Yates’ lifetime dedication to sport to be honored
CHARLOTTE, N.C. » It took four times on the ballot for Robert Yates to be elected to NASCAR’s Hall of Fame. When he finally received enough votes, the championship-winning car owner and engine builder burst into tears.
“He gave up his life for this sport. That was his choice but that was what it takes to be great at something and he did that,” said Doug Yates, who succeeded his father in their engine business.
Yates was in a grueling fight with liver cancer when he was elected last May following a vote at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. When his name was announced, he was mobbed by supporters thrilled for another tribute for one of NASCAR’s stalwarts.
“It was the most gratifying
RED BYRON
He was NASCAR’s first crowned champion in the Modified Series and Strictly Stock Series, which is now called the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Byron served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific during World War II. He suffered a severe injury to his left leg while flying in a combat mission and later had to wear a specially created steel leg brace while racing. A version of the brace, which had to be attached to the clutch pedal of his race cars, is mounted in one of his cars displayed in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
RON HORNADAY JR.
Four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champ. Also won four times in the Xfinity Series and finished third in 2004. Known for helping young racers make. Many, including future Cup champs Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick, lived on Hornaday’s couch as they chased rides.
moment of his whole career,” Doug Yates said.
Yates died five months later at the age of 74, and his
RAY EVERNHAM
He led Jeff Gordon to three of Gordon’s four titles and changed NASCAR with innovation, a focus on fast pit stops and engineering. Evernham was crew chief of the famed “Rainbow Warriors” when Gordon won 47 races in seven seasons. Evernham then transitioned into a team owner and spearheaded Dodge Motorsports’ return to NASCAR in 2001. Evernham collected 15 wins as a team owner.
KEN SQUIER
The co-founder of the Motor Racing Network and a longtime voice of the sport, First broadcaster to be elected to NASCAR’s Hall. Worked NASCAR’s flag-toflag network TV debut in 1979 Daytona 500. Co-founded MRN in 1969 before moving to TV. Credited with helping develop the sport’s first “in-car camera.”
family will represent him Friday night as he’s posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.