J.J. Yeley raced for Hall of Fame Racing in 2008, making 17 starts. (Photo: Getty Images)

Where do you stand with the doctors at this point in your recovery process?

At this point, I’ve had a follow-up with Dr. Coric. They’ve taken X-rays. They are very happy with the alignment and the way everything looks. Right now, I think I have one hurdle left that I have to get over. They want to do another X-ray in December, and at that time, at the rate I’ve been going, they see no problems to clear me to go back to racing.

Obviously, that gives me plenty of time to get ready for the 2010 racing season. For the most part, I’ve got 80 to 85 percent of my original range of motion in my head and neck. I’m able to turn my head fine. I’m just a little slow from looking up

When do you think you will be cleared to get back into a racecar?

I think a lot of that is up to me and how hard I really want to push the envelope. I know that I’ve had a couple of calls and a couple of opportunities to maybe fill-in some rides at the end of the season. I also know that this injury I have – it is very, very serious and pushing it too soon, too fast could either slow down my healing process or obviously put me back into danger. For me, I’ve definitely written off the 2009 season.

Is your plan to be able to run the Chili Bowl in January?

It is my plan. I’ve been spending a lot more time on the phone, talking with different sponsors and scouting out different opportunities. Getting back into NASCAR, it does look like there are some pretty good possibilities for getting back into a Nationwide ride next season.

I have some meetings in the next couple of weeks that could secure the sponsorship and make that all happen. As far as looking forward to the Chili Bowl and some of the bigger races that guys always get a chance to go do, I would probably be healed by then. We will just kind of play it by ear and see how things go as far as the big plans for next year.

Has this accident refueled your passion and desire to get back into NASCAR?

It makes the passion for me even stronger. I had some opportunities coming up that I basically had to abort because of the injury. It’s different when you’re forced not to be able to do something versus not having the opportunity or the chances or passing up on different rides.

Being told that you have to sit idle, that you can’t do something, I guess makes you want it even more. It’s easy to take for granted just the simple things in life when you’re not allowed to do them.

The beauty of it is, I’ve obviously gotten to spend a lot of time with my family and my daughter. In between Kristen (wife) and Faith (daughter), they’ve made this whole process a lot easier on me. But it’s time for me to get back into a racecar and prove myself and get back to doing what I always loved, and that’s trying to win races and go out and do a good job.

How bad were you hurt?

I think it’s something that’s important for everyone to know. As serious as the injury was, it wasn’t a broken neck it and it wasn’t as severe as it could’ve been. Whenever I am cleared, I will be 100 percent ready to go racing. I’ve been doing this for so long, I’m lucky I’ve made it this long before I’ve had any kind of real injury. I just want to educate the people and the fans, let them know that I’m fine and ready to get back to it. I’m just trying to put some of those rumors to rest. Let people know that I’m healthy and hopefully will be ready to go here pretty soon.

Will you have an announcement soon about your plans for 2010?

That’s been the major hurdle. Obviously, the economy has hurt every form of racing there is. We’re getting closer and closer to getting something 100 percent signed. Hopefully, in the next two to three weeks, things will go like they are looking and we’ll be able to make an announcement and let everyone know what’s going on with J.J. Yeley and the future for 2010.