The 2012 Cup collection champion, who gave Penske its first title in NASCAR’s premier division, has pushed for the crew for the reason that finish of 2009 following his breakthrough victory at Talladega earlier that 12 months with Phoenix Racing.
But following hypothesis that he’ll turn into a co-owner in a brand new Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Cup crew, it was introduced earlier immediately that Keselowski will depart Team Penske on the finish of the season, with reigning Xfinity Series champion Austin Cindric changing him within the #2 Ford in 2022.
In a press release, Keselowski mentioned his time driving for Penske was a “tremendous opportunity” and that he was “proud” of their success collectively, which additionally included the 2010 Xfinity title.
On the topic of the rationale of why he’s leaving Penske now, the 2020 championship runner-up mentioned it was to “embrace a new opportunity”, with out elaborating additional.
He mentioned: “Making the choice to half methods with Team Penske to embrace a brand new alternative and problem was a troublesome one, and one I didn’t take frivolously. I do know that I’m leaving in a great place although, and I’m each excited and desirous to share the main points of what’s subsequent for me quickly.
“Right now, my focus remains on winning more races in 2021 and giving it my all to take down our second championship.”
The 37-year-old has run his personal crew earlier than. Brad Keselowski Racing was an everyday within the NASCAR Truck Series between 2007 and 2017, when Cindric completed third within the standings. It’s greatest championship end was second in 2015 with Tyler Reddick.
At the purpose of closing his Truck crew, Keselowski remained hopeful that he would someday personal a automobile within the Cup Series, and a collaboration as a crew co-owner with Roush Fenway Racing is anticipated to be confirmed shortly.
The crew initially based by Jack Roush received back-to-back Cup titles with Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch in 2003 and 2004, however hasn’t mounted a powerful title problem since Carl Edwards misplaced to Tony Stewart on countback of wins after the pair completed stage on factors in 2011.
