NASCAR Nationwide Series Chevy Monte Carlo SS Takes Lucky Dog Award in Texas

Jason Keller of CJM Racing went to the O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, Texas with a new outlook and new sponsors. A few months ago the team faced many unknowns at the season-opener in Daytona and Keller wasn’t sure how many races they would be able to attend.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS at Texas Motor Speedway, photo by Christina Ramzel
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS at Texas Motor Speedway, photo by Christina Ramzel
Thanks to its sponsors CJM racing can now run the entire 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule and compete for top spot in the championship point standings. Keller is gaining ground with each passing week with his on-track performance. The Incredible Pizza Racing Team with K&N Engineering air filters posted its highest finish of the season at Texas Motor Speedway.

Lucky Dog award went to Chevy Montel Carlo SS at O'Reilly 300 in Texas, photo by Christina Ramzel Lucky Dog award went to Chevy Monte Carlo SS at O'Reilly 300 in Texas, photo by Christina Ramzel
“It’s such a great feeling knowing we are going to compete every weekend,” said Keller. “I know we have what it takes to get to the top ten. We’ve been consistent and now we have the time to perfect our program.”

At the start of the O’Reilly 300, Keller maintained track position in his Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. He was running in the 20th position, but went to 21st around lap 50. On lap 56, Keller went to pit road for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment. The No. 11 with K&N air filters rejoined the field in the 20th position.

Keller had a problem with tight handling as the laps progressed, but the team refused to give up. He pitted the car again on lap 93, but the adjustments did nothing to improve handling. He was however, good on fuel mileage and kept the Chevy on track for more laps. Just two laps shy of entering pit road the caution flag waved and placed Keller one lap down in the Lucky Dog position.

The Lucky Dog award gave the team what they needed, a position back on the lead lap. Keller was only one of 14 cars to remain on the lead lap as the race came to a close and crossed the finish line in the 12th position. This gave the team its highest finishing position this season.

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