KHI Crew Member Spotlight:
Steve Keller | Jackman
No. 2 Truck Series Team
Jovial jackman Steve Keller joined Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) in
January of 2008. He currently serves as right front mechanic and
jackman for the No. 2 American Commercial Lines (ACL)/RVs.com
Chevrolet team. Keller came to KHI with a plethora of
experience, previously working for Phoenix Racing as a mechanic,
jackman, tear-down specialist, suspension hanger and pit-crew
captain.
Overcoming adversity is a staple quality for success in NASCAR
racing. Keller optimizes perseverance on pit road; he was born
missing his index finger on his right hand. The good-humored
jackman usually pokes fun at himself, joking with co-workers
that he is the nine-fingered ninja.
“It has always been a challenge,” said Keller. “I really freak
people out when I grab a soda can. It looks like I’m missing a
thumb but it is the only way I can grab the can. I have always
just compensated for it, but growing up kids were really cruel,”
continued Keller. “I guess I just act like anyone else with a
handicap. This is what I wanted to do with my life and I found a
way to overcome it.”
When asked about his favorite race track to visit on the circuit
Greenville, S.C. native Keller simply replied, “Darlington,
because it’s God’s country.” Keller has been involved in racing
for over nine years, slowly working his way up through the
NASCAR ranks.
On the other end of the spectrum, the track that Keller is not
especially fond of is Talladega. “I love going to ‘Dega.
However, it is a difficult place to race, because inevitably the
team is going to find trouble sometime throughout the weekend.”
Keller’s most memorable moment in racing came in 2005 while
working at Phoenix Racing. Keller was privileged enough to be a
part of the victory lane celebration when then driver of the No.
1 Yellow Transportation/Miccosukee Gaming Resorts Dodge driven
by Johnny Sauter took the checkered flag at the Milwaukee (Wis.)
Mile.
“It is such an adrenaline rush winning,” recalled Keller.
“Everyone on pit road lives for that moment when all the hard
work back at the shop and on pit road pays off. I really enjoyed
working with Johnny and I was proud to be in victory lane. I
look forward to hopefully having a repeat of that this year with
Jack [Sprague].”
Off the race track Keller enjoys playing 18 holes of golf with
his friends. Keller currently resides in Kernersville, NC.
