor of awarding points for winning a pole.

“It would be nice to see one point for a pole,” said Busch, who is sixth in Cup points. “But that’s all you could award with this new (points) system.”

Reutimann, who drives for Michael Waltrip Racing, was a little upset he didn’t win the pole.

“It wiggled in the middle down there, and that’s where we lost our time, I think,” said Reutimann of his car in the turns. “I just let it wiggle, and it cost us just enough.”

Roush Fenway Racing’s Kenseth was happy enough with his day.

“I thought it was a great lap,” said Kenseth, a two-time Cup winner at MIS. “We aren’t really known for qualifying, and to qualify third is really good for us. When you look at the times and are only a couple hundredths off, you maybe wish you could do it again. But I felt we got everything we could out of the car.”

[Source: Freep.com]