Hendrick: Keselowski's bridges intact
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009
BRISTOL, Tenn. – Brad Keselowski may be set to begin his Sprint Cup Series career with Penske Racing, but that doesn’t mean he has lost all connection to Hendrick Motorsports.
The 25-year-old native of Rochester Hills, Mich., who was referred to by team owner Rick Hendrick last September as “the future of our company,” has made an agreement in principle to drive a full-time Cup schedule with Penske, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com reported on Friday.
“I want the best for Brad. I want him to do what he needs to do. He and I have had an understanding before he ever made a decision that he has not burned any bridges with me if he goes somewhere else,” Hendrick said Saturday prior to the start of the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“I’ll tell you this, wherever he is, I’ll know where he is and I’ll come looking when I need him.”
Keselowski has driven the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series since mid-2007 and has five wins with the organization, including three this season. He also won the spring Cup race at Talladega, Ala., this season in a car owned by James Finch.
One year ago, the Observer and its racing site reported Keselowski had declined an offer from Penske Racing and remained with JR Motorsports. He has also driven in eight Cup races this year for both Finch and Hendrick Motorsports.
Keselowski has been exploring several Cup options, with a focus on those that would allow him to retain some connection to Hendrick. HMS currently has four full-time Cup drivers for next season, the most that will be allowed by NASCAR under rules that go into effect next season.
“I haven’t changed my mind on his age and his talent. If NASCAR didn’t have that (four team) rule, I’d probably have about six (Cup) teams right now,” Hendrick said. “The chemistry at our place is so good right now and I’m lucky to have the talent I have.”
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