Hall Of Fame NASCAR Owner Robert Yates Dies At 74, Tributes Pour In

Robert Yates, the legendary NASCAR owner who won three Daytona 500s, died at age 74 on Monday after a long battle with liver cancer.

NASCAR Owner Robert Yates Death News

His son Doug announced the news on Twitter:

Yates was informed he would be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in May 2017, months after he was diagnosed with cancer. He will be part of the 2018 Hall of Fame Class. He won the 1999 Cup Series title with fellow hall inductee Dale Jarrett. 

Before turning over Robert Yates racing to his son, Yates won 77 premier series races. He bought Robert Yates Racing in 1988 after it merged with fellow NASCAR legend Richard Petty’s team, Richard Petty Motorsports in 2010. He also built Bobby Allison’s 1983 championship engine.

Yates also received the Bill France Award of Excellence in 2000, as well as the Buddy Shuman Award for Lifetime Achievement in NASCAR in 2007.

“Robert Yates excelled in multiple NASCAR disciplines, earning the respect of an entire industry and an everlasting place in the hearts and minds of the NASCAR fanbase,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France in a statement. “His excellence spanned decades, from the 1983 championship powered by his engines and the 1999 title captured by the cars he owned, both of which helped earn him a deserved spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

“And though he was a master at his craft, it was Robert’s passion and character that endeared him to every single person he encountered and will ensure that his memory will live on for generations. On behalf of my family and all of NASCAR, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a NASCAR giant, whose legacy will impact an entire industry forever.”

Dozens of members of the racing world, including Darrett, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. 

“From the very first day I walked into the Robert Yates Racing shop I learned that Robert knew every aspect and detail of his shop from the broom handle to board room,” Jarrett said after being elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Robert Yates was the smartest person in the racing industry, from being the premier engine builder, to aerodynamics, to chassis knowledge.”

CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 24: (L-R) Robert Yates and Winston Kelley react after Yates is announced to the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day at NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)