Keselowski called to meeting with NASCAR leaders

Keselowski confirmed Saturday he met with NASCAR chairman Brian France and International Speedway Corp. CEO Lesa France Kennedy, but revealed few details about what was actually discussed with either executive.

"We are all engaged in the same thing, and we are all embracing making the sport better. We just have to discuss how we share that passion sometimes," he told The Associated Press following the final practice for the Daytona 500.

Keselowski was summoned Friday to meet with the France's, the grandchildren of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., on the same day USA Today ran a lengthy profile piece on Keselowski in which the driver specifically mentioned both in wide-ranging comments about the direction of the sport.

"There are a lot of people that share the same passion for the sport, and I am confirmed of that by some people's reactions to some of the things I said," Keselowski said of the meeting. "I think that's a good thing. It's just a matter of embracing that passion and making a better sport out of it."

Keselowski has not been shy about voicing his opinion throughout his career, and vowed in his champions' speech last November to be an industry leader and help NASCAR grow.

NASCAR Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes said Keselowski was not in trouble, and the point of the separate 30-minute meetings with France and France Kennedy was to establish a dialogue with the reigning champion. Jewkes also said the meeting was not a direct result of the USA Today article.

"Brad has wanted more dialogue with senior executives, and Brian has wanted more dialogue as well. Yesterday provided a great opportunity for more dialogue," Jewkes said. "At the top of the list, Brian wants him and all drivers to be candid. That has not changed one ounce."