Keselowski to close NASCAR Truck team

Brad Keselowski Racing will cease operations at the end of the 2017 season.

The two-truck operation owned by Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver and former champion Brad Keselowski made its debut in the series in 2008. Keselowski then fielded a full-time truck for the first time in 2011 with Parker Kligerman.

This year, BKR fields full-time entries for Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric.

"The Truck Series is truly special to me given my family's ties to the history of the sport,and this decision comes with much contemplation," Keselowski said in a team release. "But, for a number of reasons, and as I plan for the long-term future, I've decided not to field a team in 2018.

"My goal with BKR was to create a top-tier team which would allow me to give back to the sport by creating opportunities and quality experience for others, whether they be drivers, mechanics, engineers, or support personnel. With outstanding leadership from BKR's GM Jeremy Thompson, assistance from Team Penske, and the support of our long-time partners Cooper Standard and Horizon Global, we were able to successfully achieve this goal. I am very proud of this and intend to do my best to help my BKR team members stay and grow in the sport. I am also incredibly appreciative of the great relationships we have developed with our partners over the years."

In 287 starts in the series, BKR has earned nine wins with four different drivers (Ryan Blaney, Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Tyler Reddick). The organization has also finished second in the championship on two occasions, first through Blaney in 2014, and then with Reddick in 2015.

A few young drivers have also used Keselowski's team as a stepping-stone in their careers. Reddick and Daniel Hemric drove for the company last year and both have since moved into the Xfinity Series. Blaney has continued to move up the Penske ladder, and is now a full-time competitor in the Cup Series.

The news saddened many in the garage.

Continued Keselowski, "The team has also provided me with meaningful experience as a team owner. I've never made it a secret that I would eventually like to be an owner at the top level of the sport. And, while this is many years down the line, I want to start to prepare for that possibility now.

"Part of the preparation is seeking to develop an advanced engineering and manufacturing company that would be housed out of our 78,000-square foot facility in Statesville and ultimately help to support this vision."

There are nine races remaining in the Truck Series season. Neither Briscoe or Cindric has won a race this season, but are fighting for berths in the playoffs. Briscoe is fourth in points with Cindric sitting 10th.