Keselowski has been solid
in JR Motorsports Chevrolets

BUSCH SERIES NOTEBOOK

JIM UTTER

The Charlotte Observer

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007

Any lingering doubts about Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s pick to drive his NASCAR Busch Series car this season have been quickly dispelled by his driver, Brad Keselowski.

In his five races since taking over for Shane Huffman, Keselowski has finished 14th or higher four times, including a career-best seventh last weekend at Bristol, Tenn.

The 23-year-old native of Rochester Hills, Mich., will make his sixth start with JR Motorsports’ No. 88 Chevrolet in Saturday night’s Camping World 300 at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (10 p.m. Eastern, ESPN2).

Keselowski has two prior Busch starts at California, with his best finish 32nd. He also finished 16th in a Craftsman Truck Series race at the track last season.

“Going back to California with JR Motorsports will be a completely different experience for me. Last year I was running for another team when I attempted to make my first race,” Keselowski said. “Our focus with that program was just to qualify for the race since the team wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot.

“I made it in on time, but struggled with the car during the race. I’m excited to go back to the track with a competitive car and a team that has a shot at a top 10 or a top five. It makes a huge difference to show up with a team that (can) run up front.”

Wes Ward, Keselowski’s crew chief, said he is looking forward to seeing what the young driver can do this weekend.

“He’s done a great job in the races he’s run for us so far. Our communication and understanding of what he needs in the car continues to improve each week,” Ward said.

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