Wood Brothers Racing team co-owner Eddie Wood said Saturday that for the near future, Bill Elliott will remain behind the wheel of the team’s No. 21 Ford Nextel Cup car and that his son, Jon Wood, will finish out the season in its Craftsman Truck Series entry. Elliott has driven for the team since it fell out of the top 35 in Nextel Cup owner points because his past champion’s provisional starting position have meant the team was assured of making races. He has gotten the team back to 35th in owner points, the final guaranteed spot in the field, but Eddie Wood said until the team is higher up in points, Elliott will be behind the wheel.
With the rumors of Kyle Busch signing with Joe Gibbs Racing to drive the No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet, it has left many wonder about the future of J.J. Yeley. Yeley’s agent, Kyle Chapman, said there is currently no signed deal between his client and Wood Brothers/JTG Racing, and that Yeley is in discussion with a number of teams about possible rides for next season. But sources with knowledge of the situation say Yeley will indeed be out of the No. 18 next season, and behind the wheel of the No. 21 Ford.
Bill Elliott and Wood Brothers/JTG Racing will be the benefactors of the Dale Earnhardt Inc. merger with Ginn Racing. When the two teams merged on Wednesday, the organization opted to eliminate the No. 13 entry, which was 34th in the owner standings and, therefore, had a guaranteed starting position in the race. When that team fails to attempt to qualify this weekend, the No. 21 will make the field for the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Bill Elliott’s reasons for wanting to help Wood Brothers/JTG Racing turn around its Nascar Nextel Cup Series program involve more than simply helping out good friends. It’s likely, Elliott said Saturday at Dover International Speedway, that this year’s part time season will be his last.
Bill Elliott and the Wood Brothers racing team are giving long-time Ford fans something to celebrate next week in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Elliott has agreed to come out of his semi-retirement to drive the Wood’s famous No. 21 Ford. Elliott, who had his greatest racing success driving a No. 9 Ford, will be back behind the blue oval logo for the first time since he drove his own No. 94 in 2000.