Fans vote Brad Keselowski the Nationwide Series' most popular driver
Brad Keselowski was named the NASCAR Nationwide Series' most popular driver at Monday night's NNS/NCWTS Awards Banquet. // David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Brad Keselowski hasn’t been the most popular driver among NASCAR Nationwide Series competitors recently, but Monday night he was awarded the series’ Most Popular Driver trophy as voted by fans.
After accepting the award, Keselowski acknowledged some of his controversial run-ins with other drivers, notably Denny Hamlin.
“I know I haven’t always done the best job of making friends on the race track – just throwing that out there,” Keselowski said. “But I’d like to think I’ve got some friends off the race track and in the garage. I appreciate all their support.”
Keselowski also thanked some others, including NASCAR President Mike Helton, “who I got to meet a couple weeks ago.” Keselowski was called to the NASCAR hauler for a chat during the series’ penultimate weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.
Keselowski, who drove for JR Motorsports this year but is moving to Penske Racing for 2010, also won the popularity award last year.
“It’s an honor just to compete in this series,” Keselowski said. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the last few years is how awesome our fans are. There’s no sport on this planet that can rival NASCAR racing and its fan baser. It’s amazing to have those fans. To get their vote as most popular driver is truly an honor.”
Nationwide Series season awards
Manufacturer: Toyota
Featherlite Most Improved Driver (from start to finish of races): Mike Bliss
Mobile 1 Command Performance Award (best finishes among teams that use sticker): Jason Leffler
Coors Light Pole Award (most poles): Carl Edwards
Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Race: Mark Cronquist, Joe Gibbs Racing
Wix Filters Lap Leader Award (most laps led, non-top-35 Cup driver, Wix sticker): Mike Bliss
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award (most wins): Kyle Busch
Nationwide Dash 4 Cash Award (most points in four selected races): Brad Keselowski
