Robert Yates’ lifetime dedication to NASCAR 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 moment of his whole career,” Doug Yates said.
Yates died five months later at the age of 74, and his family will represent him Friday night as he’s posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame along with Red Byron, Ray Evernham, Ron Hornaday Jr. and Ken Squier.
Yates started as an engine builder who learned from Waddell Wilson and Junior Johnson. He built the powerplants for Bobby Allison’s 1983 Cup championship team, and the engines used when Richard Petty drove to the 199th and 200th victories — his last — of his career. As a team owner, Yates won a championship with Dale Jarrett in 1999. Davey Allison won Yates his first race as a car owner in 1989. Yates won 57 Cup races as an owner, including three Daytona 500 victories with Allison and Jarrett.
“I’d say my dad felt very blessed to be involved in the sport of NASCAR and the time he was involved really lent itself to opportunities,” Doug Yates said.