Yeley Finishes 21st at Michigan

Making his first start in the Nationwide series since Miami 2007, J.J. Yeley piloted the #81 MacDonald Motorsports car to 21st in the Carfax 250 at Michigan International Speedway.

Yeley was 13th quickest after the first practice, and he qualified 17th.  Unfortunately, Yeley caught a tough break during the first round of green flag pit stops in Saturday’s race.  While on pit road for service, the caution flag flew, trapping Yeley one lap down.  

“Unfortunately, that very first pit stop hurt us.  If we could have kept from losing a lap, the car was good enough for a top 15 finish,” Yeley commented.

From there, Yeley maintained a top 25 running position, and the crew worked vigorously to correct the car’s handling issues.

“We had good pit stops all day, and near the end, the car was fast.  Unfortunately, we got trapped a lap down and couldn’t catch a break to get it back,” said David Ingram, crew chief for the 81 car.

Although it was a tough day from the beginning, Yeley and the #81 team managed to end the day on a positive note.

“After coming in to get those tires near the end, that was the best our car had felt all day.  Those were our fastest laps of the race.” added Yeley.

The #81 team’s next event will be under the lights at Bristol.  Sean Murphy will drive for the #81 team this weekend in the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Friday August 21 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.