While known as one of the top teams in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since the inception of the division in 1995, K-Automotive has had a long and rich history that has produced a winning tradition for more than 40 years. This weekend the Sears 200 at Michigan International Raceway marks K-Automotive’s 200th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race as the Lake Orion (MI) team fields the #29 Power Stroke Diesel Ford with driver Terry Cook. The Detroit area based team came to life in the 1960s at Michigan short tracks and in the ARCA division. In 1970, Ron Keselowski steered the family run team to the NASCAR Grand National Division (now known as Winston Cup). With brother Bob calling the shots as the team’s crew chief, Ron’s best finish was fourth at Michigan International Speedway. The team also entered select United States Auto Club stock car events winning at the Pocono (PA) International Speedway in 1974. In 1975, Bob and Ron reversed roles with Bob taking over the driving duties and Ron stepping in as the crew chief and engine builder. Their greatest success came in the NASCAR Grand American Series for late model stock cars winning over 30 races. The K-Automotive team headed to the ARCA Bondo Mar-Hyde Series in 1986 winning the division championship in 1989 and finishing in the Top-10 in the standings from 1986 through 1994. With the inception of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, K-Automotive shifted gears to become a full-time NASCAR entry and has experienced more than its share of success. Bob Keselowski scored the team’s first Truck Series victory at Richmond (VA) International Raceway in 1997 and as a whole, K-Automotive has posted ten victories, 36 Top-5s and 98 Top-10s in 199 NCTS events. K-Automotive has overcome many challenges over the years to become a top team since the inception of the NCTS in 1995. Their biggest challenge this weekend is getting a top finish in the Sears 200 at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway nestled in the Big 3 state. “We are excited to go to Michigan because it’s a home track for K-Automotive and I grew up only 45 minutes from there,” said Cook who joined the K-Automotive team at the end of the 2001 NCTS season at California Speedway. “Michigan will be a special race for K-Automotive because it’s their 200th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Also, it’s special because our Power Stroke Diesel Ford team is based there, our major associate sponsor EMP Oil Mate is located in Michigan, Ford’s headquarters are there and the race is sponsored by our series sponsor Sears.(Motorsports Management Group PR)(7-22-2003)
