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Robert Yates
1943 - 2017
Robert Yates
1943 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2017
Robert Yates Obituary
Yates had liver cancer and son Doug Yates announced the death Monday night on Twitter.
"He was a leader and inspired everyone around him to do their best and to take it to a new level," Doug Yates said in a post by Roush Yates Engines. Roush Yates also posted to its social media accounts that Yates died "surrounded by his family and loved ones."
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Robert Yates Racing won 57 races and 48 poles. Yates was a noted engine builder who helped guide Bobby Allison to the 1983 Cup title, with Daytona 500 victories for Davey Allison in 1992 and Jarrett in 1996 and 2000.
"First and foremost an engine guy, Robert will be remembered as a person who helped build the sport with dedication and hard work," said Edsel B. Ford II, a board member of Ford Motor Co. "His legacy at NASCAR will be defined by his roles as an engine builder, championship team owner, co-founder of Roush Yates Engines and ultimately by the innovation that he brought to all of these endeavors and more.
"Much like my great-grandfather, Henry Ford, Robert was a tinkerer. They both leave behind a legion of admirers and friends who benefited from their mentorship and their passion."
Yates' son took over Roush Yates Engines, which powered Kurt Busch to the Daytona 500 victory in February. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also drove Yates engines to victories at Talladega and Daytona this year.
Tony Stewart, who moved from Stewart-Haas Racing to Ford and Yates engines this season, said the sport "lost one of the most inventive minds and kindest personalities." The team honored Yates with a throwback paint scheme on Danica Patrick's car at Darlington.
"I'm glad I got to know him and proud our race team was able to honor him this year at Darlington," Stewart said. "He leaves a strong legacy that is carried on by his son, Doug, and all of their employees at Roush Yates Engines."
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
100 Entries
James R Turner Sr. thru the 5th
July 27, 2025
Loved him for building tough and fast Ford engines for so long. RIP Sr See you soon.
Ella Malin
April 21, 2024
I got a Robert Yates signed Texaco work shirt . He was very kind when I met him Davey Allison signed at Charlotte after he won the race .
David Hodges
January 19, 2018
Robert Yates you will be missed my friend. Yourself and Davey are the reason I got into NASCAR . After losing Davey and now you I really have zero interest in NASCAR any longer. Go rest high on that mountain now along with Davey. RIP
Larry Placido
October 16, 2017
My condolences to the Yates Family and friends on Robert's passing. Indeed, bigger than life, a throwback to the early years of NASCAR. Rest In Peace Sir.
How you can show support
October 15, 2017
Robert...rest in peace. Thank you for everything you did for Bobby and Davey Allison. You will be missed. Deb Stednitz Bellevue, Ne
Kelley and Teresa Layton
October 15, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and thousands of friends. GOD BLESS Y'ALL.
Butch Baker
October 15, 2017
Carolyn, I was very sorry to hear of Robert's passing.
Butch Baker
October 15, 2017
Carolyn, I was very sorry to hear about Robert's passing.
Mr. Bradley f. Pepin
October 13, 2017
NASCAR and the racing world lost a legend this week. My prayers & condolences go to the family & dearest friends.
(God needs no reason to call his children home!)
R.I.P. Robert, you've made the final lap, and you came home a winner..
Keith Green
October 13, 2017
What true inspiration
October 8, 2017
RIP Robert I always Have and always will respect You for everything you did and Have done for Nascar!!!! I have been a Fan since I was a Child Thank You for all the Great Times!!! Thank You Dwayne
Cabbie
October 8, 2017
You will be missed. Thanks for the great times and memories. Prayers and thoughts are with your family at We will always love you
Anne Daugherty
October 8, 2017
May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with the Yates family
Gary Clem
October 8, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers to Robert's family. Thanks for all the memories. You were a true champion.
October 8, 2017
To all the friend's and family of Robert yates,we would like to extend our prayers and thought's to everyone during this time. He was a special person that help change the sport of NASCAR for the better. He will forever be one of the most legendary team owner's and engine builder's of all time. May God bless you and thank you for the awesome memories you gave us each week. Todd Gilbert Inman,sc
SHERRY ANDERSON
October 8, 2017
MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MY CONDOLENCES to ROBERT. YATES FAMILY.
SHERRY ANDERSON
October 8, 2017
MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MY CONDOLENCES to ROBERT. YATES FAMILY.
