Michigan-based Cooper Standard has enhanced its 2011 and 2012 involvement with BKR, and will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 29 Ford driven by Ryan Blaney for the entire 2013 season. Blaney and BKR will compete for both the drivers' and owners' championships, led by veteran crew chief Doug Randolph.
A year ago, BKR claimed its first Truck Series victory at Iowa Speedway in September, with Blaney becoming the youngest winner in series history.
"We are excited to partner with Brad Keselowski and the BKR team again for the 2013 season," said Keith Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer of Cooper Standard. "Racing has proven to be a useful business tool for our company with both customers and employees and continues to help build the Cooper Standard Brand."
Cequent Consumer Products and Cequent Performance Products have also increased their 2013 involvement, and will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 19 BKR Ford for 15 races. The No. 19 entry will feature Cequent Group brands Draw-Tite, Reese Towpower, Reese Towpower Carbon Forged, Bulldog, and Harper.
Led by new crew chief Chad Kendrick, the truck will have multiple drivers as it competes for the 2013 NCWTS owners' championship. Keselowski and Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano are scheduled to run multiple races, while Blaney's father, Sprint Cup veteran and former World of Outlaws champion Dave Blaney, will race the series’ first-ever dirt race at Eldora Speedway on July 24th.
Blaney won with BKR in 2012 |
BKR also welcomes
Florida native Ross Chastain to its stable of drivers for 15 races in the No.
19 Ford. Chastain will fly the Melon 1 primary partnership colors in five of
his 15 races with the team. Specific races for Keselowski, Logano, and Chastain
will be announced at a later date, but Blaney and Chastain will drive in the
2013 season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 22nd..
"Melon 1 is proud
to continue our support of Ross Chastain with his new team at Brad Keselowski
Racing," said John Lapide, President of Melon 1. "Ross has generated
great awareness of the healthy benefits and great taste of watermelons, while
promoting the whole watermelon industry. We look forward to watching the number
19 truck run for the owners' championship."
"I couldn't be more
pleased with the way 2013 is shaping up for BKR," said Keselowski.
"With enhanced support from our long time returning partners, Cooper
Standard and Cequent Group, we are poised for a successful season. We have been
able to retain and attract top notch personnel. The crew chiefs, drivers, and
team members all put their hearts into this organization. Hard work equals
results, and I am proud of each and every teammate's passion for excellence.
Last season was a huge stepping stone for the organization as we claimed our
first victory. We are looking forward to building on last year's success this
season."
So will they have Ford factory backing?
ReplyDeleteProbably through Penske. Hell, most likely.
ReplyDeleteI love Ford trucks! Brandon, I believe that they will have for factory and Ford Service Center backing.
ReplyDelete