J.J. Yeley to contest four Sprint Cup races for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2013
J.J. Yeley will return to Tommy Baldwin Racing for four NASCAR Sprint Cup superspeedway events in 2013, with Golden Corral confirmed as title sponsor for the No. 36 Chevrolet SS.
J.J. Yeley will drive the No. 36 Chevrolet SS for Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during the 2013 season, with the team confirming Golden Corral as primary sponsor for the superspeedway events. This marks a continuation of Yeley’s relationship with TBR, following three appearances for the team in the previous year.
Yeley’s Return to Tommy Baldwin Racing
Yeley, who previously made three Sprint Cup starts for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2012 at Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Dover, will increase his involvement with the team this year. The four races he will contest in 2013 are all set for superspeedways, though the specific rounds have not yet been announced. These venues are traditionally among the most high-profile and unpredictable on the NASCAR calendar, often providing opportunities for smaller teams to achieve standout results.
Golden Corral Sponsorship and Promotion
Golden Corral will again serve as the main sponsor for Yeley’s No. 36 Chevrolet SS at the superspeedway events. The restaurant chain is extending its relationship with TBR into another season, maintaining a focus on the large oval tracks. For 2013, Golden Corral is reviving its race-linked promotion, now branded as 'J.J.’s Mondays': if Yeley finishes in the top 10 in a sponsored race, children eat free at Golden Corral restaurants the following Monday. The promotion is designed to engage fans and add extra excitement to the team’s superspeedway efforts.
Yeley’s Experience Across Motorsports
J.J. Yeley brings a wealth of experience to the No. 36 car. His career includes starts in all three of NASCAR’s national series: Cup, Xfinity (formerly Nationwide), and Truck. Beyond NASCAR, Yeley has competed in the ARCA Racing Series, IndyCar, and the IROC series. He has also participated in Tony Stewart’s annual Prelude to the Dream charity event, where he finished second in 2011. This diverse background gives TBR a seasoned driver capable of handling the unique challenges of superspeedway racing.
Superspeedway Focus and Race Selection
The four specific races that Yeley will enter have not yet been named by the team. However, with the superspeedway designation, the likely candidates are the two events each at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. These tracks are known for their high speeds, large packs, and frequent lead changes, making them some of the most unpredictable venues on the schedule. For teams like Tommy Baldwin Racing, superspeedways offer a chance to compete on a more level playing field with NASCAR’s larger outfits, thanks to the drafting and strategy elements that can shake up the running order.
Team and Sponsor Outlook for 2013
Tommy Baldwin Racing’s partnership with Golden Corral continues into its third year, with the sponsor specifically targeting superspeedway rounds. The team’s strategy is to maximise exposure and results at these events, where underdog teams can sometimes challenge for strong finishes. Yeley’s presence gives TBR an experienced hand for these high-profile races, and the Golden Corral tie-in ensures the No. 36 Chevrolet SS will have full backing for the selected outings. The rest of the team’s 2013 driver line-up and sponsorship arrangements for non-superspeedway events remain to be announced, leaving open questions about TBR’s approach to the full season.
Summary of Key Details
- J.J. Yeley to drive four Sprint Cup races for TBR in 2013
- All races will take place at superspeedways, likely Daytona and Talladega
- Golden Corral returns as primary sponsor for the No. 36 Chevrolet SS
- 'J.J.’s Mondays' promotion offers free kids’ meals after top-10 finishes
- Yeley brings experience from NASCAR, ARCA, IndyCar, and IROC
- Exact race dates and additional team plans still to be confirmed
