Kelly Bires has signed a two-year deal to drive in the Nationwide Series for Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s JR Motorsports program.
Bires replaces Brad Keselowski, who will join Penske Racing’s Sprint Cup program in 2010. The Canadian Press
A native of Mauston, Wis., Bires has competed in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series since 2006. In 66 career Nationwide Series starts, Bires has three top-five finishes and 11 top-10s. He posted a career-best finish of fourth at Nashville on April 11 for Kevin Harvick Inc.
“Kelly is a talented young driver, and we want to give him the opportunity to showcase that talent,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports. “Our whole premise at JR Motorsports from the beginning has been to take up-and-coming drivers, give them the chance to drive good equipment, and help them reach the next level.
“Kelly has a lot of promise. I noticed his potential earlier this year, and we are glad to have him at JR Motorsports.” NASCAR.com
It is yet to be determined whether Bires will drive the No. 5 of No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. Bires got his NASCAR start in 2006 in a Camping World Truck Series entry for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing (now JTG-Daugherty Racing).
He was scheduled to run a partial truck schedule in 2007 but was promoted to the team’s Nationwide Series team after seven races. Last year Bires finished 13th in the point standings with six top-10s.
“I can’t thank Dale Jr. and Kelley enough for this opportunity,” Bires said. “JR Motorsports is a quality organization. They win races, and they contend for championships. As a driver, that’s all you can ever ask for. They have a tremendous infrastructure of support with Rick Hendrick and Tony Eury Sr. These are people who know how to win races, know how to win championships, and know what it takes to be successful.” AHN
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