Brad Keselowski wins the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway

For much of the Quaker State 400 the only question seemed which Team Penske member was going to win. But when the checkered flag fell it was Brad Keselowski celebrating victory Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway.

Of a possible 267 laps, Penske drivers led a combined 236 circuits. Keselowski was out front for 199 laps, while teammate Joey Logano led 37. Further adding to Penske’s superiority, Keselowski and Logano started first and second.

“Our car was awesome,” Keselowski said. “The team did a great job and I’m just really thankful to have a car this good. I don’t know how else to put it. I just can’t wait to get deeper in the season and the post-season. I think this is where we need to be to have a shot at another championship, so I’m just real proud of everyone right now.”

The evening wasn’t a complete romp for Keselowski, though.

A caution for an accident involving Aric Almirola during a sequence of green-flag pit stops shuffled Keselowski out of the lead. Kyle Busch inherited the top position with 48 laps to go, while Keselowski restarted sixth. It took Keselowski 29 laps to recapture the lead from Busch, who finished second.

“I knew it was gonna be really, really tough,” said Keselowski of catching Busch. “I figured we’d get to him, but I didn’t really think I’d be able to pass him. I caught a little break in lap traffic and the car was just that good. I was able to take advantage of it and get the lead. That was awesome.”

Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. completed the top-five. Rounding out the top 10 finishers were Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano and Jimmie Johnson. Gordon was attempting to become the first driver to win at every active track on the Sprint Cup schedule.

Keselowski’s second win of 2014 was also his second at the 1.5-mile track. Two years ago, a Kentucky victory propelled Keselowski to the Sprint Cup championship, his first. A feat he is hoping to replicate.

“This is an incredible feeling to have a car this fast,” Keselowski said in Victory Lane. “I really want another championship. ... I really want another shot (at a championship).”