JR Motorsports signs Bires to two-year deal for 2010

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Kelly Bires has signed to drive a full-time Nationwide Series entry for JR Motorsports in 2010-11, general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced Tuesday.

Bires replaces Brad Keselowski, who will join Penske Racing in 2010 to drive the No. 12 Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series.

A native of Mauston, Wis., Bires has competed in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series since 2006. In 66 career Nationwide Series starts, Bires has three top-five finishes and 11 top-10s. He posted a career-best finish of fourth at Nashville on April 11 for Kevin Harvick Inc.

"Kelly is a talented young driver, and we want to give him the opportunity to showcase that talent," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports. "Our whole premise at JR Motorsports from the beginning has been to take up-and-coming drivers, give them the chance to drive good equipment, and help them reach the next level.

"Kelly has a lot of promise. I noticed his potential earlier this year, and we are glad to have him at JR Motorsports."

JR Motorsports fields the Nos. 88 and 5 teams in the Nationwide Series. It has not been determined which car Bires will drive in 2010; the team is still in the process of securing sponsorship for next season.

"I can't thank Dale Jr. and Kelley enough for this opportunity," Bires said. "JR Motorsports is a quality organization. They win races, and they contend for championships. As a driver, that's all you can ever ask for.

"They have a tremendous infrastructure of support with Rick Hendrick and Tony Eury Sr. These are people who know how to win races, know how to win championships, and know what it takes to be successful."

Bires got his NASCAR start in 2006 in a Truck Series entry for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing (now JTG Daugherty Racing). He was scheduled to drive a partial schedule in 2007 but was promoted to the team's Nationwide Series entry after seven races. In 2008 -- his first full-time Nationwide Series attempt -- Bires finished 13th in the point standings with six top-10s.