CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Robert Yates left us too early. Too early to see his NASCAR Hall of Fame ring or the blue jacket given to inductees, succumbing to cancer last October after a brave fight against the disease. His presence, though, was felt everywhere Friday night.
With an emotional reading of the acceptance speech he wrote before his passing, Robert Yates’ message of appreciation brought a reverent high point to a stirring Hall of Fame induction Friday at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Fellow Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, one of his star drivers, narrated Yates’ essay over a video montage of his accomplishments, leaving the Crown Ballroom assembly in stone silence. They joined generations of Yates family members in a tearful remembrance of the magnificent life of the master engine builder and team owner, who died at age 74, just months after learning he was selected as the Class of 2018’s top vote-getter.
Doug Yates, his son, had been offered a preview of his father’s speech Friday morning. He chose to wait, saying he wouldn’t be able to stand the bundle of emotion for all those hours leading up to the ceremony.
“To have Dale deliver it, it was just a special, special day,” Doug Yates said. “I can’t wait to go watch it again because, to be honest, my heart was about to jump out of my chest. I was trying not to cry. I need to go watch it again because it was really just something I’m trying to get through and be strong. But I’m really proud.”
Brad Keselowski inducts Robert Yates.
Robert Yates’ enshrinement concluded a vibrant night of recognition for one of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s most eclectic classes, from all walks of the sport, with pioneer Red Byron, Truck Series record-breaker Ron Hornaday Jr., broadcaster extraordinaire Ken Squier and innovator Ray Evernham.
The moment was one of many memorable glimpses in a night of All-Star moments, with the sport’s current standouts intertwined with stock-car racing royalty. Dale Earnhardt Jr. exchanging after-dinner greetings with 92-year-old Glen Wood. The reigning NASCAR champion, Martin Truex Jr., introducing the first in: Byron.
Then there was the emotion. Byron’s grandson, Samual, pumping and raising his first on the stage, nearly 70 years after the World War II veteran captured the Strictly Stock title, the forerunner to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crown.
There was Hornaday, matching that fist pump upon first donning his blue Hall of Fame jacket, then working the room at dinner to greet well-wishers. He completed the ensemble before his speech with a matching NASCAR Hall of Fame hat, getting a final sprucing up of his collar and tie by Kevin Harvick, his former protégé. Once properly primped, his excitement was barely contained by the 40,000-square-foot ballroom.
There was the soothing voice of Squier, a familiar sound broadcast into so many living rooms during a great period of growth for NASCAR. “I hope that you’ll take that message along that this sport is so special, so unique, and so beautiful in so many ways,” Squier said, telling stories until he said he was all out, leaving the crowd longing for more.
There was Evernham, making an eloquent, gracious entry into the NASCAR shrine, making a catalogue of thank-yous to all the people who influenced his career as a driver, mechanic, master crew chief and a team owner. Jeff Gordon, who drove Evernham’s cars to three championships, did the honors of introduction. Next year, the first year that Gordon becomes eligible for induction, Evernham may be able to return the favor.
In the end, there was Yates and the groundswell of support for the popular man who fielded title winners and Daytona 500 champions with his know-how of mechanics and horsepower, but who also preferred to build relationships on handshakes and his word.
Such a shade-tree contract brought Jarrett to Robert Yates Racing, and it did the job until the real thing came along. Friday night, the driver and owner were linked again through a moving final note of appreciation.
The statistics and records Yates established in his career speak to his expertise. His spirit, however, was crystalized by a solemn speech.
“It was just typical my dad,” Yates said. “He’s going to hit on every point and give other people the credit. It was just so well done and I’m so proud of him.”
Editor’s note: NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Inductee Robert Yates died Oct. 2, 2017, following a lengthy battle with liver cancer. Yates wrote his Hall of Fame speech before his passing, and portions of it were played on video during his Jan. 19 induction. The entirety of his speech is below and unedited.
When I started in racing this was not the goal. Now don’t get me wrong, you’re not getting this jacket off my back anytime soon, but what I mean is that 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 included with Ray Evernham, Ron Hornaday Jr., Ken Squier and Red Byron as part of this year’s induction class is a true honor.
So, I want to thank Winston Kelley and his staff at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and members of the voting committee for making this such a special time in my life.
