Cale Yarborough

Date of Birth: March 27, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

William Caleb “Cale” Yarborough is a retired American NASCAR driver and businessman, best known for his remarkable achievements in auto racing. Born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, Yarborough’s career spanned over three decades, during which he became one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures. He was the first driver in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships (1976-1978), a record that stood unmatched for many years. Yarborough’s aggressive driving style and competitive spirit earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors. After retiring from full-time racing, he transitioned into team ownership and various business ventures. His contributions to the sport have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.

5 Interesting Facts about Cale Yarborough

1. Cale Yarborough won the Daytona 500 four times in his career (1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984).

2. He was the first driver to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, in 1968.

3. Yarborough made a cameo appearance in the 1983 movie “Stroker Ace” alongside Burt Reynolds.

4. He is one of only two drivers to have won the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500.

5. Cale Yarborough was known for his short temper and famously got into a fistfight with Donnie and Bobby Allison at the 1979 Daytona 500, which was televised nationally and credited with boosting NASCAR’s popularity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cale Yarborough

1. “I don’t think anybody could have driven any harder than I did. I drove to win.”

2. “The only way to make a driver go faster is to make him mad.”

3. “I never counted how many races I won. I only counted championships.”

4. “Racing is a passion. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life.”

5. “I always gave it everything I had, every time I got behind the wheel.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Cale Yarborough is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Cale Yarborough and his wife, Betty Jo Thigpen, have three daughters: Julie, Kelley, and B.J. The family has maintained a relatively private life away from the public eye.