J.J. Yeley, a Phoenix, Ariz., native who could lock up his first Silver Crown points title by finishing seventh or better in the season-ending Little Trees Salt City 100 on Saturday at Syracuse. Yeley, who has driven IRL cars and finished ninth in the 1998 Indianapolis 500, said he is leaning toward trying to follow former USAC stars such as Stewart and Newman into NASCAR racing rather than pursuing an open-wheel series. Yeley said he already has a test lined up in a Busch Series car, one step below Winston Cup. “I think the opportunities are a little easier or better in NASCAR right now,” Yeley said. “I would love to do a Craftsman Trucks race.”(Post Standard)(10-11-2002)
UPDATE: Yeley hoped this season’s combined performances might lead to an Indy Racing League ride, and it still might. But with nothing firm on the table, he’s beginning to look toward NASCAR, the current home of past USAC Silver Crown champs Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. “I’ve got a couple of Busch Series tests lined up in December with (ppc Racing), and I’ve been assured that it’s going to happen,” said Yeley, a Phoenix native who moved to the Indianapolis area two years ago. “The doors are finally starting to open for me. Hopefully, I’ll get through one of them.”(Arizona Republic)(10-18-2002)
UPDATE 2: Ford will give USAC Silver Crown champion J.J. Yeley a test with a Busch team next month, a spokesman for the manufacturer said Saturday.(Indianapolis Star)(11-10-2002)
UPDATE 2: J.J. Yeley, of Phoenix, AZ, will have his first experience behind the wheel of a BGN car when he participates in a test for ppc Racing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Scheduled for the first of December, Yeley will receive a full two days of testing in one of ppc’s Fords. 2002 BGN championship runner up, Jason Keller will be on hand to offer his experience and provide assistance. Yeley, is both excited and appreciative of the test. “Ford has given me a great opportunity by helping to set up this test with ppc Racing,” said Yeley, “The team has won championships, and was in the championship hunt this years, so I’m really excited. It’s going to be awesome” A two time USAC national champion, Yeley gave Ford their first USAC Silver Crown championship this year driving a car owned by Bob East and Winston Cup star Tony Stewart.(J.J. Yeley Site)(11-14-2002)
