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Kris Johnson: J.J. Yeley on the mend with an eye on 2010 return
By Kris Johnson - Assistant Managing Editor
Thursday, November 12, 2009
J.J. Yeley made 95 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from 2004 to 2008.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
Related Story: J.J. Yeley recovering from neck injury; hopes to be back on track in 2010
COMMENTARY
It’s been a while since the name J.J. Yeley resonated in NASCAR circles.
But the former Joe Gibbs Racing driver is trying to make his way back after a serious accident Aug. 22 in a Sprint car event at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kan.
Yeley, a native of Phoenix and 2003 United States Auto Club Triple Crown champion, barrel-rolled his car and fractured three vertebrae in the process.
“It did a good amount of barrel rolls, probably close to eight or 10. It hit two or three times really hard, and I’m thinking the next–to–last hit was the one that jarred me in a way that was kind of like a major whiplash that would have stretched my neck and fractured the vertebrae,” Yeley said.
Yeley, 33, subsequently underwent neck surgery in Charlotte, and the outpatient procedure proved successful. He began working out again with an eye on a NASCAR return in 2010.
“With regard to lifting weights, I’m just taking it easy. I don’t want to push myself too far, too fast,” Yeley said. “But as far as everyday
stuff, I’m able to do regular yard work. I’ve played golf a couple of times and I play just as bad now as I did before I hurt myself, so I guess I’m back to as normal as possible.”
Yeley has plenty of company when it comes to bad golf. A couple of years ago, in his final season with JGR, the affable driver teed it up at a course in Virginia and tied his media companion on that day with a 94. That’s one fewer than the number of Cup starts Yeley has logged, but his return will likely come in the Nationwide Series, where he has entered 118 events.
“I’ve been spending a lot more time on the phone, talking with different sponsors and scouting out different opportunities. Getting back into NASCAR, it does look like there are some pretty good possibilities for getting back into a Nationwide ride next season. I have some meetings in the next couple of weeks that could secure the sponsorship and make that all happen,” he said.
If and when he returns full time to NASCAR – Yeley ran a handful of Camping World Truck Series events and one Nationwide race this year – Yeley will do so with a new appreciation after the events of Aug. 22.
“I guess I never really thought about it or took it seriously – the fact that another quarter-inch or an eighth-inch of movement in my neck, I could’ve been paralyzed or I could’ve been killed, according to the doctors,” said Yeley, who has enjoyed more quality time with his wife, Kristen, and daughter, Faith, during his recovery period.
“It really makes you think about the things you love and the things you want to do,” he said.
2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings
Driver Standings after the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
| 1 | Jimmie Johnson | 6492 |
| 2 | Mark Martin | -108 |
| 3 | Jeff Gordon | -169 |
| 4 | Kurt Busch | -211 |
| 5 | Tony Stewart | -285 |
| 6 | Juan Pablo Montoya | -289 |
| 7 | Greg Biffle | -321 |
| 8 | Denny Hamlin | -352 |
| 9 | Ryan Newman | -411 |
| 10 | Kasey Kahne | -476 |
| 11 | Carl Edwards | -520 |
| 12 | Brian Vickers | -666 |
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Comments
15 responses to "Kris Johnson: J.J. Yeley on the mend with an eye on 2010 return". Post a Comment.
kasyns said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 10:50 AMHope he finds some sponsorship! NASCAR could use Mr Yeley back- Its been a bore this year.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportsstarbraintree said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 12:53 PMwhile I hope that he gets completely well you wont see him back in cup because as a driver he stinks
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» Confirm Abuse Reportgojeffgo said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 4:10 PMI thought he ran well when someone else didn't run him off the track...but wish he'd shave that "soul patch" off, he's a good lookin' "kid" for a sponsor to pick up.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPhoenix987 said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 4:19 PMHe's not going to get a decent ride I'm afraid. Even at JGR he floundered.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJJYeleyFan said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 4:33 PMJJ Yeley is a great driver and more importantly...a great person. Nascar needs more people like JJ in the sport. Someone give him chance and sponsor him! Go JJ !!!!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportgalvan18244 said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 7:09 PMjj yeley isnt worthy enough for a cup ride, maybe a start and park team, or maybe a handfull of truck races, but thats it. he had his shot at nascar.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportwmvjr1960 said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 8:57 PMHe used to do great in the dirt wingless sprints, but his talent never translated to Cup for some reason. Good luck to him and his family.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportamalycke said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 9:48 PMHe is the only USAC Triple Crown winner, other than Tony $tewart, meaning that he won the National Midgets, Sprint Cars, and Silver Crown Championships all in the same season.
Report as AbuseThink the Triple Crown is that easy?? You try it!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSheilaLovesNASCAR said:
Nov 12, 2009 at 10:07 PMDidn't Kasey Kahne do it also?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjessydoyle49 said:
Nov 13, 2009 at 8:13 AM#9....No.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportkasyns said:
Nov 13, 2009 at 11:00 AMYes- He did run well when someone wasn't running him off the track- or the crew did not run him out of gas, drop lugnuts- motors didnt blow. Parts did not fall off etc, etc.
Report as AbuseHe deserves a shot!
I am quite aware that it does not always translate that if you are good in one type of racing, you will be good in NASCAR, BUT- You also have to give them time to adjust. He was getting there. He finished right behind Denny in the then Busch series. It took him a bit to get there- But he did. I think he's finally ready for the cup. So I hope he gets his chance to show it.
Kasey Kahne is not a triple crown winner. I believe there has only been 5 ever in the history of USAC. Tony and JJ have been the only two ever to do it in a single year.
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» Confirm Abuse Report88_20_42_Fan said:
Nov 13, 2009 at 11:45 AMSomeone needs to give this kid another shot. He was an excellent driver on dirt, and has the wins and a championship to show for it.
Report as AbuseHe was in crap equiptment at Gibbs, as was shown by Bobby Labonte struggling in the 18 before Yeley took the reigns. If I'm a cup owner I'd put him in a GOOD Nationwide car to see what he can do in real equiptment.
I think Wimmer is a great driver too, but he never had the equiptment to show for it.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportamalycke said:
Nov 13, 2009 at 1:04 PM#9....No.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportlarisda said:
Nov 13, 2009 at 4:44 PM#12, are we talking about the same crap 18 car Kyle Busch wins in? Don't think it was the car.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportkasyns said:
Nov 14, 2009 at 8:32 AM#14- No we are talking about the old 18 car- Not the new COT - New Toyota powered engine one.
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