I also 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 for all their support through the years. When you get to know people like Edsel, you realize that you’re always part of the Ford family and that means a lot.
There are a lot of other people I want to thank tonight because this isn’t really about me, it’s about those who pushed me in the right direction and gave me the opportunity to do something I love.
I’ll begin with Jay Kepley. He was my service station manager at Western Carolina Tractor and I was a 24-year-old heavy equipment mechanic. He heard that Holman Moody wanted to interview me for a position, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. Then he told me, “Robert, if you don’t go and interview for that job, I’ll kick your butt.”
So, I went to Holman Moody and met Jack Sullivan, who was Fred Lorenzen’s crew chief and was in charge of the engine shop. He showed me around the shop and told me what I would be doing, so I took the job.
That turned out to be the best education I could ever ask for. I learned about engines and got the experience to work on things like the BOSS 429. 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 to be successful.
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We all know that Junior Johnson is a man of few words. I’ll never forget, we were at Charlotte Motor Speedway one day while I was still at Holman Moody and he looked me straight in the eye and said, “Robert, I’ve got to have you.” So, 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 got the chance to learn what it was like to run a race team in 1976 when I took over as general manager for DiGard Racing. I got to work with Hall of Famers like Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison, and had 10 great years there.
I got out of the sport briefly to work on alternative fuels, but started my own engine shop in the mid-eighties. We were doing pretty good and then one day I got a phone call from Lee Morse at Ford. He said, “Waddell Wilson is leaving to go to Hendrick and Harry Ranier needs somebody. He wants you.” At the same time Rick Hendrick wanted me, so on the way to meet Harry I got a phone call from Gary Nelson, who was working for Rick at the time and knew what was going on. He told me not to make any decision with Harry because Rick wanted to talk with me.
So, I walk into the meeting with Harry and Robert Lundy and they wanted me to come and run their place. They said I could keep the engine shop, but I wanted to think it over. Then they said, “Look, we’re gonna offer you this one time. When you walk out the door it’s over.” So I decided to take the job. Rick, you’ve done all right since then, so I hope you forgive me.
But that decision ultimately led to the opportunity to buy the team two years later, and I’ll never forget the two men who helped me the most during that time.
When Harry told me he was going to have to sell, I spent a lot of time trying to find people who might be interested in buying it. Well, one day Davey Allison and I were sitting on the wall at Charlotte and I said, ‘Davey, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m looking for people to help, but haven’t had any luck.’ And Davey said, “Why don’t you buy it?”
So I had that thought going through my head and then a few days later I was at Richmond talking with Leonard Wood. I told him what was going on and that I wasn’t sure I could do it. He looked at me and said, “You may only get this chance one time. Don’t let it slip away. Do it or else you’ll regret it the rest of your life.” That had a huge effect on me and motivated me to find a way to make the deal, so Leonard, thank you.
I mentioned the Allisons and they 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 the team, 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.”
Davey was top-notch from the get-go. He was a fast learner and he and Bobby were like family. Losing Davey was painful. We shed a lot of tears and didn’t know how we would move on, but we did. There was a lot of uncertainty, but Texaco assured me they would stick with us. They were a great partner and I cherish that relationship to this day.
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One person who played a big role at that time was Larry McReynolds. You need strong leaders in times of adversity and he was that guy for us. We hired Ernie Irvan and became championship contenders. Thank you Larry for all you did and for being the glue that kept us together.
As NASCAR started to move to more multi-car teams, Ford approached me about running the Quality Care car in 1995. The first thing I said is if you run second to Earnhardt, you’ve lost the race. You’ve got to beat Earnhardt. I never liked the idea of two cars. Dale Sr. and I always talked about how until they make 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 good.
We hired Dale Jarrett as the driver and cut the deal at the Raceway Grill outside Darlington Raceway. We shook hands right there and didn’t actually sign a contract for several months. 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.
We continued to win races, after our championship, in our Ford cars but our biggest contribution may have been introducing the Big Brown Truck. UPS joined us as a primary sponsor and they were just great people to work with, so I want to recognize and thank them as well.
After being retired from racing for five years, I was asked by NASCAR to help build the Spec Engine Program and ensure weekly racers have affordable and competitive engines. I put retirement on hold, dusted off my tools and equipment. Thank you NASCAR for partnering with me to make this a successful program and to my Robert Yates Racing Engines team for continuing to share my engine building passion.
