FORD PERFORMANCE: NASCAR KENTUCKY NOTES
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will unveil a new race package this weekend at Kentucky Speedway, where Ford registered its first victory a year ago with Brad Keselowski taking the checkered flag. Teams will take part in an extended practice session on Wednesday with the race scheduled for Saturday night.
THE FIRST AND LAST TIME…Ford went to victory lane at Kentucky Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was last season when Brad Keselowski dominated most of the event. After he and teammate Joey Logano combined to lead the first 216 laps, Keselowski found himself with some ground to make up thanks to an ill-timed caution. Kyle Busch inherited the lead with 49 laps to go after being on pit road when Aric Almirola hit the wall. He stayed out while Keselowski and the other leaders pitted a couple of laps later. Keselowski came out of the pits sixth and immediately began moving toward the front. He eventually passed Busch with 20 laps to go and was never threatened from that point forward. As dominating as he was on the track, Keselowski created just as much buzz afterwards when he cut his hand shaking a champagne bottle in victory lane. The incident resulted in a delay of post-race photos as he went to the care center for what ended up being four stitches.
IN ADDITION…The win last season was Keselowski’s second NSCS triumph at Kentucky Speedway, having won in 2012 for car owner Roger Penske with Dodge.
Jack Roush graduated in 1964 from Berea College in Berea, KY, which is approximately 100 miles south of Kentucky Speedway. Roush, who earned a degree in mathematics, immediately took a job with Ford after graduating and has been associated with the company ever since.
FORD KENTUCKY RACE WINNERS
2014 – Brad Keselowski
