J.J. Yeley has shocked NASCAR followers by making a return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024, despite having no intentions to race at that level just a few offseasons ago. This surprising comeback includes Yeley attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team, marking a notable chapter in his ongoing career.
Unexpected Comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series
Three offseasons before 2024, Yeley had no plans to rejoin the Cup Series, having mostly driven for lower-tier teams like Rick Ware Racing from 2018 through 2023. Instead, he was close to committing full-time to the Xfinity Series, aiming to secure occasional top 10 finishes with a competitive team. However, circumstances shifted, and Yeley found himself back in the Cup Series with the NY Racing Team.
Yeley’s Cup career began in 2004, and although he only had one previous start with NY Racing Team back in 2018 during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he took a chance in 2024 to qualify for the Daytona 500 with them. Rumors had circulated that late driver Greg Biffle, who qualified the same car in 2022, might return, but Yeley ultimately took the seat.
Resuming the Quest at Daytona and Beyond
Even though Yeley did not qualify for the 2024 Daytona 500, he quickly returned to action, making his season debut two weeks later at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He participated in eight Cup races that year, with his best finish being 23rd place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His determination to compete continued into 2025, where he once again attempted the Daytona 500 and ran part-time for NY Racing Team.
In 2025, NY Racing Team entered 14 races, the highest in its history, and Yeley appeared in 10 of those events. Despite his consistent participation, his top finish was a 30th place at Las Vegas. His ongoing efforts to break his streak of missing the Daytona 500 since 2015 remain a significant storyline for his career.
Preparing for Another Daytona 500 Qualification Attempt
It was officially confirmed on Monday that Yeley will once again try to qualify for the 2026 Daytona 500, driving the No. 44 Chevrolet for the NY Racing Team, marking his third straight year with the team for this high-profile race. This will be Yeley’s ninth consecutive Cup season since 2018 and nearly his entire career except for 2017, when he did not compete in the Cup Series.
This year, Yeley is among eight drivers vying for four open spots in the prestigious 200-lap Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile layout. On Wednesday night, two positions will be decided based on single-car qualifying speeds, while two additional spots will be awarded through the results of the two 60-lap America 250 Florida Duel races held on Thursday.
If Yeley manages to secure a starting position, it will mark NY Racing Team’s first Daytona 500 entry since Biffle’s 2022 appearance. The significant buildup to qualifying events adds tension and anticipation for fans and drivers alike.
Television Coverage and Viewing Details
Fans can watch live coverage of the single-car qualifying on Fox Sports 1 Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by the America 250 Florida Duel races on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Daytona 500 itself will be broadcast live on Fox on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET, offering a comprehensive viewing experience for this iconic NASCAR event.
(Frontstretch) JJ Yeley will not return to Rick Ware/Cup Series for 2024, but is nearly finalized going full time in the Xfinity series with a team he believes can compete for Top-10s occasionally.
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