Yeley gives NY Racing Team best ever non-drafting track finish

At Michigan Sunday, journeyman driver J.J. Yeley gave NY Racing Team their best ever NASCAR Cup Series finish at a non-drafting track. He finished in 21st, one lap down in the No. 44 Chevrolet.

Yeley made his third attempt in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, and first since Atlanta in February. Yeley qualified in 36th out of 37 starters.

Yeley made his 398th start in the cup series, and his 20th start at Michigan International Speedway, his first since 2023. Since his first start at the two-mile oval in 2006, Yeley also earned his best ever finish at the track in the cup series.

Throughout the race, Yeley was able to avoid multiple wrecks which took 13 drivers out of the race. A record number of cautions was also set at Michigan with 11.

Yeley also gained attention after battling Ross Chastain early on in the race as well.

Yeley was also close to giving the No. 44 a lead lap finish too, but fell a lap down with eight laps to go. He also led two laps under caution due to pitting after the rest of the field.

While his 21st place finish is the best ever for a non drafting track for the team, their best finish is a 20th scored twice at Atlanta in 2022 with Greg Biffle, and Daytona in 2024 with Joey Gase.

Yeley will return to the No. 44 with returning sponsorship from Fanatics Casino at NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway on July 5.

The part time team is making gains since their return to the cup series with the introduction of the next gen car in 2022.