Yeley Finishes in Top 20 at Richmond

Race Review

Richmond, VA (September 10, 2005) - J.J. Yeley started 20th and finished 19th on Friday night at Richmond International Speedway in the Emerson Radio 250. "We took a chance for track position in the later stages of the race, but our car just went super tight on us," said a disappointed Yeley. "It was a good call, but the handling on our Vigoro / Home Depot Chevrolet went away, and we had to pit late for tires. We just never could get over the hump tonight."

In the early going of the race, Yeley complained of a tight-handling car in the center of the corner. After adjustments to the car's trackbar and wedge, the car came to life after a pit stop on Lap 119. Yeley marched his way from 20th to 12th when a caution flag was displayed on Lap 145. Most of the leaders took the opportunity to go to pit lane. Vigoro / Home Depot crew chief Jason Ratcliff discussed the team's options with Yeley, and they decided to take a chance and not pit.

When the green flag waved, Yeley was in third. The decision seemed to be working to perfection as Yeley held on in third for the next 40 laps. But as the laps ticked away, Yeley's car progressively got tighter and tighter. A caution flag on Lap 190 gave the team an opportunity to pit for fresh tires and another wedge adjustment. "You'll just have to go get your track position back," said Ratcliff.

Yeley restarted in 14th and appeared to be well on his way to marching back inside the top 10 until Lap 220. While battling with Carl Edwards for 10th and 11th place, Yeley and Edwards touched and sent both cars spinning. After regaining control of his Vigoro / Home Depot Chevrolet, Yeley knew his tires were flat-spotted. He went back to the attention of the Joe Gibbs Racing crew for more tires. Unfortunately, the only tires remaining in their possession were a set from practice with 21 laps on them.

With his older tires, Yeley was able to remain on the lead lap but he would never threaten the top 10 again. "We had a decent car, but we just never were able to get a good handle on it all day," said Yeley. "We'll regroup with our off-week and get ready for them at Dover."

As Yeley eluded, the NASCAR Busch Series teams will take one week off before racing again at Dover International Speedway on Saturday, September 24th. Yeley will go to Dover ranked 13th in points, just 112 points shy of 10th.