MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Sunday, August 15, 2010 on ESPN

Brad Keselowski wins the CARFAX 250 at MIS with Carl Edwards finishing close behind

Brad Keselowski celebrates his win at victory lane on Aug. 14, 2010.

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- The Rochester Hills native returned to victory lane for the second straight year in the CARFAX 250 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). Brad Keselowski, 26, brought his No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge into the winner’s circle on Saturday afternoon.

Keselowski started the race and won it from the pole. This was his eighth pole in 127 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and his first pole in four races at MIS. He also won the Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Race Award and the Sunoco Diamond Performance Award.

“We had one hiccup in the race with some of the clutch struggles and losing some track position there,“ he said. “Only really fell back to second, but Carl put up a dog fight to pass and so did Paul Menard so nobody gave us anything today. We had to work our butts off to work. The real strength of our Dodge Challenger showed up and just drove away. You never know if you win if it's going to be your last win ever. I think this one I'm going to cherish especially driving for Roger Penske. Certainly one that I'm still very proud of and would put in parallel to winning here last year.“

Keselowski’s margin of victory over Carl Edwards was 3.179 seconds. In qualifying, Keselowski finished with a time of 40.099 seconds around the two-mile oval or a speed of 179.556 mph.

"I thought obviously the race started real well for us," said Paul Wolfe, Keselowski's crew chief. "We're bringing fast race cars and that allows us to overcome troubles, which feel like we did today. These cars are a little different to race. I can see a lot more with the different aero package. It makes for an interesting race with the drafting at such a place like Michigan."

Carl Edwards started the race in the 14th spot and made it all the way up to second. His time during qualifying was 40.898 seconds or 176.048 seconds. The second-place finish was a gift for team owner Jack Roush, who was involved in a severe plane crash about two weeks ago. Roush was just released from the hospital and made it to MIS just in time for the start of the race.

“I didn't think we had that great of a car at the beginning,“ Edwards said. “Drew and the guys on pit road did a really good job. Up until that last caution I thought, 'We might win this thing.' Then, we had a caution and Brad was able to just launch out front on that last run. There was just a battle for second then. I had a pretty good time there racing that last lap. We were able to hold off Kyle and finish second. The best car ended up winning.“

Ryan Truex, who started second, ended up finishing twelfth. It was his first top-10 start of his career. Colin Braun, who started in the third position, finished the race in ninth position.

Danica Patrick announced her new “Keys to Speed” promotion with Mattel and Hot Wheels on Thursday afternoon. She started the CARFAX 250 in 27th position and finished the race in 33rd.

Brad Keselowski’s brother, Brian, started the race in 20th and ended up finishing in 38th. His car was taken into the garage for a vibration problem on lap 10 and never returned to the track. Brad enjoys racing with his brother and hopes he can do better next time.

“We always had our cars at my dad's old shop and they'd be parked next to each other,“ said Brad Keselowski about racing with his brother. “My dad would make us use one air hose and one impact. My brother would be like, 'This is my side of the garage. Don't walk over here.' We were fighting every damn day. There was a little bit of a rivalry there. Our racing career took different paths about five or six years ago. I think now we each have an appreciation for each other's successes. I'd like to see him be more successful, but I know he's trying and I support him.“

During the CARFAX 250, there were 11 lead changes among seven drivers. There were two caution flags. The first was at lap 63 for oil on the track and the second was on lap 113 for debris. The race lasted for one hour, 39 minutes and 33 seconds. The average speed was 150.678 mph.

Keselowski continues to lead in NASCAR Nationwide Series Points with 3,704 after the conclusion of the CARFAX 250. Carl Edwards remains in second with 3,357 and Kyle Busch is in third with 3,201.

Attendance for this year’s CARFAX 250 race is estimated at 40,000. Fans were able to enjoy free concerts by Saving Abel and local band Sore Eyes after the race in parking lot 10. No ticket was required to enjoy the performances.

Tickets are still available for tomorrow's CARFAX 400 at MIS.

Keselowski takes a victory lap around the track for the fans.

Keselowski brings his #22 Dodge Challenger into the victory lane.

An ESPN reporter interviews Keselowski.

Carl Edwards addresses the media after finishing second.

Keselowski addresses the media during a press conference.

The Original Cottage Inn Restaurant The perfect place to stop for a bite to eat before the race! 512 East William Street, Ann Arbor, MI • (734) 663-3379 Visit official website • Visit Facebook page

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