Brad Keselowski Joins Roush Fenway Racing as Driver/Owner

Keselowski therefore leaves the Penske team, of which he was one of the spearheads since 2010, winning 34 of his 35 Cup victories and a championship title in 2012. The native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, however, remains in the Ford camp.

Champion Nascar Cup Series in 2012 © Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Brad Keselowski does not hide his enthusiasm: “This represents a fantastic opportunity to pursue my career in the best conditions with a solid team and the guarantee of a long-term commitment. I can also strengthen my passion by becoming an owner of the team for which I know I can be an asset in the future. I'm optimistic about what Jack (Roush), John (Henry) and I can accomplish together, especially with the start of a new era for our sport (with the Next Gen car). Our goal is to win races and compete for the title at the highest level of NASCAR, and we will.”

“I followed 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. » –Jack Roush

Jack Roush was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the class of 2019. The 79-year-old owner has been involved in Cup since 1988 and has 137 victories and 2 titles for Matt Kenseth (2003) and Kurt Busch (2004). His record also includes five Xfinity Series titles and one in the Camping World Truck Series in the lower divisions. Initially known as Roush Racing, the Team took the name Roush Fenway Racing in 2007 following the entry into the capital of John Henry, the main shareholder of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

“Our goal is to win races and compete for the title at the highest level of NASCAR, and we will” – Brad Keselowski

“I’m really excited about this partnership with Brad,” Roush said. “I think it will bring a lot to the organization, not only through Brad's talent behind the wheel, but also through a rejuvenation of our staff. I followed 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 always admired his determination. I am very happy that he has chosen to join our organization and I am proud to partner with him”

Victory Lane goal © James Gilbert/Getty Image

In a July 15 statement on Twitter, Keselowski said that “being able to drive for Mr. Roger Penske in the No. 2 Ford was a tremendous opportunity, and I am proud of the success we have had together. His advice has helped me be both a better competitor, but even more, a better man. …Making the decision to part ways with Team Penske to pursue a new opportunity and challenge was difficult, and one I did not take lightly. »

The end of a fruitful collaboration with Roger Penske © Sean Gardner / Getty Images)

This won't be Keselowski's first experience as an owner. From 2008 to 2015, he managed Brad Keselowski Racing in the lower NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney among others have driven for his team which has scored 11 victories, including one for Keselowski himself in 2014 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Victorious behind the wheel of his own team's car in 2014 at Bristol in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series © Rainier Ehrhardt / Getty Images

The future of Ryan Newman, whose driving he takes, is not yet known. It could involve tailor-made commitments where the recognized technical expertise of the pilot could prove very valuable.