An Untimely End

Superstitions in NASCAR are not unlike those of any other sport, but perhaps more plentiful and filled with urban myths and murky beginnings. Superstitions run rampant on the No. 2 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) American Commercial Lines (ACL)/RVs.com team.  Jackman and team leader Steve Keller recently had one of his most prized possessions and luck charms taken away.   

At Dover International Raceway in Dover, Delaware the No. 2 team finished second for the second time this season. Narrowly missing wins left the team quite frustrated.  Front tire carrier Randy Armstrong noticed Keller was still using a tape measure from four years previous, and it still had a Micosukee Racing decal on it, reminiscent of the past place of employment for both Keller and Armstrong. 

Armstrong--convinced that the tape measure was a source of bad luck--quickly grabbed the tape measure...and a hammer.  A scuffle ensued in the parking lot with the hammer winning easily over the tape measure.   Keller’s four- year-long relationship with the Micosukee missile tape measure was over. 

“That tape measure had out-lasted all of the other ones I had ever had,” said Keller.  “I experienced a lot of success during that tape measure’s reign.  Two weeks later to try and make up for its absence, I tried painting my toenails blue (an homage to Scott Speed who won the race in Dover).  However, that went horribly wrong as our truck was taken out on the first lap.  I guess I will have to try something different, maybe lucky socks?” 

Being a kind, caring and compassionate PR person, I took it upon myself to rescue what was left of the prized tape measure and write this tribute. 

So here’s to you, old-faithful-never-failing tape measure... thanks for the memories.  

R.I.P Keller’s Tape Measure
2004-2008