J.J. Yeley 2006 Preview

The #18 Joe Gibbs Chevy will have a new face for the 2006 season as J.J. Yeley makes the transition from the Busch Series to Cup. The past two seasons have been rough for the #18 team, something they were not accustom to in the past under driver Bobby Labonte. J. J. Yeley hopes that he can breath new life into the team and show that he was the right man for the job in 2006.

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Sponsor: Interstate Batteries Crew Chief: Steve Addington

2005 Stats (Busch Series):

0 Wins
0 Poles
4 Top Fives
12 Top Tens
11th in Final Standings

I just do not see J.J. Yeley taking the #18 car anywhere near the top ten this year. Yeley had a few good runs in the Busch series but for the most part was not in contention in that series at any part of his two years, so him being competitive at the cup level in his first year should be tough. Yes...he is with a good team but so was Bobby Labonte, who might I add was a former champ and he struggled. I foresee another struggling year for the #18 team....Yeley might run good and be able to qualify high at a few tracks but for the most part they will struggle in 2006.