WILD Continued from pg. 48 b
addition of two wild card slots Keselowski has virtually locked up a spot in the Chase with three wins. While the top 10 drivers in the Chase are determined by points, the final slots go to the two drivers in the 11thru-30 slots with the most wins. Keselowski and former Chesterfield resident Denny Hamlin are currently ranked as the last two drivers to make the Chase. “I think the wild card is a huge move for our sport and I think it’s really the finishing touches on the Chase, what the Chase needed,” Keselowski said. He feels that the previous format devalued many races in the middle of the season. “It seemed like by the time you got to race 10 there was really only three or four people fighting to get into the Chase. It never really changed from there. “With the wild card picture, heck, you can go to tracks like Pocono, that kind of used to be snoozers and didn’t really make a difference; if you win Pocono like I did, now you all of a sudden have a shot of getting into the Chase.” Because of the innumerable wild card possibilities, Keselowski believes the Wonderful Pistachios 400 on
PHotos by Charlie Leffler/The Local
Above: Chesterfield resident Shirley Johnson has a few questions about Brad Keselowski’s ankle injury. Right: Brad Keselowski gives recognition to the local fans that attended a cookout in his honor at Richmond International Raceway.
September 10 in Richmond could have more intensity than any previous Last Race to Make the Chase. “I think you’re looking at the last wild card race here at Richmond kind of being the ultimate Chase race,” he said. “You’re going to see a lot of teams have one win and if any of them can break through and get that second win it nearly clinches their spot in the Chase. So there’s a lot of guys can race their way in if they can just win a race here.” Likewise, with three wins Keselowski’s focus has shifted from simply making the Chase to possibly winning the championship. “I think the last two weeks have certainly given us
a lot of momentum,” he said. “Where before we’re thinking more about how we can capitalize on our opportunity in the Chase rather than just get in.” As recently as last year, a warm reception for Keselowski in Richmond would have been one of the least expected sites to see. In his first two seasons among Sprint Cup competition, Keselowski was more known for on and off-track run-ins than his racing. Among those run-ins was local favorite Hamlin. But all of that appears to be in the past this year as the young driver took the seat in feels that winning races and the #2 Miller Lite Dodge. He becoming a virtual lock to make the Chase are possibly the payoff for his previous actions. “I haven’t had a run in this year, of Maymont along with the fes- which I think is good, right?” he tival atmosphere that accompa- said with his normal wry sense of humor. “But I think the fact nies the event. Registration for all events of the Maymont X-Country Continued from pg. 47 b Festival is now open. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. stole from a Richmond or a on September 21. Walk-up JMU. I think that’s the level he registration will take place on probably belongs. Friday, September 23 from 3:00 “It’s going to be fun to to 6:00 p.m. at Maymont. There watch him play and he’ll be is no walk-up registration on making a name for himself, Saturday, September 24. More if not this year, certainly by information and online regis- the time he’s a sophomore,” tration can be found at www. Favret said. sportsbackers.org.
Maymont price increase set for Sept. 1 Open 5k and James River Loop 8-Miler entry fees to increase by $5 Contributed report
The 9th annual Maymont X-Country Festival is set for September 23-24, 2011, at Maymont Park. Friday evening kicks off with the Elementary School 1-miler at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Open 5k at 6 p.m. Saturday begins with the second annual Erie Insurance James River Loop 8-Miler at 7 a.m.
Then, the weekend concludes with the Middle School 3k at 9 a.m. and the nationally-recognized high school cross country meet beginning at 9:30 a.m. The unique Erie Insurance James River Loop 8-Miler starts in Maymont Park and features the Buttermilk and North trails as they loop through the James River Park. The 5k offers runners the chance to race the same course as Saturday’s high schoolers and attracts runners of all levels who want to experience the beauty
TIGERS
that I was not willing to give up my ground over the last few years has perhaps been a short term pain with a long term gain and solidified some of my status within the sport.” Does Keselowski feel he is getting more respect from the Other local players on the Hampden-Sydney roster include sophomore DB Patrick Roche (Hanover), freshman safety Karmon White (Atlee) and freshman defensive lineman Michael Bazemore (Atlee). The Tigers kick off their season with a September 3 home matchup against Averett at 1 p.m.
other drivers now as the result of not yielding in previous seasons? “It’s hard to answer whether you’re getting more respect from the other drivers,” he said. “Some of those things you just don’t see yourself, kind of take it for granted when you do get it you don’t notice it. Heck, I don’t know, I guess you’d have to ask them. I’m too close to the fire.” However, one thing Keselowski does know, with his recent performances on the track he has become very popular among race fans. “It’s a huge honor,” he said. “The fans are kind of the ultimate judge, jury and executioner of whatever moves you make for good or bad.”
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August 31, 2011 51