Rome News-Tribune

Wreck fest at Talladega

Brad Keselowski is the last man standing at the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeed­way. For story,

- Geoffrey Miller Athlon Sports contributo­r @GeoffreyMi­ller

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 ??  ?? Keselowski somehow kept his car clean while those around him were crashing in a wreck-filled Sunday at Talladega Superspeed­way.
Keselowski somehow kept his car clean while those around him were crashing in a wreck-filled Sunday at Talladega Superspeed­way.

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