The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Keselowski backs NASCAR’s changes
Driver pursues first Daytona 500 title, says team is strong.
NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski didn’t look out of place wearing a personalized Winged Wheel sweater last week at Joe Louis Arena.
Keselowski was going to be busy soon driving the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, so he wanted to get in one last visit to Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena before it closes.
Keselowski, a Rochester Hills, Mich., native who drives for Team Penske, was presented a personalized jersey by former Red Wings defenseman and Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Murphy before watching the Wings host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Keselowski talked about an offseason of change for NASCAR, which included a new title sponsor for the top series and a new point system that breaks races up into three segments, with points awarded for each.
“At least for my team, not a lot of changes,” Keselowski said. “Team Penske’s been pretty solid. We’ve got a foundation to really continue to enhance and feel we’re in a great position to enter the Daytona 500 ... and hopefully make a run at our first victory.
“We’ve been right there knocking on the door for not only a victory in the Daytona 500, our biggest race of the year, but also a second championship. Just ready to see it come to fruition.”
Keselowski won the Cup Series championship in 2012.
Asked about the changes to the point system, Keselowski mentioned the sport’s past. “The sport was built in the ’40s and ’50s off the premise that running a car at its ragged edge for 500 miles is an incredible feat. It’s not anymore.
“And so the format needs to be reflective of what motor sports is now, which is 40-some drivers willing to put their life on the line, willing to make daring moves that test your agility, speed and et cetera, to the limits to win.”
Keselowski said the format change also reflects the desire of the modern sports fan.
“Shorter attention spans, bigger bursts of action and less of endurance overall,” Keselowski said. “I think in the longer term, what you’re going to see is fans are going to gravitate towards the race.
“The action in the middle is going to be too compelling to want to miss.”
NASCAR has experienced a decline in TV ratings and attendance over the last few years, so a shakeup was needed.
“We want to see as many fans enjoying our races as possible and we want to put on the best show possible,” Keselowski said. “It’s something we work on all the time.
“I think the ratings away from the racetrack rely on an outdated, archaic system that isn’t deserving of trust, but still we want to continue to work on it and make it the best we can.”
One goal Keselowski has this season is to win at Michigan International Speedway.
“So frustrating because we’ve been so close to winning it so many times,” Keselowski said. “There and Daytona feel pretty equal to me, with respect to how close we’ve been and the level of significance to win there personally.
“Huge, huge checklist for me is being able to win a Cup race there. Hopefully, we can bring it home this year.”
Keselowski scored the 100th NASCAR victory for Team Penske in its 50th year at the Coke Zero 400 last July at Daytona, one of his personal highlights last season.
“To be the guy that’s able to get a hundred and to add to the legacy that is Roger Penske and his racing efforts — unique, amazing experience,” Keselowski said. “You can’t help but look at it, enjoy it, celebrate it and think to yourself, ‘Boy, I hope I can get him 200.’”
One offseason change that caught Keselowski by surprise was Carl Edwards’ decision to stop racing.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” Keselowski said. “I don’t know the entire scenario, so it’s kind of baffling in a lot of ways. A lot of us inside the sport believe that he’s going to take a year off and come back.
“He never used the word retirement. He just said he was taking a step away. It’s what he didn’t say, not what he did say.”
Nuptials: Keselowski made it official last weekend in the cool place for all major wedding announcements: Twitter.
“Last night will live on forever, an amazing night w/ my bride #PaigeKeselowski & our family/friends!”
Paige White had been Keselowski’s longtime girlfriend. They got engaged in December when Keselowski dropped to one knee and proposed in front of a beautiful horse and carriage. He shared those moments with photographs he posted on Twitter. The couple have a daughter, Scarlett, who was born on May 19, 2015.