No2. DRIVER: BRAD KESELOWSKI
TEAM: ROGER PENSKE RACING FORD
CREW CHIEF: PAUL WOLFE
ENGINES: ROUSH-YATES
The reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champions have been very busy prepping their team for the 2013 title defense. There’s only one major change from last year: the manufacturer. The decal located on the front nose of the car has been changed from Dodge to Ford.
The team’s move to Ford was based on a decision made by team owner Roger Penske last summer. In fact, it’s widely believed that Penske’s decision was the catalyst that led to Dodge’s departure from NASCAR racing. The MOPAR group simply could not negotiate a deal with another team that had the high profile, flagship, level of the Penske operation.
As a new member of the Ford Racing camp, Penske will be leasing engines from Roush-Yates this year. There are already reports from Penske himself regarding how pleased he is with the progress of this program. Penske is also happy that progress is being made in the relationship with his new Ford team mates: Roush Fenway Racing. During the recently held NASCAR Media Tour, Penske noted that the flow of information between the two organizations is already working extremely well.
There are some other noteworthy positives associated with Penske Racing’s #2 team this year. Certainly one of the positives is the return of that killer combination of driver Brad Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe. This highly potent pair last year collaborated for five wins, 13 top five finishes, an average finish ratio of ten and, of course, their first Sprint Cup championship.
Still another positive is the fact that Miller Lite Beer returns with its full time support of this team. The trio comprised of the driver, crew chief and sponsor are on the same contract cycle. All three are signed, sealed and delivered until 2015.
However, the biggest positive of all, for the Penske No.2 team, is an extremely fired up and determined driver. Brad Keselowski has made it clear that he’s not going to be a one time NASCAR champion and he’s seriously planning of filling another Sprint Cup with Miller Beet when the 2013 season concludes in November.
Look for this team to be a major player in this year’s championship run.
