Conversation: J.J. Yeley

J.J. Yeley's day at the track at Sunday's Samsung 500 was over before it ever began when the No. 6 car of David Ragan spun him on the first lap of the 334-lap race, sending Yeley's No. 18 hard into the wall.

With a car beyond repair, Yeley plummeted to 22nd in the point standings due to a 43rd-place finish.

Something good ahead for J.J.

Count TNT's Bill Weber among those who think it's only a matter of time before J.J. Yeley puts becomes a winner at NASCAR's highest level.

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That said, Yeley is resilient and he's the "home" boy this weekend in Phoenix, driving the new Chevy engine. He's trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle that will bring his team a top-five finish or better yet, a win.

He chatted recently about a variety of topics, from optimism and attitude to bling and burnouts. Oh, and a little about racing, too.

Q: You were taken out on the first lap Sunday in the home state of your sponsor, Interstate Batteries. Thoughts?

Yeley: We got wrecked ... I thought someone actually got into the No. 6 car, but I guess at some point he might realize that the throttle pedal has a hinge on it. Pick it up if you are pushing or loose or whatever it is, but he didn't lift off of it and it wrecked a bunch of racecars. He blamed it on his spotter and said that he said it was clear.

But he hit me in the left-rear corner, so he needs to change the way his seat is mounted because the spotter shouldn't have to tell you that there is a car next to you. I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose, but it was just a stupid move considering we had a long way to go.

Q: How is this season different from last season?

Yeley: We are doing a lot better job as a team, the guys work better as a group ... more adhesive ... more camaraderie.

Looking back at last season, we ran too much of last year in desperation ... throw the Hail Mary, get the touchdown. We were looking at little-picture racing as opposed to big picture. I thought I needed to win the race versus finishing a race.

Q: Phoenix is your home. What's one of the places you'll go to first?

Yeley: In-N-Out Burger or Taste of Mexico on 35th and Northern. (Continued)