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Dale Earnhardt Jr. honors 'legend' Cale Yarborough

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•12/31/23•

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Cale Yarborough
© Billy Easley / The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC

NASCAR lost a legend when Cale Yarborough passed away on December 31st. Following that death, there was an outpouring of grief from around the NASCAR world.

One of the people who shared some thoughts on his passing was Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“Sad news about the passing of Cale today,” Dale Earnhard Jr. posted. “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.”

Along with the memories and well wishes that Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted, he also made sure to include two pictures of himself alongside Cade Yarborough.

Cale Yarborough is a native of Timmonsville, South Carolina, and is remembered as one of the best drivers in NASCAR history. In a career that spanned more than three decades, he won 83 times in the Cup Series. That’s tied for sixth all-time with Jimmie Johnson.

From 1976-78, he won three consecutive Cup Series championships. He was the first driver to ever do that and it has only been done since then by Johnson. On top of that, he has the second most wins at the Daytona 500, with four wins in 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984. Only Richard Petty has more.

“Richard Petty and The Petty Family extend their deepest condolences to the family of Cale Yarborough,” Petty said in a statement. “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.”

Cale Yarborough was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994.

NASCAR exec Jim France mourns passing of Cale Yarborough

Shortly after news of Cale Yarborough’s death broke, NASCAR exec Jim France released a statement mourning his passing.

“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen,” France said.

“His combination of talent, grit 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 he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough.”