I’m extremely blessed to have my assistant, Kristi Jones. She grew up NASCAR racing, has the ability to say NO when I need to hear it and provides legal savvy in all of the businesses. You mean a lot to me and our family.
This sport is nothing without the people in the grandstands, so thank you for your continued passion and support, and thank you for making NASCAR the great sport it is today.
To this point I’ve talked about some of the people who have made a difference in my career, but none of that would have been possible if it wasn’t for the people who made a difference in my life – my family.
I was born right here in Charlotte and was the youngest of nine children.
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 when I got home from school she made me study. That was the first time I studied and made straight A’s. She was a foreign missionary doing home mission work on me, and it worked.
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 person I want to thank is my twin brother, Richard Yates. He’s been a big part of my life and I love him dearly.
My children, Doug and Amy, along with my grandkids – Lane, Christian, Olivia, Sophia, Ethan, Nicholas, Brody & Caroline.
When I was working for Junior I would take Doug to the shop sometimes. 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. I mean, he could sort them out and put them all in the right bin, so right then 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, you’ve earned everything you’ve ever gotten in life, and 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 two years old. She would sit in front of me and laugh and hold the handle bars and say, “Faster dad, faster.” And when I would come home every night for supper, she would crawl on my lap and I had to give her 30 minutes. Once I gave her 30 minutes, she was ready to go to bed. She’s a great mom to her four kids and the sweetest daughter a dad could ever ask for. Amy, you’re my baby doll 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.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The distinguished NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2018 includes a formidable array of eclectic talent: NASCAR’s first champion, arguably the sport’s most innovative crew chief, racing’s most recognizable voice, the Camping World Truck Series’ all-time leading winner and a revered engine-builder-turned car owner.
The first member of the 2018 class inducted on Friday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Red Byron, was a man of many “firsts.” He won NASCAR’s first sanctioned race on the Daytona Beach Road Course in 1948. That same year, he claimed NASCAR’s first season-long championship – in the NASCAR Modified Division.
A year later, Byron won the inaugural championship in NASCAR’s Strictly Stock Division, which later would evolve into the current Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. In his title season, Byron drove for team owner Raymond Parks, a fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame member.
Byron competed for the last time in NASCAR racing in 1951, and though he died in 1960, he left an indelible impression as the sport’s first champion.
As 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. put it during his introduction of Byron, “He set the foundation for the rare few who capture the most coveted prize in motorsports, a championship at NASCAR’s highest level.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr, who is about to embark on a broadcasting career with NBC Sports, introduced the second inductee, Ken Squier, the 1970 co-founder of the Motor Racing Network. It was Squier who called the watershed 1979 Daytona 500 – the race that put NASCAR on the map – for CBS television.
“He made watching a race an introspective portrait of our own journey,” Earnhardt said of the legendary broadcaster. “And tonight, fittingly, the NASCAR Hall of Fame becomes part of his journey.”
In fact, it was also Squier who coined the nickname “Great American Race” for NASCAR’s most prestigious event, a moniker that has endured.
“This is always a thank-you time speech,” Squier said with his usual wry humor. “Some of us are inconceivably lucky to call these folks friends. I think we all call them heroes. And I’m feeling like an odd duck in a fancy flock of geese, let me tell you.”
Kevin Harvick, who spent his formative days in NASCAR racing sleeping on Ron Hornaday Jr.’s couch, introduced his mentor and friend as the third new member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
A competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series since its inception in 1995, Hornaday posted a remarkable record, winning a series-best 51 races and an unparalleled four series championships.
Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series director Wayne Auton provided a touching tribute to Hornaday in his induction speech.
“More than being in a Hall of Fame, you really need to be in a Hall of Fame of people because of the way you care for everybody,” Auton said to Hornaday. “You let people sleep on your couch that you didn’t even know, and look where they’re at today, and now you are in the Hall of Fame.
“Instead of Ron Hornaday, champion, you’re now Ron Hornaday, NASCAR Hall of Famer. And it’s been an honor to get to see all those records you’ve broken, but it’s more of an honor to call you a friend.”
Hornaday exulted in the moment.
