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Keselowski Welcomed At White House

Washington, D. C. – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions pay an annual visit to the White House in Washington, D. C., and Brad Keselowski kept the tradition alive this week when he visited the Nation’s Capital, being welcomed by President Barack Obama.

The welcoming ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House and some 200 guests were in attendance.

As the ceremony opened, championship team owner Roger Penske and winning crew chief Paul Wolfe emerged from the White House, and President Obama and Keselowski closely trailed the pair through the doorway to the delight of onlookers.

The annual NASCAR day was scheduled weeks ago, and while the country was peaceful at the time, this week’s visitation took place some 24 hours after the terrorist attack during the running of the Boston Marathon. In the hours leading up to the ceremony, the president had been in meetings with security officials and although many wondered whether the ceremony would be held, it went on as scheduled.

President Obama opened the program paying respect to those who were killed and injured in Boston, assuring everyone that America is strong and will do everything in its power to capture those that caused the tragedy. “Rest assured, as I said today and to continue to say until it gets done, we are going to uncover whoever it is that’s responsible for this cowardly act and they will be brought to justice,” the president said.

Turning to the NASCAR program, the president stated, “We are here to honor Brad Keselowski for winning his first Sprint Cup championship.” This statement triggered an enthusiastic response from those in attendance. The president went on to comment on Keselowski’s post-championship and colorful television interview on ESPN. “It was memorable for a few reasons but mostly for the fans that made it all possible. And Brad said on that date, ‘Life is a team sport and I have the best team, my family, my friends and my co-workers and without them I am nothing,’ and that’s what life is all about.”

The president also recognized Messrs. Penske and Wolfe for their dedication and perseverance, leading to the championship. “Congratulations to the team, Roger (Penske) and Paul (Wolfe) for their accomplishments,” Mr. Obama noted.

The president also recognized Keselowski’s “Race to Recovery” program that works with wounded warriors. “Those brave warriors head to the track for a VIP experience and a chance to ride shotgun with Brad. To quote Brad, ‘I couldn’t do on the race track what I do without these men and women making the sacrifices that they do for me.’ I want to thank you Brad for visiting with our wounded warriors.” He also praised NASCAR chairman Brian France for his long tradition of honoring America’s troops.

Mr. Obama and Mr. Keselowski then walked a few feet to view the No. 2 Miller Lite championship car that was sitting nearby. At that point, the two gentlemen posed for pictures with the Sprint Cup trophy, and Keselowski then gave the president an up-close look at the shiny car.

When the program concluded, a reception line formed with Messrs. Obama and Keselowski greeting the invited guests.

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