Full Throttle

It was a lock some said. A “done deal.” I even read it was a “virtual certainty” J.J. Yeley would be at the wheel of the Yates Ford in 2008. Or the Woods Bros. Ford.

Or the Starship Enterprise.

Not to be says the brand spanking new Hall of Fame Racing owner Jeff Moorad. “J.J. Yeley’s determination to succeed reminds me of many of the championship athletes that I have been around in my career.

“He is hungry and determined to win races and championships, and to do it with class. We look forward to J.J. being an integral part of Hall of Fame Racing and to winning with him going forward.”

Going forward means through the 2010 season, the length of Yeley’s ink-still-wet contract.

So, does that mean Tony Raines takes Yeley’s place on the “best available free agent” driver list? Somehow I doubt it.

IN OTHER NEWS: I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tell ya! (in a Captain Renault sense) Shocked Tony Eury Jr. will follow Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s to Hendrick Motorsports and become his crew chief.

CRASH HOUSE UPDATE: Brad Keselowski has been cleared by Dr. Jerry Petty for NASCAR competition and will drive the JR Motorsports #88 Navy Chevrolet in Friday