NASCAR’s many developmental series have been referred to as a ‘ladder system’ for aspiring drivers to climb throughout their careers in motorsports. Brad Keselowski is the latest product of such a system. The 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion is coming off one of his most dominating performances in the series. He led 158 of the 200 scheduled laps on his way to the victory at Chicagoland Speedway and posted his third career perfect Driver Rating of 150.0.
Keselowski is a prime example of how hard work through the different national series can lead to a successful career in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for young, up-and-coming drivers. For example, Roush Fenway Racing drivers, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne, both of their success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series have led to starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Another driver using the ladder system to his advantage is NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Austin Dillon, who plans to make his jump to the NASCAR Nationwide Series after finding success in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The past two series champions – Keselowski and Kyle Busch – have “given back” to the system. Both have started to feed the ladder system by starting teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and given opportunities to young drivers. Keselowski has fielded a truck for Parker Kligerman and Busch has fielded a truck for Josh Richards this season.
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