No. 11 Dutch Quality Stone Chevrolet / Jason Keller
Richmond Post-Race Report
Date: Friday, September 7, 2007
Event: Emerson Radio 250
Track: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Va.
Pole Sitter: Kyle Busch, 21.361 sec.
Keller’s Qualifying Position: 9th, 21.551 sec.
Race Winner: Kyle Busch
Keller’s Finishing Position: 10th
Strong Performance at Richmond Results in a 10th Place Finish for CJM Racing
(September 7, 2007) Richmond, Va. GPg PR – Jason Keller has always had a strong showing at Richmond International Raceway so the team was anxious to get out on the track and see what they had. They would not be disappointed as Keller put on an aggressive showing and gave CJM Racing their second top-10 finish of the season by finishing 10th.
The one day showing started bright and early Friday morning as the team’s practice sessions got underway at 8:30 AM. Jason was comfortable with the set-up of the car and only minor adjustments were made throughout the sessions. In final practice, Keller posted the 11th quickest lap at 21.848 seconds, 123.581 mph.
The quick time’s continued under the hot sun as qualifying commenced later that day. Keller drew the 38th qualifying spot and was able to turn a lap of 21.551 seconds placing the No. 11 Dutch Quality Stone Chevrolet in the ninth position for the start of the Emerson Radio 250.
As the lights began to illuminate the ¾ mile track, drivers and teams got ready for 250-laps around the historic Richmond race track. The No. 11 Dutch Quality Stone Chevy maintained track position right from the start despite the lack of rear grip. As the laps continued the car slowly came to him and Keller ran in the top-15 until the caution flag waved on lap 35. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called Keller down pit road for two tires, fuel and a small air pressure adjustment. The pit strategy paid off and the No. 11 machine restarted in the sixth position.
When the race resumed, Keller got shuffled back in the field and was running in the 15th position by lap 119. The lack of rear grip still plagued the race car but Keller continued his quest to the front of the field.
Two more pit stops were made under caution on laps 121 and 162 for four fresh tires and fuel.
Back out on the track, the No. 11 gained some momentum and moved up into the top-10 with 50 laps remaining in the race. The Dutch Quality Stone Chevy would never look back.
An action packed ending was in sight as a red flag condition called for a green, white, checkered finish. Keller would have to fight hard to keep the cars with new tires behind him. He did just that and crossed the finish line in the 10th position.
“That was a lot of fun tonight,” remarked Keller. “All in all the car was good and the team made all the adjustments needed to get me to the front. We knew that track position was key tonight and Todd made the right calls when it came to pit strategy. I’m excited that we are leaving here with a top-10 finish tonight. It definitely is a morale boost.”
The NASCAR Nationwide Series is off this weekend and will return to live racing action on Saturday, September 22 at 3 pm. The team will return to Dover International Speedway to try and better their 13th place finish from earlier this year.
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