Keselowski Scores Top 10 Finish at Home in Michigan

Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard RAM in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), finished eighth in the VFW 200 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) on Saturday afternoon. Cooper Standard employees and guests filled the MIS grandstands to root for their Rochester Hills, Michigan native. 

Keselowski’s day started with a 10th place qualifying effort in front of his home state fans and sponsors. The Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) / Cooper Standard partnership made its debut at MIS last year and has grown to include primary sponsorship for a number of races as well as a personal services relationship with Keselowski and charitable component.

When the green flag waved at MIS, Brad quickly worked his way to eighth place. On lap 12, the first caution flew for debris on the track. Crew Chief Jeff Stankiewicz began the fuel mileage game early by staying on the track in favor of position. The Cooper Standard RAM restarted as the race leader and fended off the field for four laps on old tires. By lap 19, Keselowski was racing three wide for the lead and fell back a few positions due to tire wear.

On lap 26, Keselowski brought his truck into the pit for Sunoco fuel and fresh right side Goodyear tires. As the leaders raced by, Keselowski skillfully avoided a multi-truck incident and was able to take advantage of the wave around. Within 9 laps, the No. 29 Cooper Standard RAM moved from 20th to 11th place positioned for a solid run to the finish.

A final fuel-only stop on lap 88 set the team up for another top 10 finish.

“This is an all-Michigan weekend, and I’m thrilled about it,” said Keselowski. “To be in the BKR truck at MIS and carry the Michigan-based Cooper Standard colors in front of more than 1,000 of its employees and their families is a special deal. We are still looking for some speed with our RAM, and I’m excited to hop in a second BKR truck at Bristol this Wednesday night.”

The No. 29 BKR RAM is fifth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner point standings just 29 points behind the leader. Keselowski will take the wheel of the No. 29 Reese Towpower RAM on Wednesday night alongside new teammate Ryan Blaney in the No. 19 Cooper Standard RAM.

BKR PR