NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough, the first driver to win three consecutive series championships, has died. He was 84 years old.
His 83 total Cup wins are tied for sixth on the all-time list with Jimmie Johnson.
Yarborough’s record of three consecutive championships (1976-78) was a record that was thought to remain unbroken until Johnson won five consecutive championships from 2006-10.
Yarborough won the Southern 500 five times and the Daytona 500 four times. His total number of wins at Daytona ranks second behind Richard Petty’s seven wins at the same race.
Yarborough contributed to a pivotal moment in NASCAR as one of the drivers involved in the final lap and battle of the 1979 Daytona 500.
Yarborough was battling for the lead with Donnie Allison on the final lap, but they bounced off each other on the backstretch and crashed at the third corner. Petty passed to win the race.
After the race, Yarborough had a fight with Donnie and Bobby Allison.After the race, he stopped by the accident scene to check on his younger brother.
NASCAR CEO Jim France said: “Kale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen. His combination of talent, grit and determination set Cale apart from his peers in both track and record. .
“He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike, and was just as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the French family and NASCAR, We extend our deepest condolences to Cale Yarborough’s family and friends.”
Other NASCAR participants also shared their thoughts on social media:
Sad news today that Cale passed away. While he was certainly a legend behind the wheel, he had the personality, grit and dignity that drew fans from all over the world to him and to Nascar. He really made the sport better by being a part of it. My condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/D8lFkCF8HL
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 31, 2023
Cale Yarborough was my childhood hero. What an honor to join the legend with 83 Cup Series wins. He was “The Man” and Cale Yarborough’s legacy will live on forever. My heartfelt condolences to Cale’s family. pic.twitter.com/xcikdl2pu6
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) December 31, 2023
With the tough news of the past few mornings, our thoughts are with the families of Gilles de Ferran and Cale Yarborough. Two of the greatest racers of all time, respected by many. They will never be forgotten and their legend will live on forever.
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) December 31, 2023
My heart is sad today. Kale was a part of many of my childhood memories. I watched him race with his dad and all the greats and was happy to race with him. Cale was a wonderful person. I will always remember him fighting for victory. My prayers go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/Iv0JOe6CS1
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) December 31, 2023
Cale Yarborough, thank you for all you do for NASCAR. He is one of the greatest drivers and has been my favorite driver since childhood. He was everything I wanted to be as a driver. He could win on any course and was just tough.rest in peace pic.twitter.com/sxPgopUJ90
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) December 31, 2023
of @NASCAR Hall The team sends our deepest condolences to Betty Jo, Julie, Kelly, and BJ on the passing of 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Cale Yarborough. One of the most fierce and elite athletes in our sport. He will live forever in our hearts, minds and NHOF archives. RIP #eternal legend pic.twitter.com/dpBrHusZDR
— Winston Kelley (@WinstonKelley) December 31, 2023
I met Cale Yarborough when I was seven years old. He was larger than life! Imagine being able to race and befriend one of your hero’s boyfriends. I will forever cherish knowing Cale. Truly a legend! Prayers to Cale’s family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oCB5n5N37C
— Phil Parsons (@philparsons98) December 31, 2023