“This is for every short track racer that ever had a dream, ever had a heart, ever believed in anything that you can believe in – this is it,” Hornaday said. “Hall of Fame, and what a class I’m in with.”
The induction of three-time champion crew chief Ray Evernham was the proud duty of Evernham’s son Ray J Evernham and four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon.
As a testament to Evernham’s work ethic, Gordon spoke of his first championship and the lackluster final race of that 1995 season.
“We didn’t perform very well,” Gordon said of the finale in Atlanta. “But we did win the championship. And to tell you what kind of person Ray Evernham was, I think he enjoyed that championship for maybe a split second before he started thinking about what was wrong with that race car.
“And he showed up at the shop the next morning, the day after we won that championship, to figure out what was wrong with that race car. And he found it.”
Evernham, who revolutionized the sport’s approach to pit crew performance, credited Gordon with a large part of his Hall of Fame resume. But Gordon wasn’t the only one.
“I think that’s when you look back at your career you realize there’s so many people that helped you, whether they taught you something or gave you a few bucks, a pat on the back or a vote of confidence,” said Evernham, who teamed with Gordon to win 47 Cup races.
The most emotional moment of the evening accompanied the posthumous induction of team owner and engine builder Robert Yates, who, stricken with cancer, wrote a message for the special occasion before his death on Oct. 2.
Dale Jarrett, who claimed the 1999 championship driving for Yates, read and recorded the message Yates left for the NASCAR community to hear. Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the board of directors for Ford Motor Company inducted the champion car owner.
“When I started in racing, this was not the goal,” Yates said through Jarrett. “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 year’s 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.”
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and International Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa France Kennedy accepted the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR on behalf of their uncle, James C. “Jim” France.
Chairman of the Board of ISC, Jim France most recently spearheaded the $400-million Daytona Rising project that transformed Daytona International Speedway into the world’s first motorsports stadium.
“The Landmark Award was designed to recognize people behind the scenes who you may not see often but make a big difference, and that’s exactly what my uncle has done through my whole career,” Brian France said.
“And the most important thing he’s done that I would tell you tonight is make sure our family stays going in one direction helping grow NASCAR in a good, smart way, and I have the utmost respect. So it’s really proud for me and my sister and the rest of his family to recognize my Uncle Jim for the Landmark Award tonight.”
At the NASCAR Hall of Fame dinner that preceded the induction ceremonies, veteran motorsports writer Norma “Dusty” Brandel was honored with the Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence. Brandel, from Glendale, California, was the first female reporter to cover the sport.
Asked if she thought in 1972 that she would ever be the recipient of NASCAR’s most distinguished media award, Brandel said, “No. Never. I think I’m going to cry.”
There are many perks to racing for “The King,” but at the top of the list is driving the iconic No. 43 that Richard Petty drove to a record seven championships.
Darrell Wallace Jr., who is set to compete in his first full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season with Richard Petty Motorsports, showed off his No. 43 STP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for 2018.
An ode to the rich history of the illustrious car number and longtime sponsor, the new paint scheme features the famous red-and-Petty blue colors that will be a sight to see on the racetrack this upcoming season.
STATESVILLE, N.C. — Online lighting retailer 1000Bulbs.com will return to the No. 38 Ford Fusion in 2018, partnering with driver David Ragan for four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races. The Garland, Texas-based company agreed to the multi-race deal after Front Row Motorsports introduced it to the NASCAR landscape in November, when 1000Bulbs.com sponsored Ragan’s team at Phoenix International Raceway.
On the 2018 schedule, 1000Bulbs.com will join the No. 38 team for races at Auto Club Speedway (March), Texas Motor Speedway (April), Dover International Speedway (October) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (November).
The Internet-based lighting retailer offers LED bulbs, commercial fixtures, Christmas lights, lighting controls and other lighting products. Founded in 1996, 1000Bulbs.com has grown from two to 250 employees and today sells nearly a half million dollars a day in light bulbs and fixtures, with founder Kim Pedersen earning the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award along the way.
Ragan visited the 1000Bulbs.com headquarters in November, met company employees and learned about the organization’s marketing initiatives and goals. The driver and race team will now work to connect the retailer with fans and business partners throughout the NASCAR industry.
