JR Motorsports signs Keselowski to BGN deal

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Brad Keselowski will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet in the next three Busch Series races for JR Motorsports, starting Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway. Keselowski will also pilot the car at Gateway International Raceway and O'Reilly Raceway Park.

Brad Keselowski

The selection comes one week after Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he was replacing Shane Huffman after a midseason evaluation of the team's performance.

"I've watched Brad for a while and he's shown a lot of promise in the few Busch races he's run," Earnhardt said. "He became available at a time when we were looking to make some changes to our program and everything just lined up."

Keselowski, 24, is a native of Rochester Hills, Mich. He drove for Keith Coleman Racing in the Busch Series until the team suspended operations last month.

Keselowski jumped at the opportunity to drive the No. 9 truck when Germain Racing needed a last-minute replacement for Ted Musgrave at Memphis Motorsports Park two weeks ago. Keselowski scored the Bud Pole Award, led four times for a total of 62 laps and contended for the win.

Keselowski is a third-generation racecar driver, following in the footsteps of his dad, Bob Keselowski.

Brad Keselowski made his NASCAR national touring division debut in the Truck Series in 2004. In 42 starts in the Truck Series, his best finish is seventh. Keselowski's best Busch Series finish is 24th in 20 starts.

In 19 races this season the No. 88 team has one top-five finish and four top-10s. The team is 24th in owner points.