Brad Keselowski hopeful for win at Daytona

Brad Keselowski has been to Daytona International Speedway several times, but Sunday will be the first time he’ll be competing in the Daytona 500.

Keselowski, who turned 26 Friday, earned a full-time ride in the Sprint Cup series with Penske Racing. The Rochester Hills native is excited with the opportunity to get in the seat of the No. 12 Dodge and compete in NASCAR’s prize event.

“The Daytona 500 is the biggest race in the country,” Keselowski said Friday while taking a break from practice. “It is definitely exciting to be a part of. I’ve been coming to Daytona for years, but the first 500 that I will see in person will be from the seat of my No. 12 Penske Dodge Charger. That’s pretty cool.

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“We have a strong car. I think we showed that by getting out front and leading some laps in the Duels (Thursday). This team has won before so there is no reason that we can’t do it again.”

Keselowski’s teammate, Kurt Busch, won twice last year and finished fourth in The Chase.

Keselowski is a rising star in Sprint Cup, and he gained valuable seat time in the series last season while driving part-time for the top team: Hendrick Motorsports.

Keselowski won at Talladega for owner James Finch, competing in Hendrick equipment.

So how has the transition been from running a Chevrolet for Hendrick to a Dodge with Penske?

“Both organizations build great cars so the transition has not been that big,” Keselowski said. “The biggest difference is working with new people. Communication is such a large part of this sport and it doesn’t come overnight.”

So what type of expectations does he have for his team? Nate Ryan of USA Today picked Keselowski to be one of the 12 drivers to make The Chase.

“I think making The Chase is the overarching theme this year,” Keselowski said. “That should be our goal, but we really just want to show continued progress throughout the year. I think we’re off to a good start after leading laps in the qualifying race. Hopefully that means good things for the 500.

“I’m new to Penske. Jay Guy, my crew chief, is new to Penske. There will be a few growing pains as we get up to speed, but we have all the resources to do great things at Penske Racing.”

The aggressive, hard-charging Keselowski led 15 of 60 laps in the second Gatorade Duels Thursday before finishing 12th. He likes the rule changes that allow more contact — such as bump-drafting at Daytona and Talladega — and encourages the drivers’ personalities to come out.

That shouldn’t be a problem for Keselowski, who was involved in a late-season feud with Denny Hamlin. Ironically, Keselowski will start Sunday’s race 26th, alongside Hamlin in Row 13.

“For me, the best part of the rules changes is that I don’t have to change,” Keselowski said. “Everything they are allowing us to do or asking us to do is what I’ve been doing my whole career. I’m not going to be more aggressive, but it does free your mind a little bit because you don’t have to worry about getting called to the (NASCAR) trailer.”

Also, wings on the rear of Sprint Cup cars will be replaced by rear spoilers.

“Going back to the spoiler will give the cars a more traditional look, even though they still look nothing like a car that you could buy in a showroom,” said Keselowski. “Hopefully all of these things (rule changes) will help bring back some fans who feel they have been alienated over the years. Those core fans are very important to the health of this sport.”

Yes, and so is having a star who wins on the track and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Keselowski is a throwback to Dale Earnhardt Sr. and he can’t wait to show his skills come Sunday.

Patrick to start 15th
? Danica Patrick’s preparation for her NASCAR debut in today’s Nationwide series race at Daytona International Speedway involved studying film and getting coached up.

?Patrick watched replays of last year’s race, noting trends and tendencies. She will start the Drive4COPD 300 in 15th based on owner points, since qualifying was rained out.

?”I did some in-car camera and race footage from last year,” Patrick said.

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