“Kim and his staff are smart business people, and they know a good opportunity when they see one,” Ragan said. “I’m thrilled that they saw the value of our sport, and working with Front Row Motorsports in particular, when they partnered with us for a race last fall in Phoenix and decided to get more involved this year.”
“We’re excited to continue our journey in NASCAR during 2018,” said Pedersen. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner in Front Row Motorsports, or a better brand ambassador than David Ragan.”
The No. 38 1000Bulbs.com Ford will make its 2018 on-track debut at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on March 18. The Auto Club 400 will air live on FOX.
Barbour Named Crew Chief
Seth Barbour will lead Ragan’s No. 38 team in 2018. Barbour has been named crew chief for the team after serving in the same role for Front Row Motorsports’ No. 34 team in 2017. Barbour and Ragan previously worked together when Barbour was an engineer on Ragan’s No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing team.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Exactly one month from today, the green flag will wave over what is expected to be the youngest DAYTONA 500 field in NASCAR history. And today, NASCAR announced an update to the Sunoco Rookie of the Year points structure in all three national series, placing a brighter spotlight on some of those young stars.
Beginning this season, the Sunoco Rookie of the Year point system will mirror the points structure that awards the season-long championship, including stage points and playoff points, with the eventual Sunoco Rookie of the Year earning the most points throughout the season.
As is the case with the season-long points structure, a race win will earn a Sunoco Rookie 40 points and five playoff points. A second-place finish will earn a Sunoco Rookie 35 points; a third-place finish nets 34 points, and so on. A Sunoco Rookie who wins a stage will earn 10 points and one playoff point.
“The focus on our rising stars has never been stronger and simplifying the Sunoco Rookie of the Year system made perfect sense,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “Our fans track closely the progress of our young drivers and matching the Sunoco Rookie of the Year points structure with the championship points will help them follow this prestigious program and award more closely than ever before.”
The new Sunoco Rookie of the Year guidelines will take effect in all three NASCAR national series – the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
From the moment David Ragan first spent time at a Tampa-area Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2007, the work and sense of community have left an indelible mark and impact on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver.
That impact continues today as Shriners Hospitals for Children will be the primary sponsor for three of Ragan’s races in 2018. Shriners Hospitals for Children served as a primary sponsor for three races of Ragan’s in 2017, one in 2016 and one in 2012.
“When I visited the hospital, I saw the young kids and that their quality of life was being improved greatly by the hospitals,” Ragan told NASCAR.com. “I thought that I could use my platform as a race car driver to help raise some awareness and help educate people on what the hospitals are all about. That’s what I’ve been able to do and have some fun with it over the last 10 years.”
Ragan was even inducted into the Shriners International fraternity in 2012, serves as its NASCAR ambassador, rode on a Rose Bowl float for the organization in 2016 and was involved in negotiating this deal himself.
“David has been a tremendous ambassador for both Shriners Hospitals for Children and Shriners International,” Gary Bergenske, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children, said in a team release. “Our partnership with David and Front Row Motorsports has increased awareness for our health care system and the work we do for our patients.”
Courtesy of Front Row Motorsports
Shriners Hospitals for Children will adorn Ragan’s No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford for the spring race at Dover (May 6) and the summer races at Daytona (July 7) and Bristol (Aug. 18). The 32-year-old father of two said the reason for those particular races is simple.
“We try to put them (the primary sponsored races) in markets that there is a hospital nearby or there is a large presence of members of the Shriners fraternity nearby,” Ragan explained.
“The Dover race — they have a big hospital in Philadelphia. The Daytona race– there is a hospital in Tampa, but there is also the annual Imperial Session — an annual meeting with all the Shriners all around the world will be in Daytona the week after the Fourth of July. Bristol — they have a lot of patients and family for the Greenville, South Carolina, hospital. The tracks are close by to the hospital so we can invite some patients and their families out.”
The at-track visits Ragan hosts provided a sense of normalcy and fun that the Georgia native is more than happy to be a part of.
“Inviting some of the patients out to the race track shows them that they can still come out, have some fun and live a normal life like other young kids their age,” Ragan said.
Sporting the Shriners paint scheme last July at Daytona, Ragan came close to his third Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win. He finished sixth (his best finish of the season) and was on the front row for the final restart of the race on Lap 162.
