Written by Robert Yates, read by Dale Jarrett
Robert Yates passed away on October 3, 2017 at age 74. However, before he passed, Robert Yates wrote a speech for his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Dale Jarrett, the former driver and NASCAR champion for Robert Yates, read the speech. Here’s the story of Robert Yates. Written by Robert Yates and read by Dale Jarrett.
Watch the video below.
Robert Yates Speech
“When I started in racing, this was not the goal. All I wanted to do, throughout my career, was win races.”
“I would always say, I don’t race for the money. I race to win. For me, that’s what it’s always been about. But, to be part of this years induction class, is a true honor.”
“There are a lot of other people I want to thank. Because, this isn’t really about me. It’s about those who gave me the opportunity to do something I love.”
“I want to thank Bill France Jr. He loaded me up with wisdom through the years. And while some of our conversations were tough, he taught me things about this sport that were invaluable.”
“And Edsel Ford and Ford Motor Company — When you get to know people like Edsel you realize that you’re always part of the Ford family and that means a lot.”
“Working in the Holman Moody engine shop turned out to be the best education I could ever ask for. We worked day and night. But, if it wasn’t for people like Jack Sullivan, John Holman and Ralph Moody I wouldn’t have developed the skills I needed.”
“Junior Johnson is a man of few words. But, I’ll never forget… We were at Charlotte Motor Speedway one day and he looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Robert, “I’ve got to have you.’ We worked out a deal where he basically allowed me to run my own shop and nobody appreciated what I did during that time more than him. So Junior, thank you.”
“I learned what it was like to run a race team in 1976 when I took over as General Manager for Digard Racing. I worked with hall of famers like Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison and had 10 great years there.”
“The Allison’s have been a big part of my life. I won a championship with Bobby in 1983 at Digard and then got to work with Davey who was always so positive. When I bought Harry Ranier Racing, I knew other people wanted to hire him. So we talked about it and he said to me, ‘Robert, I’ll always work for you. You don’t ever have to worry about me.’ ”
“Losing Davey, was painful. We shed a lot of tears and didn’t know how we would move on. But, we did.”
“As NASCAR stated to move to more multi-car teams, Ford approuched me about running the Quality Care car in 1995. I never liked the idea of two cars. Dale Earnhardt Sr and I always talked about how… Until they made two places for cars in victory lane, you only need one. So, I wasn’t fond of running a second team. But, it worked out well.”
Race winner Dale Jarrett in action in his Ford Taurus. (Photo: Ford Performance)
“We hired Dale Jarrett on a handshake deal, done at the Raceway Grill in Darlington. We didn’t sign a contract until several months later. Todd Parrott came on as crew chief and everything just clicked. We won the Daytona 500 in 1996, in our first race together. And then, won the championship in 1999.”
“It was a special time in my life, with a special group of people. So, to you Dale, Todd and everyone who worked at Robert Yates Racing or in our engine shop — You have my deepest appreciation.”
“I’m also extremely blessed to have my assistant, Kristi Jones. She’s meant so much to me and our family. To this point, I’ve talked about some of the people who’ve made a difference in my career. But, none of that would have been possible if it wasn’t for the people that made a difference in my life, my family.”
“My brothers and sisters were all good students. But, I didn’t care about going to school. I was the only kid in my family that didn’t make straight-A’s. That’s when my sister, Martha Brady, stepped in. I moved from Charlotte to Wake Forest and lived with her. She told me what classes I was going to take. And that was the first time I studied and made straight-A’s.”
“My sister, Doris Roberts, talked to me about going to Wilson-Tech and that was the best two years of school I ever had. I loved physics and geometry. So, if it wasn’t for my two sisters, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
“Another people I want to thank, is my twin-brother, Richard Yates. He’s been a big part of my life and I love him dearly.”
“When I was working for Junior Johnson, I would take Doug to the shop. He was still in diapers but the floor was clean. So, I would put him down there and he would sort out nuts and bolts. He could sort them out and put them all in the right bin. I knew he was destined for a career in racing. Little did I know, that would include working side by side with him, for 20 years. Doug, I couldn’t be prouder of the man you are today. I love you.”
“I used to give Amy rides on my dirt bike when she was only 2 years old. She would sit in front of me and laugh. And hold the handlebars and say, ‘Faster dad, faster!’ She’s a great mom to her 4 kids and the sweetest daughter a dad could ever ask for. Amy, your my babydoll and I love you.”
“Doug and Amy have given Carolyn and I eight wonderful grandkids. Your futures are bright and I love each of you dearly.”
“It’s been 51 years since I took a four-day leave from the Army and made the best decision of my life – I married Carolyn. I warned her that if we got married I’d be a mechanic, but she’s been by my side ever since and has supported me every step of the way. I worked all hours of the day and night, but she never called to say, ‘Get home.’ She let me work. She worked, too. She ran our souvenir business, but the most important work she did was raising Doug and Amy.”
“Carolyn, I don’t know where the time has gone, but it seems like yesterday we were in a one-bedroom apartment trying to make ends meet. You’re the light of my life. You’ve always been there for me, particularly this past year your devotion reminded me of our vows “in sickness and in health”, and I love you.”
“Another person who has always been there for me is my creator. I never prayed to win a race, I just prayed for the wisdom to help me make good decisions. He’s always been there and never failed me. He didn’t always give me what I asked for, but He gave me more than I deserved.”
“So, once again, thank you for this great honor. Good night and God Bless.”
Robert Yates – Hall of Fame Speech
Read by: Dale Jarrett
More
Related: Robert Yates tribute car – Roush Fenway Racing
Related: Robert Yates dirt late model tribute car
Related: Roush Yates Engines: Jack Roush tells the story
Related: Robert Yates has died at age 74
