Cale Yarborough is survived by his wife, Betty Jo, and their three kids, Julie, Kelley, and B.J.
One of NASCAR’s top drivers of all time passed away on Sunday at the age of 84.
Cale Yarborough is a legendary figure in the world of NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). Born on March 27, 1939, in Timmonsville, South Carolina, Yarborough had a remarkable career as a race car driver.
Throughout his NASCAR career, Cale Yarborough achieved numerous accomplishments, making him one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
He won the NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship three consecutive times from 1976 to 1978, becoming the first driver to achieve this feat.
In addition to his championships, Yarborough also won the prestigious Daytona 500 race four times, capturing victory in 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984.
Cale Yarborough Kids: Daughters BJ, Julie, And Kelley Yarborough
Cale Yarborough leaves behind his wife, Betty Jo, and their daughters, Julie, Kelley, and B.J.
In the initial stages of his career, Yarborough encountered challenges securing competitive racing opportunities.
To support himself and his wife, Betty Jo, whom he married at the age of 22, he took on various jobs, including logging and turkey farming.
He tied the knot with Betty Jo in 1961, and they cherished a marital bond that lasted over five decades.
Despite confronting numerous hardships early in his life and career, Yarborough consistently demonstrated resilience and determination.
His ability to overcome adversity paved the way for his ascent to achieve significant milestones in the world of NASCAR.
Currently, there is limited information available about his wife, Betty Jo, and their daughters.
Dead At 84
NASCAR icon Cale Yarborough passed away at age 84, as confirmed by a statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France, shared on social media.
France’s statement emphasized Yarborough’s unparalleled toughness, describing him as one of the most formidable competitors in NASCAR history.
He remarked,
“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen. 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.”
Concerns about Yarborough’s health had been circulating since April when John Dodson, Vice President of Business Alliances and NASCAR at Universal Technical Institute, had shared his thoughts and prayers for the Yarborough family.
Born William Caleb Yarborough in Sardis, South Carolina, on March 27, 1939, he hailed from a tobacco farming family.
Yarborough embarked on his NASCAR journey in 1957 at the Southern 500 and concluded his illustrious career over three decades later at Atlanta in 1988.
