His son revealed the diagnosis on social media earlier today along with the news that he would begin treatment today as well.
Known worldwide for his unmatched expertise and skill in building NASCAR racing engines, he was also well-known as the owner of a successful racing team – one that took home the Sprint Cup Series Championship in 1999 with Dale Jarrett at the wheel.
Robert Yates’ racing crew also consisted of famed driver Davey Allison – who was Yates’ first driver when he purchased the team in 1988.
Today, however, the world received some very saddening news about Robert Yates.
Taking to Twitter, Yates’ son, Doug Yates revealed that his father had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer, but also to let fans and friends know that he would be starting treatment today and the prayers they’d been receiving were welcomed with love and gratitude.
My dad @robertyates28 was diagnosed w liver cancer, treatment starts today. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers!
— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) October 31, 2016
Today, Robert Yates is still running one of the most successful NASCAR engine-building companies in the industry and just earlier this year was at the forefront of Stewart-Haas’ move to Ford engines for the 2017 season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yates family.
Watch the video below about the inception of Yates’ iconic engine-building partnership.