NASCAR Rookies: Brian Keselowski Ready to Run Heluva Good in Michigan

NASCAR rookie Brian Keselowski is looking to make a splash this weekend, when he returns to his home state of Michigan for the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips 400.  The Rochester Hills, Michigan native is looking to show well this week after missing several races due to gall bladder surgery in March.

Keselowski's K-Automotive race team has switched from Dodge to Chevrolet for the race at Michigan International Speedway and has received a one-race deal with Melling Auto Parts.  In a Monday press release from Jen "Infield Jen" Calandrillo, Keselowski talked about the team's decision to leave Dodge.

“Making the decision to leave Dodge and go with another manufacturer was a hard decision to make, but as an owner I need to think of what is best for the team and the company," Keselowski said.  "It’s what I need to do to try and make races to keep racing and pay the bills, so that is why I’ve made the switch. While I am not happy about parting ways with Dodge, I am looking forward to our new venture with Chevy. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to work with Dodge again but for right now, Chevy is the way we’ve chosen to go & I’m hopeful this will benefit all involved”.

Keselowski was the Cinderella story of the Daytona 500 this year, where he qualified (with some drafting help from his younger brother, Brad) and started in 12th position.  The older Keselowski ran as high as fourth before being taken out in a huge wreck on lap 29.  His 41st-place finish was good enough to earn him a $273,663 paycheck.

In announcing their sponsorship deal for K-Automovitive Motorsports, Melling re-kindled a long relationship with NASCAR dating back to Benny Parsons and Bill Elliott three decades ago. 

Mark Melling, CEO of Melling Engine Parts, has agreed to a one race sponsorship of the K-Automovtive Chevrolet at MIS. “I am pleased to help out another racing family with Michigan Roots," said Melling CEO of Engine Parts Mark Melling.  "We once had the Melling name on a K-Automotive Truck in Daytona and this opportunity to help out again was too good to pass up.”

“I am really excited about bringing the Melling name back into racing and honored to do it in the number 92 as they used to," added Keselowski.  "Hopefully this is a good sign in the right direction and I’m hopeful to have them on board with us more in the future.”

The K- Automotive Motorsports team is seeking additional sponsors both big and small, without prejudice. Sponsor packages include some or all of the following: a decal of their company’s name or any name they would like to be placed on various parts of the race car;  complimentary all-access passes for the entire race weekend of their choice.  This allows the sponsor to experience the ultimate garage tour with a chance to meet their favorite NASCAR personalities.  

For more information on the price of sponsorship, and the hospitality amenities which come with the sponsorship packages, contact Jen Calandrillo at: [e-mail].