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November 1, 2016

Robert Yates diagnosed with liver cancer


RELATED: More about Yates, Hall of Fame nominee


NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Robert Yates is undergoing treatment for liver cancer.

His son Doug Yates, CEO and president of Roush Yates Engines, provided an update on his father’s health in a Monday post from his Twitter account.

Robert Yates, 73, made his mark as a champion engine builder and successful team owner in NASCAR’s premier series. His Robert Yates Racing organization won the Winston Cup championship in 1999 with Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, and added three Daytona 500 victories — two for Jarrett and one with Davey Allison.

Yates-built engines also powered Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and a host of other drivers to multiple race wins. Yates’ legacy continues with Roush Yates Engines powering Ford entries across several NASCAR series.

Yates’ name has been on the list of NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees the last three years. In 2000, he was the recipient of the Bill France Award of Excellence.