When Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice got under way, Brad Keselowski wasn’t in his customary position behind the wheel of the no. 2 Team Penske Ford.
With Keselowski suffering from flu-like symptoms, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Austin Cindric took his place and ran 13 laps in the Deuce and wound up 28th on the speed chart.
The ailing Keselowski took over for a brief stint in the second half of the session but couldn’t improve on Cindric’s speed which was 28th on the practice sheet.
The team said in a statement that Keselowski will still start Sunday’s race.
Later The Associated Press quoted crew chief Paul Wolfe as saying the driver “is not doing too well.” Adding that it’s unknown if he’ll be able to complete the entire race.
Cindric said he will be on standby Sunday should Keselowski need a relief driver.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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