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Keselowski clinches NASCAR title for Penske, Dodge

Published: November 18, 2012 Comment on this article

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Brad Keselowski has won his first NASCAR championship.

The 28-year-old Detroit native clinched the Sprint Cup title Sunday when fellow title contender Jimmie Johnson pulled out of the season finale because of a parts failure. The championship is the first for longtime NASCAR owner Roger Penske and gives outgoing car manufacturer Dodge the sweetest of parting gifts.

photo - Brad Keselowski and members of his crew listen to the national anthem before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Andrew Uloza) MAGS OUT

Brad Keselowski and members of his crew listen to the national anthem before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Andrew Uloza) MAGS OUT

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All Keselowski had to do was stay out of trouble over the final 60 miles, which essentially turned out to be 40 victory laps around Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Keselowski says over his radio, "If he's in the garage, let's race."

It is Dodge's first Cup championship since Richard Petty's title in 1975. And it surely will help Penske get over a heartbreaking second-place finish in the IndyCar championship in September.