Newly crowned NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski's whirlwind of activity touched down in Las Vegas on Tuesday, after the run-up to Champion's Week took Keselowski from New York and multiple appearances including “Late Show With David Letterman” to the Nevada resort Mecca. On arrival in Vegas, he was still talking about meeting the comic host. “He was even funnier in person than on TV,” said Keselowski.
Little wonder then, embarking on the opening day of Champion's Week festivities in Las Vegas that Keselowski was channeling Willie Nelson, singing the opening lines of “On the Road Again.” A road that began in late February in Daytona Beach, Fla. with the Daytona 500 will reach its climax on Friday when Keselowski, team owner Roger Penske and crew chief Paul Wolfe will celebrate their first NASCAR Sprint Cup championships at Wynn Las Vegas.
Tuesday was media day for the 28-year-old, first-time champion. “You have questions; I have answers,” Keselowski said in greeting a television interviewer. At the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the subject matter turned to tanks. Keselowski, whose foundation serves military personnel and veterans, agreed a tank would make a nice addition to his collection of vehicles.
“I don't want to do what everyone else does; I want to be different,” he said. “It will look good parked in my driveway behind my gate.”
Joking aside, Keselowski spoke highly of the next-generation stock car he and his NASCAR Sprint Cup rivals will drive in 2013, calling it a “game changer for the sport.” He added, “It has way more growth potential than the current model.”
Keselowski and Wolfe surveyed the Wynn's spacious hall where workers are readying the banquet room and red carpet area. He playfully picked up Clint Bowyer's banner and placed it behind his own – just to be sure everyone knew who finished first.
The champion visited a number of Las Vegas' iconic "destinations," including the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the set of Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage (ABOVE) and the House of Blues Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay.
“Vegas is a special place to be,” he said. “It is a win-win situation for NASCAR and the fans. We love coming out here. It is a great week to be a race fan in Las Vegas.”
NASCAR's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifiers take over downtown's legendary Fremont Street Experience on Wednesday for the Fourth Annual Fanfest Presented by Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 12 drivers will walk the red carpet, interact with fans and participate in a game show format hosted by comic Carrot Top.