Brock Yates

Yates, Brock

Wyoming/Fairport: Brock Yates has died October 5, 2016 at the age of 82 after a long and courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease. He was born and raised in Lockport New York, attended college in Geneva and spent most of his adult life living in Castile and the village of Wyoming in Wyoming County New York.

Considered a founding father of automotive journalism, he leaves behind a prolific legacy of columns, books and movies which span decades and embrace his incredible love and respect for all things motorsports.

Coming of age during the birth of NASCAR and Formula one, Brock's childhood and teenage years were heavily influenced by motorsports and after graduating from Hobart College with a degree in History and a 4 year stint as an officer in the Navy, Brock dedicated his adult life and career to journalism.

Nicknamed the Assassin by his peers, Brock spoke truth to power, engendering a bevy of loyal followers, and ardent naysayers through his unparalleled wit and colorful, often biting commentary, raising the level of automotive journalism from a simple recitation of wins and losses into a multi-dimensional look at the sport in context to global themes, politics and personal insight.

Best known for creating The Cannon Ball Run Sea-to Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash in response to the Iran oil embargo, Draconian insurance laws and the institution of a federally mandated 55 mile per hour speed limit. The race achieved cult status amongst enthusiasts leading him to write the popular movie Cannonball Run.

As a writer/ editor for Car and Driver magazine for 40 years, Brock also wrote for The Wall Street Journal, Playboy, The American Spectator, Boating and Vintage Motorsports along with countless other publications. He created One Lap of America, authored 15 books, 2 screenplays and hundreds of columns during his career. He was also a commentator for CBS Sports and had 2 highly successful and acclaimed TV shows.

His legacy is twofold; first as unquestionably one of the most important and fiercely respected automotive writers of his time and secondly, but equally important, his legacy as a husband, father and grandfather is sacrosanct. He is survived by his children Brock Jr., Dan, Claire and Stacy and their respective spouses, Cyndy, Maggie, Bob and Todd. He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren Sarah, Scott and Leda and finally and most importantly, he is survived by his Lady Pamela, his wife, muse, partner, best friend and soul mate whom he thankfully remembered until the very end.

A memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association Brock Yates Tribute Fund at act.alz.org/goto/Cannonball. Local arrangements are being completed by Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, Warsaw. Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.