Tony Greer
October 8, 2017
Thanks for so many memories Robert, your kindness inspired so many in racing. I will never forget the Day we met in Texas and you made a special day for a little girl. Setting up a meet and greet with Jeff Gordon and giving us VIP tickets for a whole race. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Yates Family in this Sad time. Praying for all of you!
Carlotta
October 8, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Yates family and friends at this difficult time.
Debbie Severn
October 7, 2017
Dear Mr. Yates your work with my chosen driver Dale Jarett made me a nascar fan! I own 4 different jackets. A real hometown car owner and driver. Thanks the ride was great!
Cheryl Huerta
October 7, 2017
Sending loving light and healing energy to the family. Condolences to all. His memory will live on in every lap of every NASCAR race. He will always be a part of stock car racing to me as Dale Jarrett was my first favorite driver in 1999 and Yates Racing was the team to beat every week. He's a legend.
Pam and Marlene Solomon/White
October 7, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Yates family. Got to know Robert and Doug when Kenny Irwin raced for them. Thank you for giving him the chance to get started in Nascar. Robert will be missed and Nascar has lost a great Engine builder and of course a great person.
Daniel Coy
October 7, 2017
Robert Yates was one of the best engine builders I have ever seen also a out standing car owners I was a Davy Allison fan and also a Dale Jarrett fan going to miss him very much.
David Williamson
October 7, 2017
Met him once at his shop while doing some work there. He said hello and asked what I was there for. I explained what I was doing then we chatted a little while and then he left. Very nice guy. Nascar lost a great man.
gene king
October 7, 2017
i love to watch your team with davey aillson race
October 7, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
LAMAR
October 6, 2017
My condolences goes out to the Yates family.May you gain comfort from the God of all comfort during this very difficult time.
Velma & Fred Randall
October 6, 2017
Robert Yates was not only a wonderful man but also a great engine builder with Narcar. We loved keeping up with him and the outstanding drivers that drove for him. We will miss you being around the tracks
God blessed you with a special life!
You will always be missed and truly loved!
Robert Gray
October 6, 2017
A solid figure in Nascar,plus he was a Ford man
Sad loss
Dennis and Pam Rorie
October 6, 2017
Our thought and prayers to Carolyn and the family. Robert was always a gentleman.
Edwin Massingale
October 6, 2017
Who know any of late Robert Yates's relative should contact me asap via [email protected]
October 6, 2017
May your fond memories of good times and joy bring happiness to your family and friends. My condolences.
philip steelman
October 6, 2017
the community lost a really good man . when my dad, frank steelman,jr., had cancer back in 1996,i was going to take him to ryr one day. larry Wallace at Holman & moody called Robert and gave him my phone #. Robert actually took the time out of his busy schedule to call me and let me know what day they would be dynoing some engines but sadly we never made it before my dad passed.that always impressed me about the kind of person Robert was. thoughts & prayers to his family.
Stephen and Deborah Townsend
October 5, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and all the Yates family. Robert was a very special man and a true Gentleman! May you for find comfort in your precious memories of him and knowing that God promises us you will see him again!
Lisa Corbine
October 5, 2017
Didn't know him but have watched nascar for over 30 yrs. He is,with Dale Earn hardt Sr having fun and hopefully knowing that true nascar is so missed.
October 5, 2017
I met Robert at Barrett Jackson in 2008 He was the BEST Mike Cook
Sherri Luettke
October 5, 2017
RIP Robert. You will be missed. Prayers to your family and friends. #28Forever.
David Crowe
October 5, 2017
Robert Yates gone ? What a blow to Ford and NASCAR and me. Robert had some great drivers and great engines in his time. He was a genius. My condolences to his family. We've lost a great man that will surely be missed by all NASCAR fans. Rest in peace.
floyd mccoy
October 5, 2017
i have been a wood brothers fan for a long time and a Robert yates fan also. I will always remember Robert yates horsepower
Ralph Faulk
October 5, 2017
Will miss you, brother! From the fun times at your parent's house to that famous Sunday morning when "borrowed" your Dad's New Pontiac, those were the days. Glad to be associated with you and Richard through the family name. Rest in peace, Robert! Ralph Yates Faulk
Roy & Kattie Drum
October 5, 2017
Prayers go out too all of the members of the Yates family. You have lost a wonderful man! Roberts family was his life, the love he had for his Wife, Daughter and Son. His grandchildren always put a big smile on his face. He is at piece now and will never suffer again. May God see you thru this time, and draw the love you have for each other to get you thru.
