Keselowski in the No. 12

Brad Keselowski’s tenure with Penske Racing begins now.

Keselowski, who earlier this year signed with Penske for the 2010 season, will drive the No. 12 for the final three races of the 2009 campaign, including this weekend’s Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Penske Racing wants to give Brad an opportunity to work with the team and get to know the race car as we prepare for the 2010 season,” team owner Roger Penske said in a statement. “These three races will provide a good base for both Brad and the team as we head into next year.”

Keselowski takes over driving duties from David Stremme, whose best result this season is a pair of 13th-place finishes.

“I am very excited to begin working with the Penske Racing team and I look forward to competing in the No. 12 Penske Dodge in the final three Cup Series races of the year,” Keselowski said. “We all have high expectations for next season and beyond and being able to race with the team this year will only help us as we look toward 2010.”

Following his win at Talladega in April, Keselowski became the hottest driver on the driver market. He’d hoped to take over the No. 5 seat for Hendrick Motorsports, but those plans faded when Mark Martin came out of part-time retirement to drive for Rick Hendrick.