NASCAR BGN: Keller reviews California; Looks ahead to Richmond
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
May 3, 2001
About California . . . Jason Keller and the Albertson's team once again overcame obstacles at California Speedway. One hour before the race began, crew chief Steve Addington heard a "knocking" in the motor and made the call to change the motor in the car before the race. Keller finished 15th in the Auto Club 300. Keller is currently fourth in the Busch Series championship battle. He sits 96 points behind current leader Greg Biffle.
"I'm not disappointed in the way we ran at California," said Keller. "We didn't run great, but we didn't run bad either. If we want to finish in the top five in points, than 15th is fine. If we want to stay in the points battle and contend for the championship like I know we can, we have to run better than that. We lost quite a few points on the leaders, but in no way are we out of the battle."
Track Record... Keller holds the track qualifying record of 104.928 mph at Richmond International Speedway. Keller broke the qualifying record on May 14, 1999. In 2001, Keller's best qualifying effort is 12th at the new Nashville Superspeedway.
"Things are so different now with the new motors and tires that it is hard to tell if the record will stand after this race," said Keller. "Whether or not we run on stickers or scuffs for qualifying will play a major role in the speeds and times. I have already captured two poles there, so if anyone breaks the record hopefully it will be me.
"We went to Richmond to test, but the test was cut short. The little time we had on the track was constructive and beneficial. I'm excited to build on our already successful short-track program and look forward to the race. After Richmond our next races are fairly similar, so a short-track night race will be fun."
About the Car... Keller will be driving the same car that he ran in the last race of the 2000 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Keller finished fourth at Homestead, and clinched second place in the 2000 NASCAR Busch Series points standings.
Jason Keller Richmond Fast Facts:
Keller has only finished out of the top 10 once in seven spring races at Richmond International Raceway.
Keller captured two of his seven career pole positions at Richmond.
Text provided by Heather Kincel
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