Keselowski doesn't mind the extra attention Edwards is giving him

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Brad Keselowski has been in the center of a firestorm for nearly two weeks, and the flames figure to get even hotter this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The controversy developed after a spectacular crash between Keselowski and Carl Edwards in the March 7th Sprint Cup event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

While several drivers seemed weary of the topic during Friday morning press conferences at BMS, Keselowski said he understands why so many media types and fans are fixated on the fireworks.

“Heck yeah, I understand,” said Keselowski, in a phone interview. “It’s been a little crazy and everybody has their own opinion and different perspective of what happened.”

Many fans are anxious to see what develops today at BMS when Edwards and Keselowski both compete in the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series race.

As for the pre-race promotions and stories which have centered on the feud, Keselowski said he embraces the attention.

“I’m really happy with the promoters,” Keselowski said. “They’ve done a great job of promoting this race and helping our sport gain the position it has. Controversy is just part of racing. Sometimes I take myself a little too serious.”

Things will likely turn serious this morning when Keselowski and Edwards are scheduled to meet with NASCAR officials along with their car owners Jack Roush and Roger Penske.

The 26-year-old Keselowski did his part in fueling the rivalry earlier this week by selecting the Tom Petty standard “Won’t Back Down” for his pre-race introduction song.

“It’s a cool song that relates to the situation without being a jerk about it,” said Keselowski, driver of the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge. “That song kind of fits my mentality.”

Fans at Bristol Motor Speedway have never been shy to express their opinions. Legendary seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt was even booed once after an incident with Terry Labonte.

“I’m kind of excited to see how fans react,” said Keselowski, referring to Sunday’s driver introductions. “I don’t have any preconceived notions. Fans will be fans, and there are two sides to every story.”

Edwards opted for the song “Black Betty” by Spiderbait.

Keselowski’s competitive background can be traced to his upbringing. His mother, Kay, once gained notoriety for her role as a race-day spotter for her husband, Bob. Brian Keselowski, Brad’s brother, is a part-time competitor in the Nationwide Series for a team co-owned by his father and mother.

“My mom is fiery,” Keselowski said. “My brother really grew up in a racing family. My parents are the one that got me started. I’ve tried to forge my own path in the sport, and I’ve learned so many different things on and off the track.”

Even without the Atlanta incident between Edwards and Keselowski, the storyline for today’s race would center around the rivals. Edwards leads the Nationwide Series points standings, with a 41-point margin over Keselowski.

Keselowski has faced many of the same questions over the past two weeks. Now, he’s ready to settle the score the old-fashioned way – by battling with Edwards on the track.

“It’s been a busy week,” Keselowski said. “I’ve heard every side. I’m ready to get back on the track and go racing.”

There was a loud fan reaction Friday afternoon after Keselowski spun between Turns 3 and 4 during qualifying for the Food City 500. Keselowski won the pole for the Food City 250 Nationwide race last August at BMS.

“I was just trying to get a pole lap, and I didn’t quite pull it off,” Keselowski said. “I put a lot of effort into it. I’d rather drive it too hard, than too easy.”

NOTES: Southwest Virginia native Danny O’Quinn posted the fastest time during Friday’s final Nationwide Series practice session. O’Quinn posted a lap of 15.749 seconds at 121.836 mph in the D’Hondt Humphrey Motorsports Chevrolet. Abingdon’s Eric McClure was 48th fastest among the 50 cars on the track….

Bristol Motor Speedway officials issued an update Friday on the status of track president and general manager Jeff Byrd, who recently took a leave of absence to deal with a medical matter.

Byrd’s undisclosed condition, which will prevent him from involvement in this weekend’s Food City 500 activities, has been identified and doctors began specific treatment last week.

Things are going well,” said Byrd via a press release. “It is going to be very difficult for me not to be at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend to be with more than 150,000 of my closest friends. But I will be there in spirit and as I have said before, I expect to see everyone in August.

“Claudia, the rest of the family and I have been overwhelmed by everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I hope they keep it up and appreciate so many people coming to Bristol this weekend.”…

BMS officials did not provide any updates Friday on ticket sales for Sunday’s Food City 500, but there were plenty of open spaces in the campgrounds. According to one source, over 10,000 tickets remain unsold.