NASCAR BGN: Keller hopes for better times at California

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 25, 2001

About Talladega . . . Jason Keller and the Albertson's team had a disappointing finish in the Subway 300 at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend. With less than 20 laps to go, the Albertson's Ford cut down a tire and hit the wall. Despite dropping to third in the points after his 25th -place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, Keller is only 49 points behind new leader Greg Biffle. This is the closest Keller has ever been to the points lead.

"I was really happy with the way the Albertson's Ford was running," said Keller. "We had trouble with a bad coil in the ignition box on a restart, but I was able to switch to our back-up and catch up to the lead pack. It's tough when you know you had a top-10, maybe a top-five car, and something like a blown tire takes you out of the race."

West Coast Bound... Keller heads to Albertson's country for the 10th race of the NASCAR Busch Series season. Keller finished seventh last year at California Speedway, and looks for a similar finish this year.

"Last year was much better then the two previous years," said Keller. "We had a great qualifying run and a solid finish. California is a large, flat oval that I don't have as much experience on as I would like. Michigan and California are two of the places where I would like to improve performance. The seventh-place finish last year gives me enough confidence that I look forward to going back."

Look For Albertson's... Albertson's will have a strong presence at California Speedway. Besides sponsoring Keller, Albertson's is an official sponsor of California Speedway. An Albertson's Fast Track Grocery Store is set-up in the infield RV camping area. The Fast Track store features all the essential perishable and non-perishable items like ice, soda, dairy products, chips and health care products. On Sunday, Albertson's will be giving away three 2001 Trailblazers to lucky Albertson's shoppers at their pre-race hospitality event. Albertson's also sponsors the souvenir area known as Albertson's Alley where fans can purchase their favorite team's racing souvenirs, and experience a variety of interactive displays.

"I know this is a huge market for Albertson's," said Keller. "I look forward to the extra support I'll receive from their employees and shoppers in and around Los Angeles."

Text provided by Heather Kincel

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.