Jeffrey Earnhardt made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Watkins Glen International in the Zippo 200 this afternoon, driving the Key Motorsports #40 Chevrolet to a respectable 24th place finish.

"He did a great job," team owner Curtis Key said immediately after the race. "It was his first time in a Nationwide Series car at Watkins Glen, he had several Cup drivers in front of him, he kept it on the pavement all day and gained some experience. I'm happy."

The fourth generation driver stayed on the lead lap for the entire race, gaining valuable experience that will help him when the Nationwide Series visits the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course in Montreal, Canada later this month.

"We are looking forward to working with Jeffrey and DEI in Montreal later this month," Key added. "We have had great interaction with Jeffrey and the Dale Earnhardt Technologies Group since the start, everyone on our team likes him."

Veteran NASCAR crew chief Gary Showalter called the shots from the Key Motorsports pit box for Jeffrey Earnhardt during the Zippo 200 and echoed Key's statements.

"Jeffrey did a great job for the Key Motorsports team today," Showalter said. "He definitely has talent and was able to get some experience today. We are looking forward to going to Montreal with him at the end of the month."

Scott Wimmer, who has driven several races for Key Motorsports this season, spotted for Jeffrey Earnhardt during the Zippo 200.

Key Motorsports leaves Watkins Glen 23rd in owner points.

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