Over the off-season, the ARCA Menards Series suffered a massive loss, with the passing of 1989 ARCA Champion and 24-time winner, Bob Keselowski, who passed away in December, at the age of 70.
Now, as the 2022 season is ready to get underway, Empire Racing Group is paying tribute to the series champion at Daytona, running a replica of the paint scheme that Keselowski competed with in the ARCA Menards Series.
“When I approached Empire team owners John and Sean Corr, they were more than happy to make this happen,” said Empire Racing Group’s team manager, Mike Cheek. “This tribute means the world to me, Bob was a very good friend, he helped me and my team a lot. Honoring him will be one of the most rewarding parts of my career, this is a win to me.”
Instead of Sean Corr’s typical No. 8 Chevrolet SS, the team will be fielding the No. 29 Winnebago Chevrolet SS, changing the team’s number and paint scheme to honor Bob Keselowski.
“Bob [Keselowski] was not only a friend to our team, but helped us with multiple car builds and setups,” said John Corr, owner of Empire Racing Group. “Words can not explain how honored we are, as a team, to pay tribute to a true champion.”
Corr’s entry in the season-opener at Daytona will mark the 15th consecutive season that the Goshen, New York driver will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, but the first time he’ll compete in the famed No. 29.
“It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to drive the iconic No. 29 to memorialize such a great man and his achievements in racing,” said driver, Sean Corr.
Brian Keselowski, a long-time competitor and team owner in the ARCA Menards Series, posted an image of the tribute car for the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Our good friends at Empire racing is gonna run a tribute scheme for Dad at Daytona. His very last Arca race car will be there too in the fan zone. Really appreciate this beyond anyone will know. pic.twitter.com/tXgfUxgsJT
— Brian Keselowski (@KeselowskiBrian) February 11, 2022
The Lucas Oil 200 will take place on Saturday, February 19th at Daytona International Speedway, as the field of 37 cars tackles the 2.5-mile superspeedway to start the 2022 season.
