CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The window of opportunity for a driver to become successful in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is not very large.
J.J. Yeley knows that, and it was clearly on his mind when deciding among his many suitors after his release from Joe Gibbs Racing earlier this year.
Yeley announced Sept. 4 he will join Hall of Fame Racing next season, replacing Tony Raines as the driver of the familiar No. 96, which will be a Toyota next season.
Still, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as Hall of Fame Racing, which has two new — and controlling — owners in Arizona Diamondbacks executives Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel, leases its cars and engines from Joe Gibbs Racing.
Yeley acknowledged his choice of Hall of Fame Racing over other teams, including Robert Yates Racing and Richard Childress Racing, was based on the addition of Moorad and Garfinkel to the operation.
“It had the biggest effect on my decision,” he said. “I had some conversations with Bill Saunders at the time that I became available and it was a consideration, but it wasn’t a leader for where I wanted to go. But after having my meeting with Jeff and Tom, the things that they are going to bring to this team, the outside resources they can bring to this team made it a no brainer.”
Yeley ranks 19th in the standings after finishing 19th at Richmond (Va.) Int’l Raceway on Saturday.