Pocky's Paddock
A NASCAR BLOG BY Bob Pockrass
New ride, same style for Brad Keselowski?
FORT WORTH, Texas – Brad Keselowski makes his debut for Penske Racing this weekend as he takes over the seat in the No. 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup car.
Off the track, Keselowski always seems to be having fun, even when he’s being a little bit brash. On the track, he’s been as aggressive as anyone and, for the most part, unapologetic.
The big question for Keselowski is does he need to be more patient and less aggressive or should he stay the same? Sure, he’s ruffled some feathers, but this is racing and it doesn’t always pay to be polite. Then again, paybacks are probably coming and he will find out if he needs to tone down his aggressive style.
Keselowski can expect many of his competitors not to give him an inch of leeway (including new teammate Kurt Busch, whom he turned in the final laps at Talladega) after his hard-nosed racing in recent weeks. And how about the fans? Keselowski probably has gotten some benefit of the doubt driving for the sport’s most popular driver in Dale Earnhardt Jr.
But in three weeks, he officially will be an Earnhardt Jr. employee no longer. The Junior Nation probably won’t unconditionally have his back.
Part of me thinks Keselowski will need to change, that he just won’t make it past his current contract with Penske if he drives through others, even if it’s just late in races. And part of me doesn’t want Keselowski to change because this sport needs drama and needs guys who push the brink of over-aggressive driving, a line that is hard to decipher because racing, in its nature, is supposed to be aggressive driving.
Rubbin’ is racin’ and whether he rubs people or races people the wrong way remains to be seen. I’m looking forward to the ride.
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has been an associate editor at NASCAR Scene since 2003.
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Comments
4 responses to "New ride, same style for Brad Keselowski?". Post a Comment.
sundaemunny said:
Nov 6, 2009 at 5:20 PMI hope he doesn't change a thing.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportphillipwafford said:
Nov 6, 2009 at 7:21 PMhe will have to change because he won't be under the Hendrick umbrella anymore
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» Confirm Abuse ReportkenWI66 said:
Nov 8, 2009 at 11:00 PMRick should have given him the 88 ride. That team needs a driver more than a new Crew Chief.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTHEBIGKESELOWSKI said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 2:50 PMHis style has him third in points in Nationwide series, and he's got the Cup fellas worried he's going to race them too hard... keep up the good work Brad!
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