Driver Spotlight: Brad Keselowski (Preseason Addition)

Brad Keselowski 2014 Preview

By Richard Tix

Last Spotlight was on Joey Logano, so this time lets move right along to his Penske teammate and 2012 Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski. That 2012 Championship seems like it so far in the rear view mirror that the speck could be mistaken for an ant. In my opinion the only driver in Nascar who had a "longer" 2013 season was Denny Hamlin, maybe Tony Stewart could be counted.

BK, yes outspoken most of the time and letting his emotions fly, seemed speechless at times last season.  The season started out just like how it left of for the Blue Deuce, but then things fell apart in the garage. I wont get into everything hear about mechanical issues and rear-housing's but it really hit Penske hard and BK struggled to find any rhythm the rest of the season.

Keselowski did however pull it together in the Chase to steal a Win from Chase contenders and maybe get his spirits up for 2014.  So the big question in this Driver Spotlight is will BK regain his 2012 form and bounce back? I see no reason why BK can not bounce back and be a contender again. Even in a struggling 2013 season he still had glimpses of the Championship run which makes me believe he has it in him.

I think that JoLo, BK, and Penske could be in the run for a big 2014 season but it wont be easy with so much young talent on its way up. So what are your thoughts? Will BK and JoLo stick around and be apart of the new generation of Nascar drivers on there way up? Will BK bounce back? Connect with me on Twitter and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you don't already, follow @NascarBTW.

Here are some NASCAR Fan responses on Twitter:

Seems like everyone who responded to my Tweet about Brad Keselowski bouncing back are pretty confident he will come back strong. Of everyone who responded it seems like 4-5 wins is what is expected. Will he meet these expectations? Thank you everyone on Twitter for responding and making your way here to the NASCAR Behind the Wall Blog!

Check out the previous Driver Spotlights Here.

Driver Spotlight: Joey Logano (Preseason Addition)

Joey Logano 2014 Preview

By Richard Tix

So far this offseason NASCAR Behind the wall has taken a look at Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, and Denny Hamlin in our Driver Spotlight articles. Next up, the Penske driver that made the Chase in 2013, Joey Logano.

Next up in our Preseason Driver Spotlight is Joey Logano.  I found it only fit to follow Denny Hamlin's spotlight up with a guy he was rivals with before his crash. No matter what side you take on the altercation early last season, both of these drivers were getting after it and racing hard.

Joey Logano and Penske Racing had a lot of ups and downs in 2013 with plenty of bumps along the way. All last season (from Fontana and on) I thought that Joey Logano would get a Win in 2013 and also have a legitimate chance at the Chase. In the end JoLo just got into the Chase after getting his first win of 2013 at Michigan which happens to be the one race I make it to annually.  Ironic he started his push in Michigan I guess, but he not only made the Chase for the first time but also didn't do too bad.


His Chase started out with a bang, he won the Pole, and then had engine troubles that put his chances immediately in jeopardy. He did however finish the Chase with 5 top 10's (including the last 3 races) and 3 top 5's. In four races he finished between 14-18th place with his lone spot outside the top 18 being the first Chase Race.

My Take:
2013 was hands down Logano's best season in the Cup Series with new Career highs in average finish position, top 10's, and top 5's. It was a bumpy first season with Penske, but not because of a lack of chemistry. It seemed that other then problems with Nascar Officials and Rules that Joey fit right in at Penske. Penske now has two young drivers with something to prove in 2014. I think now that Penske has another year under its belt with Ford and the Gen-6 car, and Joey Logano is also in year two with them, that he will have once again his best season yet. Joey Logano might be one of the drivers this season that takes his driving up to the next level and is talked about week to week as a race contender.

I don't think it is out of the question in 2014 to think that JoLo will get multiple wins and make the Chase again. So what do you think? Let me know and let your voice be heard on Twitter and let the countdown to Daytona continue.

New NASCAR Behind the Wall Articles:

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• NASCAR Sprint Cup Headlines 2014