Cale Yarborough, one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, is reportedly ailing.
John Dodson, a longtime insider in the NASCAR community, tweeted the news Saturday night.
“The toughest race car driver I ever worked for is not doing well. Please keep Cale Yarborough in your prayers. The Yarbrough family has asked for no phone calls or visits for now. Praying for Cale and the family.”
The 84-year-old Yarborough, a native of South Carolina, raced in NASCAR’s top series from 1957 to 1985, winning 83 races, tied for sixth all time. He won three series titles in 1976, 1977, and 1978. After his retirement, he owned a NASCAR team for many years. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.
Yarborough was revered for his legendary toughness, and one moment in particular stands out. In the 1979 Daytona 500, Yarborough and Donnie Allison crashed on the final lap while battling for the lead. As their wrecked cars came to a stop the two drivers got out and started brawling, with Donnie’s brother Bobby parking his car moments later to join the fight. That brawl is widely credited with helping elevate NASCAR interest to a new level.
The racing world and sports fans checked in on Twitter to send best wishes to Yarborough and his family.
Damn, this is sad news. Cale Yarborough was the first guy I pulled for when I became a NASCAR fan. Like Cale, that #28 Hardees car was a mean machine. Prayers to Cale, and his family.
https://t.co/DzmXIAwZo9 — Family Man (Dave) (@TeamKFBfan8) April 9, 2023
— L P (@LP18723) April 9, 2023
sending prayers to Cale
— Jake Faust (@civilwarbuff20) April 9, 2023
Ahh he was my first favorite driver. Even had the car and trailer and truck from Hardee’s. Will pray
— JRF9PSU (@JRF9PSU) April 9, 2023
Top 10 all time
— Chris Wolfe (@ChrisWolfie14) April 9, 2023