JJ Yeley

JJ Yeley, born Christopher Beltram Hernandez Yeley, is a professional American stock car racing driver. He competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 55 Ford Mustang for MBM Motorsports. Yeley’s career in motorsports is marked by his versatility and achievements across various racing disciplines, including sprint car and midget car racing. Before transitioning to stock car racing, he captured notable successes in the USAC racing series, becoming one of only seven drivers to win the USAC Triple Crown, achieving this feat in 2003. Yeley’s transition to NASCAR began in the early 2000s, where he has since competed in over 300 races across NASCAR’s top three series.

PERSONAL LIFE 

JJ Yeley, born Christopher Beltram Hernandez Yeley on October 5, 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona, is not only recognized for his dynamic career in motorsports but also for his grounded personal life. In 2004, he married Kristen Yeley, and together they have a daughter, Faith Anne, further enriching Yeley’s life beyond the racetrack. 

His familial connections run deep, with a poignant nod to his racing roots coming from his father, “Cactus” Jack Yeley, who has evidently played a significant role in JJ’s racing career and life. This influence is showcased in details such as Yeley’s first vehicle, a 1980 Chevy pickup truck. In a personal touch, this truck was painted Corvette yellow by his father, symbolizing a shared passion and a personal heirloom of sorts, indicative of the close-knit relationship between father and son.

JJ Yeley’s life away from the professional limelight reflects his deep connections to family and his roots in Arizona, underscoring a balanced life where personal relationships harmonize with professional commitments.

CAREER AND EARLY SUCCESS 

JJ Yeley’s motorsports career spans nearly two decades, marked by substantial participation across NASCAR’s three major series. Since making his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2004 at the Pop Secret 500 in California, Yeley has competed in 379 races over 19 years, showcasing his enduring presence in the sport. His tenure in the Cup Series has seen him achieve a top career finish of 21st place in 2007, illustrating his competitive spirit. As of 2024, Yeley races the No. 44 car for NY Racing Team, reflecting his ongoing commitment to NASCAR’s premier level.

Parallel to his Cup Series efforts, Yeley has had a prolific NASCAR Xfinity Series career. Here, he has taken part in 388 races over 19 years, demonstrating his consistency and adaptability. He races primarily for SS-Green Light Racing and Joey Gase Motorsports, having achieved his best finish of 5th place in 2006. His record in this series includes 48 top-ten finishes and three poles, emphasizing his competitiveness in NASCAR’s secondary tier.

Yeley also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he participated in 36 races across 11 years. His involvement in this series might not mirror the extensive records of his other endeavors, yet it adds to the broad canvas of his racing career. His best finish in the Truck Series came in 2009, positioning him as a versatile driver capable of handling different types of stock cars.

Outside of NASCAR, Yeley’s roots in racing trace back to his achievements in USAC, where he not only competed but excelled by winning the prestigious Triple Crown in 2003. This achievement placed him in an elite group of drivers and helped pave the way for his transition to NASCAR.

NET WORTH

JJ Yeley, with a reported net worth of $1.4 million, has carved a niche for himself in the competitive world of NASCAR. His financial status reflects a career that has been both extensive and varied, showcasing his talent across different racing series. Yeley’s journey through NASCAR’s tiers, alongside appearances in prestigious events like the IROC series, has solidified his position in motorsports.

In 2004, Yeley inked a pivotal deal with Joe Gibbs Racing, a significant milestone that saw him participate in 17 of the 34 races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series that year, securing four top-10 finishes. His involvement also extended to the Cup Series, where he raced in two events driving the No. 11 car, laying the groundwork for his future in NASCAR’s top echelon.

Sponsorships play a crucial role in motorsports, and Yeley has been backed by several notable sponsors, including DriveSmartWarranty.com and PODS Moving and Storage. These partnerships not only provide financial backing but also enhance his visibility and marketability within the sport.