Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 22 Discount Tire/SKF Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), finished 32nd in the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) on Friday night. The former BMS winner was involved in an incident at lap 26 that resulted in him losing multiple laps to the leaders while repairs were made to his damaged Dodge Challenger.
Keselowski began the 250-lap race from the eighth position, based on his lap of 15.903 seconds, or 120.656 miles per hour, around the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” The start of the race was delayed for over an hour as rain showers moved through the area. When action eventually began, a caution flag fell over the field at lap 6. Keselowski noted to crew chief Jeremy Bullins that the track lacked rubber, which resulted in his Discount Tire Dodge having a loose-handling condition.
The race resumed at lap 11 with Keselowski scored in the seventh position. The new BMS surface resulted in close side-by-side racing all over the racing surface. While trying to avoid a lapped car, Keselowski made slight contact with the No. 11 of Brian Scott at lap 26. He received the worst end of the incident as he was forced to pit road for several repairs to the front-end of his Dodge.
While the incident made a victory impossible, Keselowski and the Discount Tire Dodge team continued to battle, in an effort to gain as many positions as possible before the checkered flag. They were able to do just that before crossing the finish line in the 32nd position.
Penske Racing teammate Sam Hornish finished 10th in the Food City 250 on Friday night.
Following Friday’s result, Keselowski and the No. 22 team remain sixth in the NNS owner point standings.
“Bristol is not the place to be driving a damaged car and the Discount Tire Dodge was definitely damaged,” said Keselowski. There’s not any place where you want to have that and this sure as hell isn’t one of them. It’s just one of those deals. I’ll have to go back and look at the tape to see what I could’ve done differently.”
Keselowski and the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team will next compete at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 1, in the NRA American Warrior 300. Coverage will air live beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The race will also be broadcast on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90.
Penske Racing PR
- CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT LONG BEACH: Team Chevy Practice Report - April 19, 2024
- Burt Myers on Pole for Hayes Jewelers 200, Ward Starts Second at Bowman Gray - April 19, 2024
- O’Ward Takes Top Spot in Tight Opening Long Beach Practice - April 19, 2024