2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion to take part in Detroit parade

Michigan native, NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski to appear in America's Thanksgiving Parade

DETROIT – Penske Racing driver and newly-crowned 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski will appear in America's Thanksgiving Parade on the streets of downtown Detroit.

The 28-year-old Keselowski, a native of Rochester Hills, Mich., became the first Penske Racing driver to win the title in Sunday series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

On Thanksgiving Day, Keselowski will celebrate the championship by riding in America's Thanksgiving Parade down Woodward Avenue, an 86-year-old tradition in Detroit.

"Growing up in Michigan for years it was a tradition in our house to wake up Thanksgiving morning and watch America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit," said Keselowski, who earned five wins this season en route to the title. "It will be my honor to be a part of the parade this Thanksgiving and represent Penske Racing, my team and our sponsors as the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. This is a great opportunity for me, especially considering my roots in Michigan and all that Detroit means to me and my boss, Roger Penske."

Driving the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger to the championship for team owner Roger Penske, a resident of Birmingham, Mich., Keselowski also became the first Michigan-born driver to win the Cup Series crown.

"This is an amazing moment for Detroit and our entire community as we welcome Penske Racing driver and newly-crowned local hero 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski to America's Thanksgiving Parade," said Tony Michaels, President & CEO of The Parade Company. "We are incredibly grateful to Roger Penske for his commitment to our city and for sharing this remarkable moment with all of Detroit on Thanksgiving morning."

The parade steps-off at Woodward Avenue and Mack on Thanksgiving at 9:05 a.m.

Recently recognized as one of the best Thanksgiving parades in the country by U.S. News & World Report Travel, America's Thanksgiving Parade will march by some of Detroit's most notable landmarks including the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park and the M@dison Building.