Cale Yarborough, a legendary NASCAR driver who passed away last New Year’s Eve at the age of 84, will be honored at the Southern 500 this weekend. Yarborough, who had a special connection to Darlington Raceway, won a record five Southern 500 races at the track known as “Too Tough To Tame.” His impressive career will be celebrated at the event that he cherished the most.
Yarborough’s impact on NASCAR is undeniable, with 83 victories to his name, tying him for sixth place on the all-time wins list alongside Jimmie Johnson. His legacy includes three consecutive Cup Series championships, a feat that had never been achieved before. This weekend, his 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass, which he drove to his third championship, will be on display at Darlington Raceway.
The iconic race car was discovered in Oklahoma and will be showcased at the track’s Fan Fest area. Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, who never won the Southern 500 but has three victories at Darlington, will drive the car before Sunday night’s race. Yarborough’s daughter, Julie, expressed her excitement at seeing her father’s car back on the track.
In addition, NBC will pay tribute to Yarborough’s remarkable career, and the car will later be exhibited at Darlington’s Stock Car Museum. Yarborough’s dedication to racing and his tough demeanor both on and off the track have left a lasting impact on the sport. His ability to separate racing from personal matters was evident when he could be seen joking with competitors after intense on-track battles.
Jeff Hammond, a former crew chief who worked with Yarborough, recalls the driver’s commitment to success and his passion for racing. Yarborough’s legacy continues to inspire current drivers like Bubba Wallace, who appreciates the stories passed down from racing pioneers like Richard Petty and Dale Inman. The evolution of NASCAR over the years is a testament to the foundation laid by trailblazers like Cale Yarborough.