Lee Schwartz
October 5, 2017
My Condolences to the entire Yates family. Working with Robert allowed me to see what a truly great person he was from the inside. His wonderful generosity, work ethics, He was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone. A true legend I have always looked up to and admired. Robert set the standards everyone else tries to achieve. The inspiration he gave so many people will carry on forever. I will miss this true legend and remember the times spent together.
Rest in peace my friend
October 5, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
Gerald Krueger
October 5, 2017
From the first minute I met Robert while working with him on the K&N series engine program, I realized he was an exceptionally great man. Those days working with him, sharing a meal or sharing racing stories will be something I will always cherish.
Richard Dempsey
October 5, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire Yates Family. I had The honor to work with Robert over the years while working for NASCAR and Robert left a little bit of him self with everyone that has ever meet him or worked with him!! God Speed My Friend!
Melinda K
October 4, 2017
We are such big fans of him & his son! He fought the good fight & finished the race. May God bless him & his family & all who personally knew him & all of us fans. Godspeed Mr. Robert Yates!
October 4, 2017
IVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIG ROBERT YATES FAN.I ALWAYS PULLED FOR THE ALLISONS.ROBERT PLAYED A BIG PART IN THEIR CAREERS.HE WAS MY FAVORITE ENGINE BUILDER.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND THE YATES FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS MARK AND DARLEEN HEAD (GRAY GA)
October 4, 2017
I first had to opportunity to meet Mr Yates many years ago what a wonderful man we talked and he made me feel like he knew me for years Mr Yates will be missed and to. The family my heart felt condolences to all of you
Boyce Howie
October 4, 2017
I had the privilege of knowing Robert since childhood when our family were members of Allen Street Baptist Church where his dad was pastor. He was always a gentle, honest, honorable person throughout his life. I thank God that I knew this wonderful man, husband and father. God bless the family through this time of grief.
Kevin Manahan
October 4, 2017
I was a fan of you and DJ before he retired. May you rest in peace and your family find comfort at this time.
October 4, 2017
May you rest in peace
October 4, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ms Carolyn Yates, Doug & Amy. May God provide true comfort and strength during this most challenging time. Mr Yates was truly a genius. Robert was an amazing and compassionate Husband, father & grandfather. He will be truly missed by everyone. With Love & Prayers ~ A Caring Neighbor
Deb Williams
October 4, 2017
Robert was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed.
Emily Yeatts
October 4, 2017
My sympathies to his family
LONG TIME FAN
October 4, 2017
Our hearts and prayers go out to the whole Yates family Robert was what Nascar is all about he left us with great memories.
Allison Maddox
October 4, 2017
We are all just visitors on this Earth. The lives we touch we leave behind, remember us in the way we touched them. Robert was truly a man worthy of praise, and may all who knew him, and of him, remember him with admiration.
J W
October 4, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Boyce Butler
October 4, 2017
Carolyn and family, I am so sorry for you loss. may God lift you up during this most difficult times.
Bland and Brenda Aaron
October 4, 2017
Carolyn and Family, You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Robert. He was a great man, humanitarian, and Christian, and will be sorely missed by many. Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."
Anne Griffin
October 4, 2017
To Carolyn and family, Ronnie and I send our deepest sympathy to each one of you... We will hold you up in love and prayers during this trying time in your lives... May Robert Rest In Peace...
Danny Culler
October 4, 2017
To Carolyn, Doug, and the Yates family. Robert was one of the best person's and friend's I had the honor of knowing . We will all miss him dearly. I feel very lucky that I got to know him and travel with him on several occasions. He was a great man and I am very proud to have been his friend. God Bless. Danny Culler Winston Salem, NC
Ellen Goff
October 4, 2017
To Carolyn and the Yates Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you in your loss of Robert. There's no doubt that he was courageous throughout his illness, and had a strength of spirit that helped those who cared for him. I wish you peace and comfort in the knowledge that Robert lives on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
Harry and I shared so many happy times with you and Robert during the CitiFinancial sponsorship and beyond. Your kindness and generosity are among my fondest memories. Harry passed last December. I'm confident he was among the many welcoming Robert into heaven ... and showing him where the bar was.
My heart and prayers are with you.
October 4, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cheryl Landin
October 4, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with you.
Sheila Rowland Willis
October 4, 2017
The best friend a FORD ever had......
Leonard Helms
October 4, 2017
May God be with you in these trying times.What a great man. God is starting his on race team.
October 4, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
alabama fans
October 4, 2017
the yates family may prayers and blessings be with yal he is a great guy at the track and off the track
October 3, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
T.W. Day
October 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Robert Yates. His spirit will live on in the lives of those touched by his dedication to the sport of auto racing and engineering.