“That would be really special to win in the Shriners paint scheme,” Ragan revealed. “I feel like when I’m driving that car not only am I representing my team and Ford Motor Company, but I feel like all the patients and the staff and the Shriners all around North America are pulling for me and are kind of riding shotgun.”
Shriners Hospitals for Children have provided life-changing care to more than 1.3 million children over the past 95 years. At 22 locations in North America, the doctors and staff work to transform lives through specialized care to children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and cleft lip and palate. All care and services are provided regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Regarding it as “the ultimate fit,” Danica Patrick announced Thursday that GoDaddy would be sponsoring her cars in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 this year – the “Danica Double” send-off to her historic career competing in big-time auto racing.
Fittingly, Patrick will take her final bow on NASCAR’s and IndyCar’s biggest stages and her most renowned sponsor, “GoDaddy,” will provide the primary funding for her farewell.
“First and foremost, GoDaddy is such an appropriate fit, a great fit,’’ Patrick told the NASCAR Wire Service shortly after her news was released.
“It’s so exciting as we have so much history together but also because I feel like people were starting to wonder what was going on. And there were some points in time where I was a little frustrated too, but it’s nice to be able to announce something.’’
Patrick still hasn’t revealed which teams she will be driving for in either of the races, but did confirm news will be coming shortly about her Daytona 500 plans. Patrick drove for Stewart-Haas Racing all five of her full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series seasons from 2013-1017.
“We are getting close on that stuff and we need to be, right?’’ Patrick said. “We’re on track in the next couple weeks.’’
In the meantime, Patrick, 35, said she’s been overwhelmed by the positive response not only in anticipation of her final two races, but now with the news her car will carry GoDaddy livery.
“It’s absolutely (appropriate),’’ she said. “They have been the biggest brand along with my brands. They have been my biggest sponsor, they’ve done the Super Bowl commercials, the most everything.
“Of course on track, one of those big moments was being on pole for the Daytona 500. That was a really big deal and starting next to Jeff Gordon. That was pretty cool. Even just the announcement of moving from IndyCar to NASCAR was a big deal. They’ve been a huge part of my life, not just my career.’’
Patrick is the only woman to have led laps both in the Daytona 500 (nine) and the Indy 500 (29) – two of the world’s most renowned races. She won the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500 and finished eighth.
She has six top-10s in seven Indy 500 starts with a best of third place in 2009. Both those career highlight races were in GoDaddy livery.
“You could say, ‘we’re getting the band back together,’’’ GoDaddy Chief Marking officer Barb Rechterman said of the company’s alliance with Patrick.
“It makes sense in that our goals are so well-aligned. She’s passionate, tenacious and creative just like so many of our customers who are also looking to leverage the power of the internet and turn their ‘side hustle’ into a full-time business.
“Danica absolutely epitomizes the heart of our GoDaddy customers. We love it.’’
Patrick recently released a book, “Pretty Intense,” launched a clothing line named “Warrior,” and has her own California vineyard, “Somnium” — Latin for the word, “dream.” She has also been named one of TIME Magazine’s “Most Influential People” and her appearance in 13 GoDaddy Super Bowl commercials is most all-time among celebrities.
“It was the first thought in my mind of who would be the most perfect fit so I’m grateful it fits,’’ Patrick said of partnering again with GoDaddy. “It’s really amazing how perfectly aligned the brands are from where we’ve come from, to where we are now, and the whole process in between.
“We’ve always been on the same page brand-wise and evolution-wise.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — By all regards it’s a new generation, crossover all-star pairing for the Ford teams in next Friday’s IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Young NASCAR drivers Cole Custer, 19, Austin Cindric, 19, Chase Briscoe, 23 and Ty Majeski, 23 will pair up to compete in ultra-fast Ford Mustang GT4s for Multimatic Motorsports on the afternoon before the Rolex 24 At Daytona green flag drops.
And while some of those NASCAR stars have a bit of road course experience, the opportunity to run in next weekend’s endurance race on the 3.56-mile Daytona road circuit will be both an eye-opener and an adrenaline rush.
Cindric, who finished third in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series last year, is the only one of the four to have notable time competing in road racing. He finished 14th in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona (GTD) class in the 2016 Rolex 24. And in addition to next Friday’s Continental Tire race, he will again race in the twice-around-the-clock Rolex season opener, this year driving in the Prototype class.
