If you look at the box scores for NASCAR Xfinity Series practice on Friday, you’ll probably wonder why JJ Yeley was driving the No. 08 SS Green Light Racing car instead of Gray Gaulding.
It wasn’t the choice of the team, rather it was a potential allergic reaction that has sidelined Gaulding for the day.
On his way to Kansas Speedway, Gaulding’s flight — which was a Stewart-Haas Racing plane — had to make an emergency landing after what was considered a possible allergic reaction. SHR has confirmed that the plane did make an unscheduled stop and that emergency personnel did indeed enter the plane.
While Gaulding received medical attention in St. Louis, the SHR plane continued on to Kansas.
After arriving in the infield on Friday, Gaulding headed to the infield care center to get checked out to see if he would be approved by NASCAR’s medical team to drive for the day. Unfortunately, Gaulding was not cleared.
He will be retested on Saturday, if he cannot drive in the Kansas Lottery 300, Yeley should be the man behind the wheel of the No. 08 again.
Gaulding has a top-five finish and four top-10s driving for Bobby Dotter’s organization in 2019. Through 29 races, Gaulding sits 13th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings.
