The Low Tier – Texas

JJ Yeley – At Kansas, I think JJ Yeley is the top “Low Tier” driver, but he’s likely mid-twenties good at best. This year at high-speed intermediates, Yeley has results of 16th (Charlotte), 23rd (Kansas #1), 33rd (Las Vegas #1) and 34th (Kansas #2). At Texas, Yeley hasn’t competed since fall 2020 and in that race he crashed and finished last. In his two Texas starts prior to that, Yeley had results of 24th and 26th.

Todd Gilliland – At Texas, Todd Gilliland will be driving the Rick Ware #51. Piloting his typical #38 will be Zane Smith this weekend. This is a step down in terms of competitive equipment, and Gilliland didn’t have much upside to begin with. Gilliland is fresh off a 25th at Kansas and for the season at high-speed 1.5’s, Gilliland has a 28.3 average finish and the 31st best Total Speed Ranking. Last year at Texas in his only Cup start, Todd Gilliland finished 28th, had a 23.7 average running position and had the 30th best Total Speed Ranking. On Sunday, I would view Gilliland as a high-twenties driver.

BJ McLeod – At Texas, the #78 will be the least competitive car on the track. In 2023 in terms of Total Speed Rankings at high-speed 1.5’s, McLeod ranks as the slowest for the year. This year at the two high-speed 1.5’s he competed at, McLeod has results of 29th (Charlotte) and 32nd (Las Vegas). Last fall at Texas when the attrition rate was off the charts, McLeod finished 26th.

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