For Custer, Briscoe and Majeski this will be their debut on the 12-turn, 3.56-mile Daytona road course that incorporates both the track’s famous high-banked speedway and its technical, infield course.
Not only will the young drivers benefit from road course experience, but the extra time competing together as they head into a season featuring unique and exciting seat plans in the Xfinity Series. While Custer returns to the series in the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, Cindric, Briscoe and Majeski will share Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 60 Ford under the guidance of two-time series champion crew chief Mike Kelley.
The four-hour sports car race will be a good – and competitive get-to-know-you – opportunity for the Roush teammates to learn about each other and for the brand of racing.
“Definitely something totally different from what I’m used to doing and growing up doing,’’ said Briscoe, last year’s Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year. “It’s cool; I’m glad Ford is letting us do it. It’s been nice to be able to come here and be with people I know like Cole, Austin and Ty.
“I’m excited to come back for the race. It’s cool how many fans come just to watch practice. I’m excited to see what this place is like come race weekend.
“I’ve only run two road course races my entire life so it’s going to be a big challenge. Just trying to figure out where to find some speed at. You feel like you’re getting everything you can out of it and you’re still two seconds off the pace.”
Actually, Briscoe wasn’t too far off the pace at all.
During the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 test two weeks ago, drivers and teams turned three days of laps. Cindric and Briscoe were second fastest in the opening session and Custer and Majeski were third.
In four more sessions, the NASCAR pairings were primarily top 10 on the practice chart. Cindric and Briscoe were consistently top-six among the nearly 40 teams that participated.
“Chase and I were teammates (at Brad Keselowski Racing) in trucks, so we have a pretty good working relationship already,” Cindric said. “So for us to share a car is pretty easy. I do have a bit of a senior role if you will, because I have (road racing) experience, but I think we’ll all be fine. He’s gotten right up to speed and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. I honestly think we have a shot at a podium or win.
“It’s more of a program from Ford for Chase and Ty to get them some road race experience. Cole has a lot of road course experience. It’s a fun program to be a part of and super unique to what any other manufacturer is doing, cross-pollinating their development programs which is kind of a new concept.”
While Custer – last year’s Xfinity Series breakout star and winner of the season finale in Miami – may have some road course experience, his driving partner Majeski does not. At all.
“Turning right is (the biggest adjustment), something I’ve literally done none of my entire life,’’ Majeski said with a laugh. “Just a whole different set of instincts to get speed out of these cars and I’m learning all I can.
“Only my second time ever on road course and (the) multi-class thing is a lot different. Everything seems different, huge new experience. I’m leaning on Scott Maxwell, my teammate, a lot. It’s been a huge learning experience so far, but gone well so far. Looking forward to sinking my teeth in even more.
“It’s just different. ABS brakes, traction control, no spotters, big mirrors, just a whole different world, different experience in general but a lot of fun. You can drive these cars really hard because of all the gadgets on them.”
Not only will Majeski get some tutelage from his co-driver and sports car standout Maxwell, but Custer has also proven himself one of NASCAR’s better road course competitors despite his early experience level.
He has three top-10 finishes in three Camping World Truck Series road course races, including a pole position and runner-up finish in Canada in 2016. His best road course finish in three Xfinity Series races last year was an eighth place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
“Always good to get out there and feel different characteristics of a road course and I’ve learned a lot from Scott Maxwell,’’ Custer said. “Ford had the idea to get us all more experience. It’s a really great thing them helping us.
“I think every driver wants to run these road course races, especially ones that are prestigious like this.’’
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even before answering the first question from a ready group of racing reporters about his induction Friday into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Ray Evernham, 60, insisted on making an important point.
“I want to make it clear to everybody on the (conference) call, I know you thank me for the time, but it’s an honor to be able to sit here and take questions for the Hall of Fame,” Evernham said.
“I can do this all day if you want,’’ he added, with a laugh.
He certainly would have plenty to discuss in his NASCAR Hall of Fame career that began at Bill Davis Racing guiding a young Jeff Gordon before serving as crew chief for three of Gordon’s four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships at Hendrick Motorsports then owning a flagship team himself that led to some of the sport’s great crowning moments.
