JR Motorsports hires Bires

Kelly Bires has signed a two-year deal to drive in the Nationwide Series for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports program. Bires replaces Brad Keselowski, who will join Penske Racing's Sprint Cup program in 2010.

The 25-year-old Bires has made 66 Nationwide starts since 2006, with 11 Top 10 finishes, including a career-best fourth-place finish at Nashville in April while driving for Kevin Harvick Inc.

Earnhardt called Bires a "talented" driver and is eager to give the Wisconsin native an opportunity to showcase himself.

JR Motorsports fields both the No. 88 and the No. 5 car in the Nationwide Series. There has been no decision on which car Bires will drive next year.