2008 Preseason No. 27: J.J. Yeley

No. 96 DLP/Texas Instruments Toyota

2008 Spin
J.J. Yeley’s career provides a perfect example of modern-day NASCAR impatience. Less than two years into his Cup career, the second-generation racer was cut by Joe Gibbs Racing in favor of Kyle Busch, cutting off his potential for future development. With a teammate in Denny Hamlin tearing up the charts with similar experience, a “win now” attitude was created in which Yeley didn’t stand a chance from the start. So, the third-year driver becomes one of many making the switch to a new company in 2008.

After talking with several owners of multi-car teams — Richard Childress, Robert Yates, Teresa Earnhardt — it’s clear this was a man who had options. So Yeley went and brokered a deal with … the single-car team at Hall of Fame Racing?

“I’ve never had to make a decision this difficult in my life,” Yeley says.

We’re having difficulty figuring out this decision ourselves, J.J. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how strongly Yeley’s new team works with the one he left behind, as HOFR has a strategic alliance with the Gibbs organization that includes leasing engines and receiving manufacturing support.

A big selling point of HOF for Yeley was the two new majority owners of the organization, Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel. Moorad is the CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, based in Phoenix, Yeley’s hometown, and Garfinkel the executive vice president and COO. Yeley says the success of the Diamondbacks, past and present, was a factor in his decision. Of course, building a baseball team is one thing. Being a NASCAR underdog is another one altogether. At least the No. 96 car finished 25th in owner points in ’07, so Yeley will not be faced with the added pressure of having to qualify on time for the first five races of the season. But that’s about the only positive from a move that clearly looks to be a step down.

Sometimes a fresh start can be just what a driver needs, but moving to an unproven team with limited Cup experience may not necessarily work in Yeley’s favor.

Opposing Crew Chiefs’ Take
“Yeley’s got to quit wrecking. He’s fast at times, but he wrecks everything he drives. If he’s going to make a farther step, he’s got to eliminate mistakes. … This team is going from a driver (Tony Raines) who didn’t shoot off any fireworks but brought the car home in one piece to a driver who’s going to provide a lot more fireworks but probably not finish as well. … He might win a pole and lead some laps, but I’d be willing to bet he won’t do as well just because he tears up so much equipment. … It takes a long time for these kids to realize it doesn’t matter how you ran. It’s how you finished.

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: No checkers here in 2008.
Pretty Solid Pick: The driver and the team have run well at Charlotte in the past.
Good Sleeper Pick: Maybe the roadies. Maybe.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: A lot of places.
Insider Tip: This driver/team pairing will take its lumps. See how they fit together before buying in.

For more in-depth driver news and hard-hitting features, order your 2008 Athlon Sports Racing Annual here.