Brad Keselowski Racing to Close at end of Season

“Today, I had to do one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done”. That was the first line of Brad Keselowski’s blog today in a post entitled “Saying Goodbye”.

He told the employees of Brad Keselowski Racing, which began in 2007, would be closing down its truck series operation at the end of 2017.

In the the post, Keselowski recalls details from how the team began, and touched on his plans going forward. The former Cup Series champion points out that he is not “done being an owner” for the rest of his life. He did indicate, however, that for the short term future, his facility would play a key role in a new business endeavor and notes he is a big believer in manufacturing, especially advanced manufacturing.

In detailing why he was making this decision, Keselowski mentioned that his “contract with Team Penske and the processes related to it” played a factor. Adding that deals are getting harder to make and will continue to get more difficult.

Couple his comments, with recent events in the series in which veteran drivers are leaving top-notch rides seemingly before they are ready and the recent talk about the need to cut cost in the sport, this move is likely about self-preservation.

Love him or hate him, Keselowski is obviously a very intelligent racer and appears to be very business savvy. He is looking to create a long term, sustainable future for himself outside of the racecar.

Noting something he learned from Roger Penske, an extremely successful business man in his own right, it is very important to have a “successful core business outside of motorsports”, Keselowski is setting the stage to do just that.

While, many fans may miss the BKR trucks on track next season, it is a safe bet that Brad Keselowski will be an integral part of this sport for many years to come. Today’s announcement is the first step in making sure that comes to fruition.