J.J. Yeley teased his 2024 plans last weekend at the Chili Bowl by saying he would not return to Rick Ware Racing in favor of a full-time Xfinity Series ride according to Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut. Those plans have now been confirmed as RWR signed Kaz Grala to a 25-race deal for 2024, but, who will Yeley race for?
Sources have told us that the current “rumor” is Yeley will work with Bobby Dotter, who owns SS Greenlight. This has not been confirmed, so, it remains scuttlebutt for now. However, this move would make sense.
First off, Yeley has a relationship with Dotter and SS Greenlight. That relationship goes back to 2020 when Yeley made his first start for Dotter at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Secondly, Dotter has not had a full-time since Joe Graf Jr. in 2020, so, bringing in a veteran like Yeley could give them a full-time driver. When looking at other Xfinity Series teams that are open, as we discuss below, this team truly makes the most sense from the outside perspective.
Both of these race teams are looking for a driver in 2024. However, both teams continually struggled to qualify for races, and neither team started in every race. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Yeley would go to either of these teams. On top of that, neither team recorded a top-10 in 2023, so, that “occasional top-10” would indeed be a special occasion.
However, Yeley did record MBM Motorsports’ last Xfinity Series top-10 in 2022. The relationship is there, at least for MBM Motorsports. However, these teams do not necessarily fit the bill of an “Occasional top-10” contender.
Both of these teams fit the bill of being “Occasional top-10” contenders. However, both teams have owner-drivers in B.J. McLeod, Joey Gase, and Patrick Emerling. It’s certainly possible that Yeley could fit into a full-time ride, but, each of these drivers would need to step away from the driver’s seat.
McLeod’s Cup Series team sold its’ charter in 2023, so, could he compete in a few Xfinity races in 2024 as a result? Patrick Emerling and Joey Gase both race for their namesake teams in 2023, so, if they return, Yeley cannot run full-time.
Both of these cars are occasional top-10 contenders, and both are two-car teams. The question with both is, do they run an All-Star Car or a full-time driver? JD Motorsports already has Dawson Cram in the 4 car, but, their second car was an All-Star Car in 2024. Sam Hunt Racing lost Kaz Grala, but, all they have announced so far is part-time drivers.
Sam Hunt Racing seems more likely in this scenario. However, this would also force Yeley to switch manufacturers. JD Motorsports has a similar issue, but, manufacturers are not always as big of a deal as it seems.
Will J.J. Yeley to SS Greenlight become a thing? If not, where else can he go?
The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona drew nearly 1.4 million viewers on FS1, beating the 2025 opening race number by 37%, and becoming the most-viewed Truck Series event since 2016.
NASCAR’s secondary series is facing a huge brand change, leaving the title name “Xfinity Series” to become the brand-new O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. What is not changing, however, is its broadcast partner. The CW is headed for its 2nd season with the series, and has been investing heavily in it. Year after year, we put up the rating numbers and rank them accordingly in comparison to the previous season. Here’s how it works:
All Races (1 Total in 2026)
It wouldn’t be Daytona without some weird, wacky, and headline-grabbing fallout. From viral Victory Lane moments to renewed debates about driver approval, NASCAR’s biggest race once again delivered more than just on-track drama. And with Michael Jordan celebrating a Daytona 500 win, the spotlight burned brighter than it has in years.
Jordan’s presence mattered. When the most iconic athlete of a generation shows genuine emotion upon winning the Daytona 500, it reminds the wider sports world that this race still matters. That kind of authentic publicity cannot be manufactured. It resonated far beyond the garage. Meanwhile, the O’Reilly Series race added fuel to another ongoing debate. The massive Decker crash, Cleetus McFarland’s Truck debut incident, and past approval inconsistencies have once again raised tough questions. Consistency, transparency, and accountability are now front and center. Add in Austin Hill’s dominance and Ryan Ellis’ career-best sixth-place run to open the season, and Daytona gave fans plenty to talk about on and off the track.
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