The 2024 Bluegreen vacation duels very much lived up to its billing. But there were a fair few drivers who were left heartbroken after failing to qualify. However, for J. J. Yeley, it was a particularly bitter blow. Battling out with the seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, the veteran driver saw his dreams evaporate at the final turn of the Duel 1 qualifying race.

Johnson was the favorite going into the qualifiers, while Yeley had a long rope to climb against some fast cars. However, a crash for Johnson saw Yeley back in contention, and the tussle between the two went down the wire. Despite him leading Johnson in the final lap, it was the NASCAR Hall of Famer who turned the tides in his favor at the final turn, securing his spot for Sunday’s race. It was so close yet so far for Yeley and NY Racing, in particular for the veteran driver who has been carrying a hoodoo with him since his 2021 qualifying.

J.J. Yeley still looking for his first Daytona 500 feature in almost a decade

Yeley was announced as the driver for NY Racing’s No. 44 car just 24 hours before the start of the qualifying session on Wednesday. For the team, this was their first attempt in the Cup series after two years. However, Yeley grabbed the opportunity and gave the star drivers a run for their money, but eventually was left disappointed in not making the 66th edition of the Daytona 500.

Speaking in the post-race interview, he expressed, “It was definitely tough, especially for these (NY Racing) guys. I mean, I got the call Monday night to come drive a race car. Obviously, disappointed, 100 Coconuts on this car, guys at Patriot Mobile continue to support me, and like I said, I was worried about being able to keep up in the draft, let alone be in position to the checkered to lock in. This one hurts just as much as it did two years ago to be within a lap and get knocked out.”

He even went on to add what ultimately cost him his spot for the Daytona 500. “I knew I would have lost momentum so we went forward, which I thought was the quickest logical move. Johnson went to the middle, the No.19 pushed him and I just didn’t have enough friends coming to the checkers.”

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As far as LMC’s co-owner is concerned, it was a heart-in-his-mouth moment while making the final dash to secure his seat for the Daytona 500.

Jimmie Johnson is counting his lucky stars after the Duel 1 qualifying

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This position was an unfamiliar one for the Hall of Famer. Having announced a nine-year race plan for the 2024 season, he very much could have missed out on the Daytona 500 opener. Thanks to help from his teammate Erik Jones and a final push in the last laps, he edged out JJ Yeley to secure his spot on the grid for Sunday’s race.

Explaining the anxious moment during the dying stages of Duel 1, Johnson said, “I’m like, I’m not going to make it, not going to make the Daytona 500. I’m going to have to call all our partners. I’m going to have to stand in the suite during the 500 and shake hands, not drive a car. This is running through my mind as I’m catching him. I have to figure out a way. An almost-wreck happens, leave it on the floor, hope for the best. Just went the other direction than J.J.’s car, and it worked out.”

With the duels and the qualifying rounds dusted, all eyes will now be on the main event for Sunday’s Daytona 500 race.

Read More: Tyler Reddick Clinches Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 Title; Jimmie Johnson Steals Daytona 500 Spot