Robert Yates Through the Years

Robert Yates, a name known around the garage for decades sadly lost his battle with cancer Monday.

Many of the sports biggest stars drove for the iconic engine builder and owner, names like Dale Jarrett, Bobby Allison,  Ricky Rudd, and Davey Allison each drove for Yates during their career in Nascar.

In the photo, Ricky Rudd, driver of the No. 88 Snickers Ford, speaks with team owner Robert Yates, prior to practice for the Allstate 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27, 2007, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Travis Lindquist/Getty Images for NASCAR.

 

 

 

1967: The Beginning

 

In the year 1967, Robert Yates joined with Holman-Moody Racing. He started off as the manager in the team’s air gauge departmentHe worked hard building state of the art engines for the Wood Brothers and Junior Johnson. Yates would soon partner up with Junior Johnson.

 

 

 

1976 -1985: Golden Years

From the years 1976 to 1985 Yates became a well-known name in and around the garage. His expertise and determination compelled him to succeed with Ricky Rudd, Darrell Waltrip, and Bobby Allison. Yates also built the engines in which Richard Petty scored his 199th and 200th win in the sport. Later on, Yates would start his own team.

Photo Caption – DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 3, 1986: NASCAR race team owner and engine builder Robert Yates checks the gap on a set of spark plugs destined for driver Bobby Allison’s car prior to qualifying for the 1986 Firecracker 400 at the Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 1986, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

 

1988: The Building of a Dynasty

Robert Yates started his own race team, Robert Yates Racing, in 1988. Davey Allison was Yates first driver and throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Allison would dominate the sport and quickly rose to fame. However, the team and sport were struck with the passing of Davey Allison in 1993 in which hit Yates and his team hard.

 

 

 

1996-1999: Championship Performances

Dale Jarrett opened the 1996 season with a win in Nascar’s most iconic race, the Daytona 500. Jarrett would go on to battle for the championship but came up short. Going into the 1999 season, Jarrett, in his third year with the team, would go on to earn Robert Yates Racing their first championship.

Dale Jarrett on working with Robert Yates:

“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 (the) boardroom. Robert Yates was the smartest person in the racing industry from being the premier engine builder to aerodynamics, to chassis knowledge. He was the every and all of NASCAR racing competition and racing operations. And tremendously respected as such.”

 

2017: Hall of Fame Status

In May of 2017, Robert Yates was given the news that he would indeed be the newest member of the Nascar Hall of Fame. Battling cancer Yates attended the announcements for 2018 class and hearing his name called brought a tremendous joy in the room for a man that has worked so hard finally have his success pay off. While he may not be there in person next January his legacy will live forever in this sport.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

RacingJunk.com and Leaf Racewear Safety Equipment Giveaway

Latest articles

RCR Race Preview: Phoenix Raceway

In 141 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored six victories, led by Kevin Harvick with four wins.

7 Tips To Keep Your Porsche in the Best Condition

The way to ensure that you can enjoy your Porsche for as long as possible is to send it in for a regular service.

Blaney, Logano, Reddick, and Byron battle it out for the 2024 championship title

NASCAR heads to Phoenix Raceway this weekend for the season finale. The four drivers will compete for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship title.

Trackhouse Racing denied Overturn of Martinsville Penalties from Appeals Panel; RCR, 23XI withdraw appeal...

The National Motorsports Press Association upheld Trackhouse Racing's penalties originally levied for violating the Member Code of Conduct section from the NASCAR Rule Book following the team's on-track actions from this past weekend's Playoff event at Martinsville.

Best New Zealand Online Casinos