As the NASCAR Cup Series Richmond withdrawal affects the upcoming Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, NY Racing Team has decided not to enter their No. 44 Chevrolet. This decision impacts the field just days before Saturday’s race, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on August 16. The team, which had planned its 11th start of the season with driver J.J. Yeley behind the wheel, ultimately chose to sit out this event.
Team entries shaping the Richmond lineup
Originally, the race was expected to feature three part-time non-chartered cars, but only two opened the entry list. Richard Childress Racing is preparing a third car, the No. 33 Chevrolet, for Jesse Love, while 23XI Racing will field a fourth car, the No. 67 Toyota, driven by Corey Heim. These teams already operate several part-time cars throughout the season.
Recent performance and strategic decisions influencing the withdrawal
J.J. Yeley finished 38th in last weekend’s race at Watkins Glen International, driving the No. 44 car for NY Racing Team. That result marked his worst finish of the year and the lowest since an earlier 38th place DNF at Darlington Raceway in April. With that outcome and the team’s usual week-to-week operational approach, the decision to withdraw from Richmond appears to prioritize resources and future plans.
Open car entries absent from Richmond race
The departure of NY Racing Team’s No. 44 car means none of the four part-time open cars that competed at Watkins Glen will take part in the Richmond event. Aside from NY Racing Team, the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford driven by Josh Bilicki, the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Katherine Legge, and the No. 87 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet withdrawn after Connor Zilisch‘s post-Xfinity Series fall are all missing from the lineup.
Outlook for NY Racing Team’s remaining season participation
Though NY Racing Team has no further confirmed starts until the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Yeley’s home track, the team is expected to compete in selected races leading up to the finale. This cautious and flexible posture reflects the team’s ongoing effort to manage participation according to resources and performance opportunities.
Broadcast information for fans
Fans can watch the Cook Out 400 live on USA Network from Richmond Raceway starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 16. The event promises exciting short-track racing under the lights for NASCAR enthusiasts.
“Yeley drove the No. 44 car in this past weekend’s race at Watkins Glen International and finished in 38th place. In a race that did not produce any DNFs, that 38th place result was Yeley’s worst finish of the year and worst result since his 38th place DNF at Darlington Raceway from back in April.” —Source