In a heartfelt tribute to NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough, Dale Jarrett got behind the wheel of Yarborough's historic No. 11 Oldsmobile at Darlington Raceway. Before the Southern 500, this tribute brought fans and family together to honor the legacy of the late Yarborough, whose indelible impact on the sport continues to inspire new drivers.
The ceremony took place before the Southern 500, a major event closely linked to Yarborough's illustrious career. Dale Jarrett, himself a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and now an analyst for NBC Sports, drove the field at the head of Yarborough's car, an iconic car from 1978.
NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Cale Yarborough has a resume few in the sport can match, with 83 Cup Series victories, tied with Jimmie Johnson for sixth place in all-time wins.
His remarkable career includes winning five Southern 500 races and four Daytona 500 titles. Incredibly, Yarborough was the first driver to win three consecutive Cup Series championships from 1976 to 1978 – a feat only later matched by Jimmie Johnson, who extended the record with five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010.
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Jarrett drove the No. 11 Oldsmobile around Darlington Raceway wearing the helmet that Yarborough wore in his winning Southern 500 in 1978.
The tribute also included the unveiling of the No. 11 Oldsmobile at the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum, an event attended by former championship crew chief Jeff Hammond and members of Yarborough's family.
“If we couldn't put on a show and get into Victory Lane, you felt like you had let him down,” the police chief said. “He wanted to come here and go home and see Betty Jo and his family with a big smile on their faces because he had done his job here and that was the victory.”
He added: “Back then, racers like Cale didn't harbor grudges like we might see today.”
Darlington Raceway has special significance as its garage bears Cale Yarborough's name, commemorating his dominance and dedication to the track where he won five Southern 500s. Jarrett's ceremonial lap wearing the vintage helmet was a tribute that likely resonated with fans at the track.
“It will be very special to see Dad’s car back on the track,” Yarborough’s daughter Julie said before the event.
Bubba Wallace also added his thoughts:
“It's really special to hear and see how much the sport has evolved and changed,” he said. “From the scheduling to the fans and everything else, it's definitely nice to take a trip down memory lane.”
