Yeley Finishes 17th at Kentucky Speedway

Racing under the lights, on a newly resurfaced track, JJ Yeley finished 17th in the Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Right rear tire wear emerged as the prominent challenge and common denominator across the board during the 200 lap event.

 

Yeley was strong in the final two practice sessions on Thursday but blistering of the tires quickly became a concern. He qualified the No. 44 Zachry Toyota 15th. He relayed on lap ten the handling was snug in turns one and two and free in turns three and four. Under a NASCAR mandated competition caution on lap 25, Yeley pitted for four tires, fuel and adjustments. He returned to the field and continued to run 17th. As the sun set and the track cooled, handling became even more free and edgy. At the halfway mark, lap 100, Yeley was running 20th when he described the Zachry Toyota as “stupid loose”. Crew Chief Frank Kerr made the call to bring Yeley to pit under green for four tires, fuel and more adjustments. There was significant wear and damage to the right rear tire as would be the case for the next pit stop as well. Through a series of adjustments and as the race end neared, Yeley indicated the handling of the Zachry Toyota was more snug which allowed for better handling. As the checkered flag waved, Yeley crossed the finish line 17th.