Being one of the best-known names throughout the entire NASCAR industry, this living legend got the surprise of a lifetime during a recent visit with Danica Patrick and her team.
Ahead of the forthcoming NASCAR Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Patrick and her team from Stewart-Haas Racing began a live Facebook video session in which they made a big announcement to honor NASCAR legend, Robert Yates, in a truly remarkable way!
Yates, who is known worldwide for his unmatched expertise and skill in building NASCAR racing engines, was diagnosed with liver cancer and began treatment back in November 2016. The 73-year-old racing icon was scheduled to have surgery in March of this year to help greatly increase his odds of survival during his battle.
In an unexpected turn of events, Patrick and her SHR team unveiled a brand new paint scheme that honors Yates and his former NASCAR Cup Series team when Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett was driving for Robert Yates Racing. Even though he doesn’t run a Cup Series team anymore, Yates and SHR have a very special bond as his engine-building company spearheaded SHR’s move to Ford engines for the 2017 season.
“The throwback race at Darlington is such a cool event,” Patrick said with the utmost pride. “I’m excited to run a true throwback scheme (and) that we’re able to honor Robert Yates and all he’s done for our sport.”
Beyond just having a throwback paint scheme that surely brought memories flooding back for Yates, his name will also appear above the drivers side door – replacing Patrick’s name for the event.
“Getting to see this scheme run again will bring back many great memories,” Yates said, reminiscing. “I can’t thank everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing enough for honoring me and everyone that was on the team during those years.”
We are so happy to see Yates being honored in such a memorable way and are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers as he works to beat this disease.
Watch the full unveiling and announcement with Danica Patrick and Robert Yates in the video below.