Nationwide Bits And Pieces

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES

Brad Keselowski Primed To Snag A Championship Of His Own

Last year in his first full-time season in the Nationwide series, Brad Keselowski posted his first two wins, first pole, 11 top fives and 20 top-10 finishes and was voted by the fans as the series' Most Popular Driver.

Keselowski ended the season third in the final standings.

Now with Brad in the mix, there will almost certainly be a repeat of the great late-season battle – with a seasoned Keselowski in that mix.

Do you think he can do it?


Do You Think 2009 Will Be The Best Owner Championship Battle Ever?

The series recently has become known for its split championships among drivers and owners and that streak could very well run to three consecutive shared championships in 2009. Over the last two seasons – and three times overall – there have been split titles.

The No. 20 GameStop Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing, the present reigning owner champion, will have drivers Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Brad Coleman representing! Gibbs racing will also have Kyle Busch's No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota in the fray.

While Carl Edwards is determined to "unify" the title for the first time in three years, the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet, (2007 owner champion), is a big favorite. Jeff Burton will join forces with Bowyer and Stephen Leicht to try and bring Richard Childress his second series owner championship.


Now Introducing …

Full-time newcomers in 2009 include a pair of 22-year-olds.

Justin Allgaier moves from ARCA to Penske Racing.

Michael Annett is helming his first full-time opportunity with Germain Racing.

John Wes Townley, another ARCA alum who turned 19 on New Year's Eve, announced a full-time schedule with RAB Racing.

Erik Darnell and Brendan Gaughan, move to the NASCAR Nationwide Series from the Camping World Truck Series. Darnell will share the No. 6 Ford with David Ragan while Gaughan will join young veteran Steve Wallace as a teammate with Rusty Wallace Racing.

The series will have a new venue this season when it hits up Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa for the inaugural series event Aug. 1.

source: NASCAR Media