CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Hendrick Motorsports will enter Brad Keselowski in two Sprint Cup Series races this season to test him for NASCAR’s top level.

The 24-year-old will try to qualify a fifth Hendrick entry, the No. 25 Chevrolet, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway next month and at Texas Motor Speedway in November. Hendrick is allowed to enter a fifth car under a NASCAR rule that permits teams to use a rookie in up to seven races in a car that exceeds the current four-car cap.

Keselowski is third in the Nationwide Series standings with two victories, 10 top-fives finishes and 16 top-10s driving for JR Motorsports.

The team is co-owned by Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Keselowski will participate in this week’s two-day open test at Lowe’s to prepare for the debut race. Lance McGrew, one of Hendrick’s veteran crew chiefs, will lead the effort.