KHI Crew Member Spotlight:

Jeff Roth
Front Tire Carrier/Interior
No. 33 KHI Nationwide Series Team

Jeff Roth is in his second season at Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) as a front tire carrier. Roth has been in NASCAR for four years.  Before making the jump to KHI, Roth worked for BAM Racing in the Sprint Cup Series as the rear tire carrier and suspension technician on the No. 49 car.  When asked what made him get into racing, he said, “I want to be the best at what I do each and every day.” 

Aside from being the front tire carrier on the No. 33 Nationwide Series car, Roth also handles the interior of the KHI cars. Roth is responsible for assuring the driver’s are as comfortable as possible when behind the wheel. This year, Roth doesn’t have to deal with five drivers (like in 2007), but three, KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick, Rookie of the Year contender Cale Gale and 2007 Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday.

In the short time Roth has been at KHI, he has experienced something most in racing only dream of: participating in a championship celebration. For the last few races of the 2007 Truck Series season, Roth performed double duty changing tires on both the No. 33 Nationwide Series car and the No. 33 Truck Series entry for KHI. “Spraying champagne on the truck, team, everything, in Miami after Ron won the championship is something I will never forget,” said Roth. This, by far, marks Roth’s favorite memory while at KHI and his most memorable racing moment.

Asked about various tracks on the Nationwide Series circuit, Roth wasted no time saying, “Bristol is my favorite track. All of the action is so close. It’s like a big canyon or something.” Earlier this season at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Roth helped two-time Nationwide Series Champion Harvick earn a seventh-place finish in the rain shortened Sharpie Mini 300.

Another neat aspect Roth experiences at KHI is working on a daily basis with Gale in the shop as a shock specialist and also as a driver. “I think working with Cale is cool. He’s off to a good start this year, and I think he will only continue to grow as a driver and improve on his performances. He’s a buddy instead of the boss, but at the same time, I still have to do my job and respect him as a driver just like I do with Kevin (Harvick).”

With the No. 33 team currently 10th in the NNS Owner’s points, Roth and the team have one common goal. Roth simply replies, “To win a race and more.”

A native of Washington, Georgia, Roth enjoys spending time with friends and hanging out on the lake. Engaged to Alyssa Stewart, also a native of Washington, Georgia, Roth and Stewart have planned their wedding for November 29, 2008, two weeks after the Nationwide Series concludes.  

Did you know: Jeff Roth
·          Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
·          Favorite Food: Japanese Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
·          Hobbies: Sleeping “whenever I get a chance!”
·          Nickname: Chicken Little
·          Birthday: November 29, 1985