Under Evernham’s leadership with the famed “Rainbow Warriors” No. 24 Chevrolet team, Gordon rolled to 47 premier series wins in just seven full seasons before Evernham transitioned to a completely new role and fresh challenge: premier series ownership.
Evernham operated and succeeded in similar style, spearheading Dodge Motorsports’ triumphant return to Monster Energy Series racing in 2001. Fellow Hall of Famer Bill Elliott earned Evernham Motorsports its inaugural victory in that 2001 season finale at Miami — the first of 15 total wins for Evernham’s team.
And the veteran Elliott added a dramatic Brickyard 400 trophy for the team the very next year — in one of the most celebrated races in NASCAR.
Young Washington-state bred Kasey Kahne joined the operation to earn Rookie of the Year in 2004 then immediately challenged for the series championship with six wins the following season. Kahne also hoisted all five of the Evernham team’s Xfinity Series race trophies.
It is the definitive modern day NASCAR success story of a two-fold career that produced trophies, championships and, ultimately, Hall of Fame recognition alongside the most important people in the sport’s history.
No question, Evernham’s work with a young Gordon is what put his name in the NASCAR vocabulary.
He is only the third designated “crew chief” to be voted into the Hall of Fame, and the first in five years. And considering he worked with Gordon for a relatively short term — seven years — the huge success they enjoyed is even more remarkable.
Obviously, Gordon’s immense talent had a lot to do with the results, but Evernham proved to be an expert at making it all possible.
“You know, there’s a big difference in what I call ‘coaching’ and ‘managing,'” Evernham said. “I don’t like to be a manager. I don’t like to be a business-type manager where you’re just directing people. But I really enjoyed the coaching, working with people together, solving problems, being part of a team, that kind of environment.
“Whether I should try to think I deserve to be even mentioned in a Lombardi style or not, that’s kind of who I patterned after. Tough on people, drive them hard, but cared about them. You’ve got to be able to have that compassion along with determination.
“That part I enjoyed. I loved working down on the floor with the guys. I loved being at the race track.’’
Evernham still insists that it was a difficult decision to step off the pit box with a certain future Hall of Fame driver in order to develop his own team with Dodge.
But the New Jersey native also conceded it was just in his makeup to pursue and continually challenge himself. The opportunity with Dodge was intriguing and proved Evernham’s abilities on a grander scale. And he certainly delivered on the big stage – again.
“It wasn’t a no-brainer,’’ Evernham explained of his decision to leave the championship Hendrick organization to start his own.
“It was a really, really, really interesting opportunity. It was something that I struggled with because Hendrick was my home. Rick Hendrick has been good to me. I had a lot of my success and things there. It was a tough decision to look at where I really wanted to go, what I thought I could do.
“The emotional connection to Hendrick and to Jeff was very, very tough for me,’’ Evernham said. “But the excitement of being able to take that challenge, just to see if you could do it. … I don’t know, it’s that Evel Knievel in all of us knowing that if I don’t make that jump, I’m going to bust my butt, but I still really want to do it.”
And Evernham landed the jump.
The opportunity to field cars for a former champion in Elliott along with the promise and results of a handful of young drivers — such as Kahne, Casey Atwood, Jeremy Mayfield and Elliott Sadler — made Evernham’s gamble worth it.
And when he decided to walk away from the daily demands of either working as a crew chief or a team owner, Evernham had to feel absolutely proud of his effort — an effort long applauded and now officially recognized as Hall of Fame worthy.
Married to racer Erin Crocker and father to two-year old Cate as well as 26-year old Ray J from his first marriage, Evernham now works as a consultant for Hendrick Motorsports and hosts the popular Velocity network show, “AmeriCarna.”
“When I look at the guys that I’m in there with, it blows me away,’’ Evernham said, anticipating the heralded ceremony Friday night in Charlotte. “I have been for months, struggling to find the right words to describe it, which I still haven’t, and that will be a problem, I guess, Friday night if I don’t get those words completely.
“I can tell you that it really truly just amazes me because I have never held myself in the same light as I hold a lot of those people. When you’re growing up, you’re thinking, ‘Man, if I could only be as smart as that guy, or if I could only ever be as good as that guy.’
“Now going into the Hall of Fame with some of them, ahead of some of the others, it just totally blows me away.’’
