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NASCAR: Five Drivers To Replace Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By Matt Lovisa

Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) celebrates after winning the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) celebrates after winning the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Brad Keselowski

Currently: Team Penske, No. 2 Miller Lite Ford

Why it will happen: Brad Keselowski received his big break in NASCAR driving for the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Chicagoland Speedway in July of 2007.  Keselowski would drive for the team in 2008 and 2009, visiting victory lane six times, earning 33 top-five finishes, 48 top-ten finishes and scoring three poles.

We all know what happened next. Keselowski moved to Team Penske beginning with the 2010 season, went on to win the Cup Series championship in 2012 and never looked back. But, Keselowski’s contract with Team Penske is up at the conclusion of the 2017 season. So is Miller Lite’s sponsorship with the team.

Since winning the championship in 2012, Keselowski has yet to finish higher than fifth in the final standings. Keselowski has visited victory lane 22 times with Team Penske, but has yet to score that second championship while he has watched Jimmie Johnson win two more championships himself during that time. This might be a case of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’

Why it won’t happen: Keselowski is comfortable at Team Penske and is with a team that allows him to be who is, not who the team wants him to be. Team Penske gives him a competitive race car each weekend. He is the leader of the two-car operation and he has the opportunity to race competitively in the Xfinity Series when he chooses to do so.

The addition of Stewart-Haas Racing to the Ford camp has yet to have a major impact on the performance of the Team Penske Fords and for the time being, it doesn’t look like their winning ways will slow down.

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