BROOKLYN, MI – Now is your time to celebrate with NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski as he returns home to Michigan on Jan. 31. Fans are invited to join Michigan International Speedway and Miss Sprint Cup Jaclyn Roney for a free Q&A with NASCAR’s champion at the Henry Ford Museum’s Anderson Theater. Guests should use the IMAX theater entrance.
Doors open for the event at 1 p.m. The event is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. Seating is limited so fans should get there early.
“We are excited to welcome Brad back to Michigan and offer a chance for our fans to interact with the NASCAR champion,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Brad is the state’s first Michigan-born driver to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship and we are thrilled to welcome him back home.”
Keselowski won NASCAR’s premier championship in 2012 in thrilling fashion. Driving for legendary team owner Roger Penske, he brought the Sprint Cup home to Michigan for the first time.
The Rochester Hills, Mich., native won the title when fellow contender Jimmie Johnson pulled out of the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway because of a parts failure.
The championship was the first for longtime NASCAR owner Penske and the first time a Michigan-born driver won NASCAR’s top prize.
Keselowski was leading the points heading into the Sprint Cup finale. He only needed to finish 15th or better to clinch the championship. He finished the race 15th.
To be the best, Keselowski had to beat the best – Johnson. The pair traded the lead of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup five times, the last on Nov. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway where Keselowski finished sixth and Johnson, the victim of an accident, placed 32nd.
Keselowski’s 15th-place run in the season finale was all it took to apply the finishing touches to a stellar championship season. Keselowski’s championship came in his 125th start, the fewest since Jeff Gordon captured his first of four titles in 1995 in 93 starts.
At age 28, Keselowski became the eighth-youngest competitor to win a first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.
Johnson, leading the race on strategy, pitted then suffered a pit road penalty, a result of a loose lugnut. But ultimately, issues with the rear-end gear and driveshaft ended Johnson’s bid for a sixth championship.
The event will also kick off Michigan International Speedway’s 2013 season. Tickets will be on sale for two NASCAR weekends on Feb. 1.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.
Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.
2013 Michigan International Speedway Schedule:
Saturday, May 18 Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson
Friday, June 14 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200 and Sprint Cup Qualifying
Saturday, June 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250
Sunday, June 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Friday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Sunday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Senior Director of Communications, slukaskiewicz@MISpeedway.com
Brad Kuhbander, Manager of Media Relations, bkuhbander@MISpeedway.com
From: Michigan International Speedway
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