Ford has enjoyed a tremendous relationship with NASCAR for decades to this point, and has provided cars for a number of the sport’s most iconic drivers and teams that have competed in the series over that time span, too. That list includes Cale Yarborough, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who made a name for himself in the circuit thanks to hits tenacious, hard-charging driving style. Sadly, however, Cale Yarborough passed away at the age of 84 this past weekend, leaving another void in the world of stock car racing that will certainly be tough to fill.
We are saddened by the loss of Cale Yarborough, a true racer whose competitive spirit was felt by all through his relentless drive and unwavering commitment to excellence. He set the standard for generations of racers and inspired fans at every turn. His impact on the sport will… pic.twitter.com/SvXAQupxdP
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) December 31, 2023
After falling in love with stock car racing at a young age, Yarborough made his professional driving debut in 1957 at the Southern 500, where he finished near the back of the pack. However, in the years to come, he would rack up a number of notable wins – including four at the Daytona 500 and five at the Southern 500 – and he is also one of only two drivers in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships. Now, years after he hung up his helmet for good, Yarborough is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the sixth-most wins by any driver in the NASCAR Cup Series with 83 victories to his name.
During a highly successful career that spanned multiple decades, Yarborough enjoyed a close relationship with Ford that began in 1963, which The Blue Oval celebrated with a special Cale Yarborough Special Edition Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II back in 1969. He was later inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France. “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.”
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Sad days. Another LEGEND has left us.