Cale
Cale Yarborough in 1972. (NASCAR Photo)
NASCAR Cup Series

The Impact Of Cale Yarborough On NASCAR

December 31, 2023

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Cale Yarborough passed away on Dec. 31 at the age of 84.

Yarborough stamped his mark on the sport in a multitude of ways.

The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion won 83 Cup Series races, which is tied with seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson for sixth on the all-time wins list. He won four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s during his three decades of action in the Cup Series.

Amid the news on Sunday, many personalities within the sport shared their thoughts on Yarborough’s impact on the sport of stock car racing.

Two-time Daytona 500 winner and NBC Sports Analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted Yarborough’s personality that helped the sport grow. 

“Sad news about the passing of Cale today. A legend behind the wheel for sure, but he had a personality, grit, and swagger that attracted fans around the world to him and to NASCAR. He truly made the sport far better for being a part of it. My heart goes out to his family,” Earnhardt wrote on X. 

Johnson, who looked up to Yarborough growing up, penned the stock car legend as “the man” in his post on X.

“Cale Yarborough was my childhood hero. What an honor to be tied with the legend for 83 Cup Series wins. He was ‘the man’ and the legacy of Cale Yarborough will forever live on. My deepest condolences to Cale’s family.”

Reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney spoke about Yarborough and former Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran, who died on Dec. 29. 

“Tough news the past couple mornings, my thoughts are with the families of Gil de Ferran and Cale Yarborough. Two of the greatest racers to ever compete who were looked up to by so many. They will never be forgotten and their legends will live on forever. 

Seven-time Cup Series champion Richard Petty and the Petty family posted a statement on X. Petty competed with Yarborough for three decades. 

“His rivalry and competitive spirit with The King will always be a renowned part of NASCAR history, showcasing their mutual respect and the intensity of their competition on the track. Our thoughts are with the Yarborough family during this difficult time.”