Jason Keller: Series Ironman, Soccer Dad

Check out Keller's video interview

Jason Keller, driver of the No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Company Chevrolet, made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 1991 at Lanier Speedway in Braselton, Ga., two days after his 21st birthday.

 In the 17 seasons since, he has quietly built one of the top careers in series history. In addition to his 10 wins, he has more than 80 top fives and has exceeded 160 top-10 finishes en route to becoming the series’ all-time starts leader, a mark he continues to build upon each race.

Keller, 38, was born and raised in Greenville, S.C. He started racing go-karts at age 10 and took his first checkered flag in 1981 at Speedway Park in his native South Carolina. He was the rookie of the year in the former NASCAR Winston All-American Challenge Series in 1990 before moving to the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

He father, Joe, owned a NASCAR Nationwide Series team for the first seven years of Jason’s career, and Keller is always quick to recognize the opportunity his dad provided. “My father inspires me,” Keller said. “I look up to him, for the way he does business and for his honesty. He is a great man, and I admire him so much. I’ve named my son after him.”

Keller’s inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Series victory came in 1995 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. In 2000 he was runner-up in the series championship, and his ranking behind ppc Racing teammate Jeff Green marked the first 1-2 championship finish by teammates in series history. In 2002, he had a career-high four wins and finished second to Greg Biffle in the championship.

Despite his long career, his most memorable racing moment came only recently. “Breaking the all-time career start record in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last year,” Keller said. His start that night surpassed Tommy Houston’s previous record of 417.

Keller does have two career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts. He made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Richmond International Raceway in 2003 driving for Nelson Bowers and also ran for DEI at Talladega Superspeedway that same year.

When not racing, he gladly considers himself a “soccer dad.” He assists in coaching his children’s athletic teams in soccer, baseball and basketball. He sill resides in Greenville with his wife, Deborah, and children, Joe and Jade.

Here is more with Jason Keller:

When and where did you start racing?
Dirt cars at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, S.C., and asphalt cars at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Ind.

What's your favorite track and why?
Richmond International Raceway. Drivers can race the entire track (top and bottom), and the fans are able to see all the action.

If you weren’t a race car driver, what would you be?
Crazier than I am now!

What's the craziest/nicest thing a fan has ever done for you?
A fan has my signature tattooed on her leg. I met her early in my career at an autograph session. She took my autograph off of a hero card and had it tattooed on her leg. She is still my No. 1 fan to this day.

If you could have dinner with two people who are no longer alive, who would they be?
Lee Harvey Oswald and my mother-in-law.

Off-track activities/hobbies?
Spending time with my kids.

Describe yourself in three words or less.
Joe and Jade’s dad.

Nicknames?
JK

Most prized possession?
My family.