Brad Keselowski on expiring contract: ‘I hope to continue’ with Team Penske

Although more than half the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series season remains, speculation is already ramping up regarding which drivers may switch teams for next year. One name frequently mentioned is Brad Keselowski, whose contract with Team Penske is set to expire at the end of the current season and with the two sides not yet agreeing on an extension.

Keselowski has driven full-time for Penske since 2010, with 22 of his 23 career Cup wins coming in a Roger Penske-owned car. The 33-year-old driver from Rochester Hills, Mich., won Penske’s only premier series championship in 2012 and has regularly contended for the title in the years since.

“There’s some great charts that shows that a driver’s best years are right around age 39,” Keselowski told reporters Tuesday. “So I still have six of the best years of my career left and I want to see those to fruition.

“I’m driven to win multiple championships, and I have that opportunity. It’s more of a waste for me to not see that opportunity and make the most of it, or at least take it than it would be to even have an injury in that time span. So I’m going to make the most of it and I’m looking forward to it.”

Several high-profile teams could have openings for the 2018 season. One such organization in the market for a new driver is Hendrick Motorsports, where Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced in April that he would retire from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the year.

Keselowski drove for Hendrick previously, making nine starts from 2008-09. He was in line for a full-time Cup ride with Hendrick before leaving to join Team Penske. When asked by reporters when he expects to have a new contract signed, Keselowski said “very, very soon.”

“I can tell you that I’ve gone a long ways in my life and career with the help of Roger and all Team Penske and I hope to continue to do so,” Keselowski said.