O'Keefe has a record of making a spectacular showing in his rookie seasons. An example was his first year running an asphalt modified. His rookie year in modifieds was run at Altamont in 2004 when he took the honors of "Rookie of the Year", "Most Improved Driver" and came in first runner-up in the championship points battle. "Stepping up to the modifieds was great." I'd run shifter karts for years and the transition to openwheel short track racing was a blast. I hope I can do as well in my rookie year in the Grand Nationals." Mused the 30 year old entrepreneur from Pleasant Hill, California.

Pat started racing jet skis when he was 14. In fact, he won the IJSBA (International Jet Sports Boating Association) State Novice Championship in 1992. In 1993 he placed 3rd in the Expert Division and in 1994 moved to the second spot in overall championship points. He then moved on-land and started racing shifter karts. Concentrating on the top tracks in the west, such as Infineon Raceway, Stockton, Prairie City and others. He still enjoys dusting off his shifter kart to go out and fun, but competitive spin around the tracks.

In 2004 his spectacular showing in the asphalt modifieds at Altamont cemented his love of big, fast cars. In addition to his rookie honors, he finished in second place in 7 consecutive feature event races: "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, that year." Quipped the energetic fuel company executive. In 2005 he continued his success by being second in championship points for the Altamont modifieds.

In 2007 he met Jim Offenbach, owner of Golden Gate Meat Company in San Francisco, and a partnership was born. O'Keefe was very impressed with Offenbach's NASCAR Team, Golden Gate Racing , and offered to become the primary sponsor for the team about mid-season. "There is a real connection here and we are increasing our partnership. We now exclusively use is fuel to run our delivery and trucking operations and we have invited him to run the #31 car this season." Said Offenbach. "It really is a great match."

During the break between the 2007 and 2008 seasons, O'Keefe was encouraged to take the Grand National car for a spin at the Altamont track. Much to his own surprise, and that of crew chief Steve Portenga, his very first lap times would have put him near the forefront of qualifiers at the previous Grand National run at the venue. So, O'Keefe has accepted the team's offer to run the sleek car on at least a limited schedule.