JJ Yeley, a seasoned competitor in the world of stock car racing, is set to make his return to the NASCAR Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, marking a significant step in his career after many years with smaller teams. The announcement fulfills Yeley’s long-standing ambition to compete for a major team, and highlights the continued momentum surrounding the JJ Yeley NASCAR Truck Series story.
Spire Motorsports Announces Yeley for Talladega Event
After nearly two decades of competing across several racing series, JJ Yeley will now drive the #7 Chevy Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway. The race is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET, as part of the Love’s RV Stop 225. Yeley, who started his stock car racing career in 2004, has previously driven in the Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing and for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports in the Truck Series. Despite completing 36 starts in the Truck Series, Yeley has yet to secure a win, with his only top-ten finishes coming in 2010 and 2017.
Yeley took to his X account to express his anticipation for this latest chapter in his career, using the platform to share his thoughts with fans as the excitement builds for the upcoming event. Yeley, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona, reflected on the opportunity provided by Spire Motorsports:
“Excited to get another shot! It’s been a few years since having the resources, equipment and organization to get to Victory Lane”
The partnership not only gives Yeley a renewed shot at achieving a long-elusive victory in the Truck Series but also places him with an organization that is recognized for its strong presence in NASCAR. Yeley’s return to a top-tier ride is seen by many within the motorsports community as a chance for the veteran to capitalize on his extensive experience.
Confrontation with Rookie Driver at the Turkey Night Grand Prix
Recent history for Yeley has involved more than just the pursuit of racing success. At the 2024 Turkey Night Grand Prix in Ventura, he found himself at the center of controversy following a collision with rookie driver David Gasper. The incident occurred while Yeley was running fifth in the main event, but contact from Gasper resulted in a crash and a Did Not Finish for the Cup Series veteran. Following the wreck, Yeley’s frustration was evident as he confronted Gasper, throwing his steering wheel at the rookie’s car twice before addressing the situation with the media.
“Yesterday, we spun out or got in a wreck,” Yeley said. “He hit me head-on, wide-open, never lifted. Right there, I don’t know what the f*** he was thinking. We’re running fifth, there’s 10 laps to go. Just threw a dive bomb in there and wrecked me. He’s rookie of the year, but somebody needs to beat the s**t out of him. If they don’t stop me, I’ll be the first one to f****** do it.” (1:17 onwards) – JJ Yeley, Driver
The confrontation with rookie David Gasper served as a reminder of the intense emotions and conflicts that can arise in competitive motorsports, especially when veteran drivers feel that reckless actions on the track have sidelined their efforts. Yeley’s comments underscored the charged atmosphere in the aftermath of high-stakes races.
Career Overview and Future Prospects
Throughout his career, JJ Yeley has participated in 394 Cup Series races, collecting two top-five finishes, nine top-ten results, and a pole position along the way, although a Cup Series victory has remained elusive. He has also led 88 laps in his career with an average finishing position of 31.06, demonstrating endurance amid the competitive landscape of NASCAR’s highest levels. As he prepares to race again in the Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, Yeley is positioned to leverage his extensive experience and aim for a breakthrough.
The upcoming event at Talladega represents more than just another race for Yeley—it stands as an opportunity to redefine his legacy and possibly secure his first Truck Series win. The partnership with Spire Motorsports symbolizes a new chapter for the Phoenix native, and the motorsports community will be watching to see if JJ Yeley’s persistence will finally take him to Victory Lane.
Excited to get another shot! It’s been a few years since having the resources, equipment and organization to get to Victory Lane 🤘 https://t.co/CphzHq8BEQ
— 🇺🇸JJ YELEY🇺🇸 (@jjyeley1) October 7, 2025