John Collins
October 3, 2017
An amazing man from an amazing family! His father was my family's preacher when my father was a child in Kannapolis, my father wanted me to pass along his condolences to the family.
Jana Holliday
October 3, 2017
R.I.P. Robert Yates
Jana Holliday
October 3, 2017
Sorry to hear the passing of Robert gone but never forgotten loved watching him when Davey Allison drove the 28 Havoline Ford.. ...my thoughts and prayers with everyone...another Angel added to the NASCAR people in heaven..
Christian
October 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Betty-NC
October 3, 2017
Offering condolences for your loss (Psalms 9:9).
Debbie Jackson
October 3, 2017
To the Yates Family and Employees;
Robert Yates was someone we all looked up to and admired. He was so approachable, humble, and truly cared about everyone. He was fair and honest. He was all things good - period.
One of my best memories of Robert, was seeing him at the Hickory, NC trade show, CARS, a few years back. Even though it was a very small show, he was there to show his support for this industry and all who exhibited or attended, signing autographs. You could tell he was really enjoying himself because of the grass roots attendance.
Robert was a true gentleman, who held everything that was dear to him in great reverence. He will be severely missed by all who knew him.
Roger Gregory
October 3, 2017
Robert Yates was as great of a man as I ever had the privilege to know. Sorry to hear about his passing but he is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray for the family in the days ahead as I know it will be hard to move on without a husband and a dad. My and sympathy and love to Carolyn and Doug.❤
October 3, 2017
CAROLYN, DOUG AND AMY,
Robert Yates Racing Family,
May God bless Robert and the Yates' family and give you the strength necessary to sustain the standards Robert established in life in this time of need and sorrow.
I met Robert as I came with the Texaco/Havoline package, and stayed with he and the team for the duration. Robert and I were friends and business associates. Most importantly friends. Lesson learned: keep in contact with your old friends while you can because now all I can do is express condolences to the family.
My wife and I will keep Robert and
family in our prayers.
God Bless you all.
Ken and Cathy Shaffer
Gwendy Bilger
October 3, 2017
God bless you! Davey is no longer alone!
May God bless your family.
Go Robert
David Vaseleniuck
October 3, 2017
Robert was a great friend and an Icon in the Nascar arena. He worked very hard to fulfill his engine building dreams. He was one of the very best. They better be ready to win a lot of races with Robert and the greats upstairs.
Dicken Wear
October 3, 2017
We will miss our Friend and Pioneer Robert Yates. I'm Happy knowing that he is now sitting around talking with all the Greatest Racing Engineers and Drivers ever to be on earth, now Bench Racing in Heaven. God Bless you Buddy, RIP.
Cathi Jones
October 3, 2017
Race in peace Mr. Yates.
Mike and Debra Bumgarner
October 3, 2017
Robert will be missed by all.Any one who had the pleasure of meeting him has a hard heart at this time.His presence touched you in all ways of life.He will be missed but to know he want be suffering anymore. Let him be in Lords hands and be at peace.
Big Jim Landreau
October 3, 2017
You will be missed dearly by all NASCAR fans. Gentlemen start your engines. One more time for Robert Gates.
Big Jim
Suzy Aubrey
October 3, 2017
Rest in Peace Robert. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Brandon
October 3, 2017
To the Yates family, I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to share some comforting scriptures. Hosea 13:14. Take care.
Adrian Barnette
October 3, 2017
We'll miss you !
Parris Warwick
October 3, 2017
Robert and brother Richard were my classmates and friends in school and were the nicest guys you ever wanted to know. It was a pleasure to have known them.
Judith Warren
October 3, 2017
to the Family of Mr Yeast he was the best man ever thank toy for sharing him with us RIP SIR
Janie Bryan
October 3, 2017
Carolyn and Family
Robert was one of the BEST. He was very dear to our family in many ways. I pray that God will supply you with all the strength that you will need for the weeks and months ahead. Robert touched many lives and left an impact on all that he touched, especially my son.
October 3, 2017
What an honorable, hard working man. A true example of sportsmanship for all to follow. May God bless the family and friends with peace and comfort. Rest easy Mr. Yates. Thank you for years of wonderful memories.
Elsie Mercer Stephenson
October 3, 2017
May Robert Rest In Peace!!!!so sorry for the family's loss. Met Robert in the sixties and He was a good guy then and always has been!!! May the Lord give you all peace and assurance that He is with our Lord and Savior!!!! And we will see him again
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