Cale Yarborough, a NASCAR Hall of Famer who was the sport’s first driver to win three consecutive series championships (1976-78), died on Sunday at the age of 84.
The following is a statement from NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley:
“First and foremost on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to Cale’s beloved wife Betty Jo, daughters Julie, Kelley, and B.J. and his entire family on the passing of Cale Yarborough.
Known universally as one of the fiercest competitors to ever climb behind the wheel of a NASCAR racecar, the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee’s accomplishments rank among our sport’s elite. He was the first to win three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championships capturing the crown from 1976-1978 driving for fellow Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. His five Southern 500 victories at his home track of Darlington Raceway are tied for 1st all-time, four Daytona 500 triumphs ranks second all-time; his 83 Cup series career victories is tied for 6th all-time and his 69 career Cup series poles ranks 4th all-time.
Always a hard charger, Yarborough led more than 31,500 laps in his career and became the first to qualify at an average speed of over 200 mph at Daytona in 1984 the year he captured his fourth win in the Great American Race.
He was also active and accomplished outside the drivers’ seat as a high school and semi-pro football star, Golden Gloves boxer, successful owner of Cale Yarborough Honda for over 30 years and member of the Florence County Council.
The NASCAR industry and our millions of fans have lost one of our grittiest and most successful superstars of all time. Cale’s remarkable legacy and accomplishments in NASCAR will live in our minds, our hearts and the archives of the NASCAR Hall of Fame forever.”
The following is a statement from NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France:
“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen.
His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book.
He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car.
On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough.”
