Keller carrying 'rookie' stripe to Montreal
By SceneDaily Staff
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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Jason Keller has driven in more races in NASCAR’s No. 2 series than anyone.
With 444 starts in what is now called the Nationwide Series, he’s clearly a veteran.
But in this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he’ll carry a yellow “rookie stripe” on the back of his No. 11 CJM Racing Chevrolet.
That’s because NASCAR considers drivers who have never raced on a particular track to be rookies during that track’s race weekend. And since Keller and CJM didn’t enter the Montreal race last year, he’ll be a rookie this weekend.
“How funny is it that I’m considered a ‘rookie’ heading into Montreal?” Keller said. “What are the odds of the series veteran be labeled that 17 years into his career? We’ll be running ‘rookie stripes’ this weekend, and I’m sure it’ll throw a lot of people off guard.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Montreal, though. I’ve heard that the city is beautiful and that the road-course racing is full of action.”
Keller does have plenty of road-racing experience, running at Watkins Glen nine times and Mexico City three times. His best finish is a fifth at Watkins Glen in 1999.
“I’m known more for my short-track racing abilities than for road-course racing,” Keller said. “I actually do enjoy road-course racing. It breaks up the schedule a bit and allows us to get in front of a different fan base. We didn’t do so bad in Mexico, so I’m looking forward to Montreal.”
Keller was 17th in Mexico City earlier this year in CJM’s first road race with Keller behind the wheel.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Jason Keller
Comments
2 responses to "Keller carrying 'rookie' stripe to Montreal"
Aaron B said:
Jul 31, 2008 at 11:32 AMI'm very surprised with keller this year. With Cjm being a team that has no cup affiliation, their doing a pretty good job keeping up with he big teams. And the recent agreement with JGR wilkl just let them perform better
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» Confirm Abuse Reportchris camino said:
Jul 31, 2008 at 9:29 PMIf this is the case, did everyone have rookie stripes last year?
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