Three-time NASCAR champion Cale Yarborough dies

Just one day after learning of the sudden death of French-Brazilian Indycar and F1 legend Gil de Ferran at the age of 56, American motorsport is rocked again as another of its legends passes away in three-time NASCAR champion Cale Yarborough. NASCAR confirmed the news in a statement in which it reported the loss of the former driver from South Carolina at the age of 84. Yarborough was one of the best drivers ever, winning three consecutive Cup Series titles in the 70s.

With his championships from 1976 to 78, only seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson surpassed his streak of consecutive crowns with five (from 2006 to 2010) and, curiously, both have the same number of career victories at 83. “Cale was my hero of childhood. What an honor to be tied with the legend with 83 wins. He was ‘the man’ and his legacy will live forever,” Johnson wrote on his social networks about Yarborough, who accumulated four wins in the legendary Daytona 500 and five in the Southern 500 among his greatest achievements.

Jim France, president and CEO of the championship, describes Cale as “one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen”.

“His combination of talent, courage and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book. He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Rest in peace.