Brad Keselowski and Travis Pastrana.
They are known throughout the racing world as two of the most skilled and inventive drivers competing in motorsports today. And this past weekend Brad and Travis each chalked up victories, taking the checkered flag while behind the wheel of a Dodge.
Let’s begin with Keselowski, who collected his second NASCAR Nationwide Series win of the season in his No. 22 Snap-on Tools Dodge Challenger. He turned in a dominant performance Saturday afternoon in the F.W. Webb 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The 28-year-old Penske Racing Team member from Rochester Hills, Mich., has displayed consistently superior skills in both the Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series competition. And this past weekend was no exception, as Brad finished fifth in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race, earning his sixth top five of the season. In his last 12 starts in the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, Keselowski has only one finish outside the top 15. In that span, he has recorded two of his three victories along with four top-five and six top-10 finishes.
“We had a really, really good long-run car today but we were off just a little bit on short runs,” Keselowski said. “I’m proud of the effort. Obviously, you want to come here and win. Wins are really what matters but a good, strong consistent effort that gives us something we can bring back for the Chase and feel comfortable about is important. So, I’m proud of the effort.”
Only seven races remain until the field is set for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Keselowski is currently 10th in the standings with a 46-point advantage over 11th. He is also one of only two drivers with three wins in Sprint Cup competition, the other being Tony Stewart.
Pastrana, meanwhile, has found Victory Lane to be a bit more elusive. He had to overcome the disappointment of the first three races of the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship season that saw him compete but come up empty. The low point for the team came at the 12th X Games in Los Angeles. Hopes of a medal were crushed when Pastrana was taken out on the first turn of the first lap.
“It’s been so long, I almost forgot what it’s like to win,” said Pastrana. “It is absolutely awesome to get out here and get on top. It has been a rough season.”
But it got a lot smoother Saturday night, as Pastrana drove his Red Bull/Discount Tire Dodge Dart to a 1.431-second win over Samuel Hubinette at New Hampshire.
“This Dodge Dart is an awesome car,” said Pastrana. “These guys (crew) gave me what it took to win. I just want to thank each and every one of those guys standing back there (in Victory Lane) with the big smiles. Thank you guys for believing in me and thanks to all the fans that kept backing me because I tell you what, it’s been tough.”
