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Rick Hendrick sees big future for Brad Keselowski
By Jared Turner - SceneDaily Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Rusty Jarrett
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CONCORD, N.C. - Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick calls Brad Keselowski “the future of our company."
As for what exactly that means in terms of Keselowski’s status as a possible successor to Mark Martin in the group’s No. 5 Sprint Cup car when Martin's contract expires at the end of 2010, Hendrick declines to speculate.
Keselowski, whom the team announced on Monday would compete in two Cup races for the group – at Charlotte and Texas – before the end of the season, is also considered a likely candidate to share seat time with Martin in the 2010 season when Martin goes back to partial schedule after a full season for the group in 2009 when he replaces Casey Mears.
“As far as our plans go, everything’s on the table,” Hendrick said prior to Tuesday’s Cup test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “Everything’s open. I think as sure as I told you what our plans would be next year and beyond, they’d change.”
Keselowski is in his first full season driving the No. 88 Nationwide Series car for JR Motorsports, which fields both its No. 88 and No. 5 Nationwide cars in partnership with Rick Hendrick. Keselowski is currently third in the Nationwide season standings, with wins earlier this season at Nashville and Bristol.
“I think this is my chance to realize a dream,” the 24-year-old driver said. “There’s a lot of young drivers out there who have gone through the Nationwide ranks and have got a lot of opportunities, but I can't think of many that have got a better opportunity than I have with Hendrick Motorsports.
“ … It’s a dream come true. The last year and a half has been a dream come true. I didn’t think it could get much better than that, and it just continues to, so I’m looking forward to it and have got a lot of great things to come.”
Hendrick praised Keselowski for his contributions to Hendrick Motorsports this season as a test driver for the organization’s research and development program and said Keselowski has been equally impressive in working with Jeff Gordon and crew chief Steve Letarte in several tests with Gordon’s No. 24 team.
“Everyone in our organization has been blown away by his talent and his feel for the car, the time he’s been in the [car of tomorrow] just doing the testing with the R & D teams and then with Letarte in Jeff’s car,” Hendrick said. “And as he’s developed in the Nationwide Series here with two wins and running for the championship, we think it’s time to give him some seat time in the real deal.”
Hendrick said he became more convinced Keselowski was ready to make his Cup debut after sitting down and talking with the driver about his philosophy.
“He’s mature way beyond his years,” Hendrick said. “I was more impressed when I had an opportunity to sit down with him. This has kind of been in the works for a good period of time.”
Keselowski will drive a No. 25 Hendrick Chevrolet sponsored by GoDaddy.com at Charlotte and Texas, where he will be paired with former Hendrick crew chief Lance McGrew, who currently works in the team’s R & D department.
“I think that Brad’s proven he’s got the talent,” Hendrick said. “He’s done a lot for our organization both with JR Motorsports and the Nationwide car. He’s the future of our company. We don’t want there to be any pressure.
"This is a learning seat-time experience for Brad and our organization. We want to take our time and him have some fun and get some experience, and we’re just looking forward to it.”
Mentioned Drivers: Brad Keselowski
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18 responses to "Rick Hendrick sees big future for Brad Keselowski". Post a Comment.
BRUCE JOHNSON said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 3:03 PMA real test of Keselowski's patience and maturity would be waiting for a full time ride in Cup until 2011. With the 2009 lineup set, Martin part-time thru 2010, and the other 3 rides taken by Jr, Jeff and Jimmie, he won't have a full-time seat available at Hendrick until 2011. That will be a lot of time to wait with people whispering about how he should be in a Cup car NOW rather than wait two years.
Rose Sweeney said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 3:36 PMI believe Brad will be real competition for Joey Logano. Regarding Mark Martin I am tired of his "cherry picking" teams & driving part time. With all due respect to Mark I just wish he would drive full time if he enjoys racing so much or quit, get out of the way & let some driver who deserves a full time ride step in. This sport is all about competition, points & money-not a hobby. No hate letters please. I do like Mark & would like to see him drive full time.
Mike Martin said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 3:49 PMWait just a durn minute there dudes. The last time I heard, each organization was only allowed four (4) teams (except Roush, which is grandfathered until the end of next year). The only way he could do it is if he took Casey's place (which just might happen to a lame duck driver). Just explain this to me, oh great swami. RM
jerry swiatek said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 3:59 PMThis is the last year for all to have more than four teams!
Andrew Briscoe said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 4:05 PMAs much as I think it would be a disaster, maybe Junior should sweet talk ole Hendrick into swapping Jimmie or Jeff's owners points to a JR Motorsports Chevy (maybe GoDaddy can sponsor it?) in Cup so that Keselowski could get a ride next year even if it was part time. I mean, point swapping is all the rage now with the Top 35, and Brad really is more deserving of a Cup ride than about a dozen drivers there now.
M J SCHELLING said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 4:40 PMI certainly agree with Rose, especially about Mark Martin. I'm just a bit fed up with his just comong and going and doing just what he wants and when.
M J SCHELLING said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 4:43 PMHey Mike Martin!! Why do you think Hendrick is involved with JR Motorsports?????
said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 6:44 PMHendrick can run a fifth car for a rookie for only 7 races. I agree Mark Martin, being so well liked, has put many drivers on hold. Hobby? he should race like Morgan Shepherd. I bet Mark can roller skate, too. 2 years is too long for Keselowski. I think Hendrick needs new blood what he has is old news. Is there any way to boot Martin? If Brad is the future of Hendrick make it happen. Mark Martin is the past.
patsi Wilbanks said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 6:49 PMI wonder about the relationship with Jr Motorsports and Hendricks as well......hmmmmmmmmm...something to ponder ...
