J.J. Yeley set to use pro-Israel paint scheme at Miami NASCAR Xfinity race amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict

NASCAR has chosen to remain mum about the ongoing conflict.

J.J. Yeley set to use pro-Israel paint scheme at Miami NASCAR Xfinity race amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict

J.J. Yeley's car with the paint scheme at Miami-homestead (Credits: X)

In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, renowned for racing skills rather than political stances, J.J. Yeley, a part-time NASCAR for Rick Ware Racing and Xfinity Series driver with SS-Green Light Racing, is taking a profound step beyond the track. He’s shown unwavering support for Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, harmonizing his faith with a philanthropic cause. Yeley will feature a special paint scheme in the upcoming Homestead-Miami race.

J.J. Yeley’s collaboration with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has launched the distinctive “Race to Support Israel” initiative. Over the next two weekends of NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series races, The Fellowship will back Yeley’s cars, with the campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing conflict and raising funds to provide crucial resources and bomb shelters for Israeli civilians and emergency responders.

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The No:15 driver’s commitment to this cause stems from his deep-rooted Christian faith, which he describes as a guiding light.

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As a Christian, my faith has always been a guiding light for me… Partnering with The Fellowship to support Israel during these trying times is not just an opportunity but a calling. Together, we are making a difference by providing tangible assistance to those in need.
JJ Yeley said, as reported by Checkerdflag.co

The paint scheme shows the Israel colors and the Star of David on the doors. The livery also displays the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, trending with the hashtag #ActnowforIsrael. Yeley did not secure a spot in Saturday’s Xfinity race at Homestead, where he drove the #4 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports, sponsored by The Fellowship. However, he will take to the grid for the Cup event on Sunday, driving the #15 Ford for Rick Ware Racing.

NASCAR’s silence follows its 2012 support pledge for the exact cause

NASCAR’s involvement in this endeavor is noteworthy. In 2012, the sport publicly supported Israel, reflecting the strong economic ties between the U.S. and Israel, particularly during the Israel-Palestine conflict. NASCAR’s policy of permitting teams and drivers to promote causes on their cars, as long as they adhere to specific guidelines, adds depth to this narrative. Yeley’s “Race to Support Israel” initiative aligns perfectly with these regulations, emphasizing its philanthropic and cultural nature rather than a political one.

NASCAR's first and only Israeli racer so far, Alon Day
NASCAR’s first and only Israeli racer so far, Alon Day (Credits: Times of Israel)

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war is a complex and controversial situation that has persisted for almost eight decades. A surprise attack by Hamas on civilians and hostage takings triggered the recent escalation. In response, Israel launched retaliatory strikes into Gaza, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis and ongoing debates about war crimes and civilian casualties.

However, during the ongoing conflict, unlike some American sporting bodies, NASCAR itself did not release an official statement on the war, leaving it to individual teams and drivers to express their opinions. This approach is consistent with NASCAR’s stance on allowing its participants to bring awareness to various causes through their car liveries, subject to approval.