NOVI, Mich., June 17, 2011 – As the 2011 National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) season makes its first Michigan stop of the season June 18 to 19 at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS),Cooper Standard is pleased to announce its partnership with Brad Keselowski Racing. Through the partnership, Cooper Standard will sponsor and supply parts to Brad Keselowski Racing’s entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, enter into a personal services contract with Keselowski and work cooperatively with his race team on technology innovations to enhance on-track performance in the areas of fuel savings, sealing and ride handling with special attention to translating these innovations to production vehicles.
As a Michigan native with a family history in racing, Keselowski established himself in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, and officially joined Penske Racing in September 2009. He was named a full-time driver for the team in 2010 behind the wheel of the No. 12 Penske Dodge in the Cup Series and the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge in the Nationwide Series, which he won that year. Keselowski garnered his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win with Penske Racing on June 5 at Kansas Speedway.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Brad and his team,” said Jim McElya, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. “This is a great opportunity to support and foster our synergies with Brad, including our shared Michigan heritage, an appreciation for technology innovations that provide performance improvements on and off the track, and strong commitment to community and charitable initiatives.”
On Aug. 20, at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the MIS, the Cooper Standard-sponsored Brad Keselowski Racing Truck No. 29 will make its debut. Driven by Parker Kligerman, the truck will be outfitted with customized Cooper Standard fuel lines, part of the global automotive supplier’s line of fuel management products and systems.
“I’m excited to have Cooper Standard onboard with my team,” Keselowski said. “The company offers an impressive portfolio of technology solutions and I look forward to jointly working on future innovations that can be applied to race and passenger vehicles to enhance performance, increase fuel efficiency and improve the overall driving experience. I am equally excited to partner on our charitable initiatives, which make a difference in the lives of so many deserving individuals throughout our communities.”
About Brad Keselowski Racing
With deep racing roots – his father was a 1997 race winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and his uncle competed at the Sprint Cup Series level in the early 1970s – Brad Keselowski has established himself as a key player in the NASCAR industry since he began his career in 2004. In addition to his passion for racing, Keselowski is equally devoted to supporting individuals who have sacrificed greatly, including military members, veterans, first-responders and their families, through his Checkered Flag Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://bradracing.com/ or http://bradracing.com/foundation/.
About Cooper Standard
Cooper Standard, headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include body sealing systems, fluid handling systems and anti-vibration systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 19,000 people globally and operates in 18 countries around the world. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.cooperstandard.com.
