RPW’s “The Ten” With Mike Keeler
Story By: RYAN HILL / RPW – DANBURY, CT – Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block Modified driver Mike Keeler straps in for today’s installment of RPW’s “The Ten”. Mike is a driver out of Danbury, CT who pilots the Montanari Fuels #55 TEO PRO Car weekly on the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway.
Mike has driven everything from Quarter Midgets to Supermodifieds and Dirt Sportsman to Big Block Modifieds and here are his answers.
1- WHY ARE YOU #55?
The blue and white #55 goes back to the Danbury Racearena days where father’s family owned the car that Andy Montanari drove. Then my father had that number and , colors in the late 70’s and 80’s , so naturally when I started racing in the 90’s at seven years old I wanted to be the white and blue #55.
2- WHAT RACE DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
Mr. Dirt at the Valley, or the Oswego Classic.
3- WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST RACING MOMENT?
In 1994 I had my first career win, but also in 2005 qualifying both nights at the Ft. Wayne Rumble in the midget, also winning my first NEMA feature at Waterford.
4- WHAT IS THE MOST EMBARRASSING RACING MOMENT?
I was leading a regional event in quarter midgets… I lifted in the white flag thinking it was the checkers.
5- MONEY ASIDE, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DRIVE?
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars hands down.
6- WHAT IS A BUCKET LIST TRACK TO RACE AT ?
Unfortunately, Syracuse.. But since that can’t happen I would say the Dirt Track at Charlotte.
7- WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE DRIVERS GROWING UP?
Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Steve Kinser.
8- WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR PASSION FOR RACING?
My father started me, and once you are in it you can’t stop. Racing truly is a lifestyle.
9- WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AS A DRIVER?
Adaptability between different cars and surfaces, I am aggressive, but usually bring the car back in one piece.
10- WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES AS A DRIVER?
Honestly, our weakness has been funding and finances.
Mike Keeler is ever hungry, and lives and breathes racing… he wanted to keep going so Mike gets an 11th question…
HOW HAS RACING AFFECTED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
Well, through racing I met my wife Mandy, but beyond that racing isn’t just a hobby or something I do on the weekend. Racing takes sacrifices and dedication, not only from me as the driver, but everyone around me. I live, eat, and sleep racing. Every thought that goes through my head somehow has an impact on our car. I am lucky enough to have a wife, family, and crew( who I consider family) that fully support me. Racing is life!
