Keselowski working on Cup drive

The 25-year-old, who has competed in nine Cup races over the past two years for Hendrick Motorsports and Phoenix Racing, has been linked to a number of outfits to compete in NASCAR's top series next year, following his victory at Talladega earlier this season.

Speaking at Michigan, where he qualified a fifth Hendrick Motorsportst car for Sunday's race, he said he still wants to contend for the title in the Nationwide series next year, something that would limit his Cup options.

He is expected to continue racing for Dale Earnhardt Jr's outfit and he would eventually have to drive for Chevroet in the Sprint Cup, despite reports linking him with Penske Racing, the leading Dodge team.

"I certainly plan on running in the Nationwide Series full-time next year, there's no doubt about that," said Keselowski.

"I think I'll be able to put that together, although at this moment, I have not. I think I have a lot of good options on my plate and I don't think I'm going to miss."

"Certainly, if I'm going to run in the JR Motorsports cars next year, I have to stay with a Chevrolet Cup car. That's all part of the package. As far as what team and what team is compatible or not compatible, I'm really not a good judge of that."

Keselowski says the current state of the economy has slowed his task of securing a Cup ride for next year, but he still considers himself fortunate.

"It's not just myself that is in a tough spot, it's the whole series, the economy - everyone is in a tough spot," said Keselowski. "The key thing to remember is that even though I may not have a full-time Cup deal now, and it hasn't exactly sorted itself out for next year, that I am still in a good spot.

"I have a ride in the Nationwide Series, I have a job, and there are a lot of people out there that can't say that. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and stop whining. Things aren't that bad and no, I don't have any complaints now."

Keselowski is currently third in the Nationwide standings with two wins, and in seven Sprint Cup outings this year he has scored a victory and another two top 10 finishes.