NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski on Chase: ‘Our back is against the wall’

Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski acknowledged Friday that “our back is against the wall” in terms of defending his title.

But the Penske Racing driver told reporters at Atlanta Motor Speedway that “these are the times where great teams step up and they make something happen and where great drivers step up and they make a play.”

Here’s Keselowski’s challenge: There are two races left -- Sunday in Atlanta and in Richmond, Va., next weekend -- before the 10-race Chase for the Cup title playoff begins.

The top 10 drivers in the point standings qualify for the Chase, along with two wild-card drivers who rank highest among those 11th to 20th but who also have the most wins.

Keselowski, who drives the No. 2 Ford, is 11th in the standings and only four points behind his teammate Joey Logano in 10th. But Keselowski does not have a victory this year.

So he either needs to climb into the top 10 in points or at the minimum win one of the next two races. Keselowski hasn’t won at Atlanta in four prior starts.

Still, “I feel like both Atlanta and Richmond kind of suit our team very well,” Keselowski said. “From a points perspective, I can’t sit here and tell you that it’s not on my mind, but my primary focus is just on winning the race.

“I feel like the key to the sports world and, really, the key to life, isn’t about falling down, it’s about getting back up,” he said.

ALSO:

Lamar Odom arrested on suspicion of DUI

Lindsey Vonn will return to the slopes this weekend

Watch Torii Hunter hit walk-off three-run homer for Tigers