J.J. Yeley optimistic as he replaces Jeremy Mayfield in driver’s seat
Mayfield Motorsports has named J.J. Yeley as the team's interim driver. // David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
J.J. Yeley said Tuesday afternoon that he is ready to go to replace suspended NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield as driver of Mayfield Motorsports’ No. 41 entry.
The 32-year-old Yeley, who has 95 career Cup starts, said he appreciates the opportunity to get in the Mayfield car, starting with this weekend’s Sprint Showdown qualifying race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He hasn’t competed in a Cup event since finishing 39th at Pocono last August. He then parted ways with Hall of Fame Racing after he had missed four races and was 36th in driver points.
“It’s going to be nice,” Yeley said of the chance to race for Mayfield Motorsports. “I’ve been in the car; I’ve been fitted [in a seat]. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.
“These guys here, it’s probably more of a throwback to what I’ve been used to most of my racing career – an underdog team with a handful of guys that have the heart to win championships and win races. … It’s been too long since I’ve been in something, and I’m ready to get back at it.”
Mayfield was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR last week after he failed a drug test earlier this month. Mayfield said in a statement that a mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs contributed to the positive result, while NASCAR’s substance-abuse consultant said Mayfield tested positive for a drug “of great concern.”
Because Mayfield is under an indefinite suspension, Yeley doesn’t know how long he will drive the car. He said that this is a little different situation than he’s used to, but he also said many drivers now have to worry about their job security.
“The way the sport has changed so dramatically, there’s probably more drivers that have had the fear of what I’m going through [having been unemployed] versus guys that are really solid and secure in this sport,” Yeley said. “They’re a great opportunity. They’re a good team.
“They’re not doing start-and-park, which I’ve been trying to avoid since I left Hall of Fame Racing. That’s the most important thing, getting with somebody that wants to go out and race and perform and get better versus showing up for a little bit of a paycheck, calling it a day and going home.”
With the No. 41 not guaranteed a spot in the field by virtue of its 44th-place position in owners points, Yeley will have to qualify for any additional races on speed.
“It’s going to be tough,” Yeley said. “The biggest thing is focusing on qualifying. If you don’t make the race, it doesn’t matter how good a race car you have.”
Yeley hasn’t done much racing this year, having competed in some Midget events as well as one Camping World Truck Series race for Tagsby Racing. He is scheduled to race in Texas for that team but would miss that race if he is in the No. 41 for the Cup race next month at Pocono.
“They’ve been through a pretty big learning curve with the COT car and have made a lot of adjustments, a lot of improvements over the last three or four weeks,” Yeley said of Mayfield Motorsports. “I’m confident with their ability.
“I know they’ve got a lot of relations with a lot of big teams, so I think they can get some information that other small teams generally couldn’t get.”
In Yeley’s favor is that he gets to return at a track where he runs well. His career best Cup finish was second in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at the 1.5-mile Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He also gets to use this weekend’s Sprint Showdown as a test session to see what works on the car.
“[The COT] fits my driving style,” Yeley said. “You have to be aggressive but pretty patient with these cars. The two run hand in hand with each other. It’s going to be fun, and it gives me a little extra confidence boost that these guys put me No. 1 on their list.”
