2007 Western States Super Modified champion Martin McKeefery will be making his NASCAR debut this weekend at Altamont Raceway Park in Tracy, Calif. in the “Golden State Steel & Stair 200.”
McKeefery, the standout driver from Milpitas, Calif., will be piloting Dick Midgley’s #09 entry in the NASCAR Camping World Series West. The series is the top stock car level in the Western United States.
“This is a high-speed track and there will be a lot of cars so my first goal is to finish the full 200 laps,” McKeefery said.
The 21 year-old racer hopes his experience in the Western States Super Modifieds will benefit him behind the wheel of the NASCAR entries.
“Driving the super is the best thing I’ve done in my career,” McKeefery said. “When I say to teams that I’ve raced a super it basically tells them who I am as a driver.”
McKeefery began his career at age 12, competing in half-scale stockcars called Mini Cups. After winning the Altamont championship, he moved into the 130 horsepower Legends cars.
McKeefery went on to claim the 2005 world championship in road racing as well as a state championship on the ovals. He accumulated four championships in those cars in just the 2005 season alone.
Saturday’s debut in NASCAR will be on a huge stage, as McKeefery will be competing in the Altamont Fall Classic. The event is expected to draw a large turnout of both fans and teams.
With an eye on the 2009 season and a desire to compete in the NASCAR ranks, McKeefrey and his supporters decided to make their debut at Altamont.
McKeefery has spent time with the Midgley team, assisting them in the pits at Infineon Raceway.
Along with knowledge of the team, McKeefery is familiar with making big career moves.
The move from Legends cars to the potent Super Modifieds was a large step, but McKeefery adapted quickly. McKeefery took to the 800 horsepower cars with ease and won the championship in 2007, his second year in the division.
In total, McKeefery has racked up 40 wins at over a dozen race tracks throughout the west coast.
“I’m a bit nervous about my debut but every race series I have moved to has been a jump,” McKeefery said. “I think my road course experience has helped me tremendously and I just hope to be consistent on Saturday and get a top-15.”
Race fans can log on to www.altamontracing.com for more information on tickets for Saturday’s race with Martin McKeefery. The 200 lap / 100 mile event will include a hot pit setup within the infield.
