NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team Brad Keselowski Racing announced on Tuesday that it'll field two trucks full-time in Truck Series competition during the 2013 season. Ryan Blaney, who got BKR its first Truck Series race win in 2012, is slated to drive the No. 29 truck full-time, while Ross Chastain, formerly a driver for SS Greenlight Racing, will drive a No. 19 BKR entry in 15 races. Team owner Brad Keselowski, his Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano, and Blaney's father Dave Blaney will share driving duties in the remaining races. A specific driver schedule for the No. 19 truck has not yet been released, other than Chastain being the driver for the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Feb. 22, and Dave Blaney for the series' first dirt race at Eldora Speedway on July 24.
BKR also announced a switch from RAM to Ford, mirroring the switch Penske Racing made from Dodge to Ford for 2013.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way 2013 is shaping up for BKR," Keselowski said "With enhanced support from our longtime 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."
Doug Randolph will call the shots from atop the pit box as crew chief for Blaney and the No. 29 team. The truck will receive sponsorship support from Cooper Standard.
Chad Kendrick has been hired to work as crew chief on the No. 19 team. Cequent Consumer Products and Cequent Performance Products will sponsor the No. 19 through its Draw-Tite, Reese Towpower, Reese Towpower Carbon Forged, Bulldog and Harper brands for 15 races. Chastain's sponsor in 2012 at SS Greenlight, Melon 1, also makes the move to Brad Keselowski Racing to serve as primary sponsor on the No. 19 for five races.
"Last season was a huge stepping stone for the organization, as we claimed our first victory," Keselowski said. "We are looking forward to building on last year's success this season."
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