BUSCH: St. Louis: Jason Keller preview

Jason Keller Notes:

* Jason Keller has five top-10 finishes in six starts at Gateway International Raceway. Keller is still looking for that illusive first win at the 1.25-mile oval.

* Keller will be making his 300th --career start in the NASCAR Busch Series in two weeks at Nazareth Speedway. Keller will become one of only five drivers to reach the milestone in the series.

* Keller finished 31st in his Winston Cup debut at Richmond International Raceway last weekend filling in for an injured Jerry Nadeau. Keller's next scheduled Winston Cup race is at Chicagoland Speedway in July for Chance 2 Motorsports.

Jason Keller Quotes:

Expectations are high for Gateway... Keller has been racing at Gateway International Raceway since it appeared on the NASCAR Busch Series schedule in 1997. In the six Busch races held in St. Louis, Keller has captured five top-10 finishes.

"When I go to Gateway I expect the Albertsons Ford to run up front," said Keller. "When you have as many top finishes as we have had at Gateway, you would think one of them would be a win. To be honest I'm surprised we haven't won there. I've been involved in some great and memorable racing at Gateway. The 2001 race with (Kevin) Harvick was one of the most enjoyable races in my career. We swapped the lead four times in the closing laps. That is the kind of racing the drivers like, the fans enjoy and that is the kind of racing you get at Gateway.

"Gateway is a unique track, we really don't run on anything similar to it on the circuit," continued Keller. "The corners are so different that you almost have to choose which corner you prefer to be more comfortable in to set up the car, and for me that is turn one and two. If your car performs well in the first two turns, you are going to be loose in three and four. If I have to choose a set up, I'd prefer the Albertsons Ford to be free than tight."

Finding a rhythm... Keller and the Albertsons team are looking for some luck and consistency. While the No. 57 Fords have been top-five cars all season, the team is struggling to finish up front.

"I think we are still searching for our rhythm," said Keller. "We have our qualifying down, but can't seem to find our groove during the races. I don't think it's anyone's fault, and it's definitely not for lack of effort. St. Louis is a good track to regroup and perform the way we know we can."

-ar-