Grover rickman said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 7:46 PMGOODBYE MARK HELLO BRAD!!!!!
Thomas Mikulski said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 8:02 PMWake up people!! What's wrong with Mark Martin doing what he loves to do and being a mentor too. I'm not and never was a fan of his but HEY, let him do his thing. As far as Brad K. that will give me a driver to follow in the future. Maybe my age is showing(57) but "LETS GO RACING"! Bring back the REAL stock cars and trash the COT.
Clayton Allen said:
Sep 23, 2008 at 8:46 PMIs it crossed anyones mind that Brad may not have to wait untill 2011 to get a full time cup ride with Hendrick? It's very possible that we could see a #25 dupont car with him in the seat by then. Jeff is getting ready to wind down his career and become more involved with the buisness side of HMS and ants to spend more time with his family and the dupont contract is set through the end of the 09 season so it would be a great time to make these changes and I doubt Rick would put anyone else in the 24 car besides Gordon (figure the number will get retired at the end of Gordons career). Brad being a talented young driver would look good to a power sponser like Dupont don't you figure???? Time will tell how this situation will unfold......To be continued !!!
clinton pillow said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 12:45 AMI have watched Jeff Gordon since the days when he first started in the old Bush series, and I have watched Brad for two years, if there ever was twin drivers they are a pair, he also drives a lot like me, and my old buddy Fred Lorenson, and I'l bet that Richard Petty would tell you the same thing.
beth emerson said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 7:24 AMTO 37& #9. THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT JR AND HENDRICK. AS YOU KNOW THEY ARE PARTNERS IN JR MOTORSPORTS. I BELIEVE IF I AM NOT WRONG HENDRICK DOES ALL SUPPLIES TO JR MOTORSPORTS. IT HAS BEEN HINTED ON NASCAR NOW THAT HE MAY WELL HAVE SOME % OF THE COMPANY.AS FAR AS THE CUP SIDE IT HAS ALSO BEEN HINTED THAT THEY MAY BE PARTNERS ON THE CUP SIDE STARTING IN 2010. THEY WOULD RUN UNDER THE JR MOTORSPORTS LOGO. I REALLY HOPE THE RUMOR IS TRUE. MR HENDRICK IS GOOD FOR JR. REMEMBER JRS DAD AND HENDRICK WERE BEST FRIENDS. I SAY WATCH OUT IN 2009 AND 2010. HENDRICK AND JR WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE.ALSO REMEMBER JEFF GORDENS CONTRACT UP IN 2010. MAYBE RETIRMENT IS IN THE FUTURE SOONER THAN LATER FOR JEFF. I HOPE NOT CUZ I DO LIKE JEFF. MARK MARTIN NEEDS TO MOVE OVER FOR THE YOUNGER GUYS. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE WANTS. IT IS TIME FOR HIM TO STEP AWAY FROM RACING. HIS TIME HAS PASSED. NO CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER ALL THEESE YEARS NOT MEANT TO WIN ONE.RETIREMENT IS THE ANSWER FOR MARTIN.
sally whan said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 9:20 AMI THINK THAT IS GREAT NEWS I THINK BRAD IS A GREAT DRIVER AND DOES A VERY GOOD JOB AND HE WILL BE GOOD WITH THE REST OF THE GUYS AT RICKS,JR AND RICK WILL BE THERE FOR A LONG TIME THEY GO GOOD TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER A LOT...IF YOU REMEMBER LITTLE RICK TOLD HIS DAD A LONG TIME AGO JR WOULD BE DRIVING FOR THEM AND JR NEED RICK IN HIS LIFE AND IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO JR FOR A LONG TIME...YOU BOTH GO AND MAKE IT WOKK FOR ALL YOUR FANS..WE LOVE YA BOTH.
sally whan said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 9:20 AMI THINK THAT IS GREAT NEWS I THINK BRAD IS A GREAT DRIVER AND DOES A VERY GOOD JOB AND HE WILL BE GOOD WITH THE REST OF THE GUYS AT RICKS,JR AND RICK WILL BE THERE FOR A LONG TIME THEY GO GOOD TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER A LOT...IF YOU REMEMBER LITTLE RICK TOLD HIS DAD A LONG TIME AGO JR WOULD BE DRIVING FOR THEM AND JR NEED RICK IN HIS LIFE AND IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO JR FOR A LONG TIME...YOU BOTH GO AND MAKE IT WOKK FOR ALL YOUR FANS..WE LOVE YA BOTH.
myrna perkins said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 9:50 AMWe enjoy watching Brad race. He is a mature dedicated driver who always tries to do his best. We look forward to watching him in a cup car.
joe bender said:
Sep 24, 2008 at 8:18 PMI am sick and tired of all of Hendrick resources being diverted away from Jeff Gordon. How many wins has Johnson cost him already? I want to see that engineer back working with the 24(his name slips my mind)that went to the 5 and 88. Jeff is the best there ever was and should be the focus of that whole organization. I do think Keselowski has a bright future however.