Cale Yarborough

Willam Caleb “Cale” Yarborough was an American NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver and owner, businessman, farmer, and rancher. Having a special model of the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II named after him, Yarborough is the first driver in NASCAR's history to win consecutively three championships. The Hall of Famer has won the Daytona 500 four times in 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984.

​

Cale Yarborough's Early Life

Born on March 27, 1939, in Timmonsville, South Carolina, Cale Yarborough first saw the Southern 500 without a ticket. As a teenager, he made his first attempt to drive in the Southern 500 but was caught and disqualified by NASCAR. His debut as a driver came in 1957 at the Southern 500, driving the No. 30 Pontiac for Bob Weatherly. He started 44th and finished 42nd after experiencing hub problems.

Cale Yarborough’s Personal Life

Cale Yarborough was born to parents Julian and Annie Yarborough. Cale was the oldest of the three sons. He got married to Betty Jo Thigpen in 1961 and they had three daughters - Kelley Yarborough, B.J Yarborough, and Julie Yarborough. Other than being a sensational driver, Cale Yarborough also became the first Republican elected to the Florence County Council since Reconstruction. He campaigned for his longtime friend, Jimmy Carter, during the 1976 United States presidential elections.

Cale Yarborough’s Family Background

Cale Yarborough was born to parents Julian and Annie Yarborough on March 27, 1939, in the tiny, unincorporated community of Sardis near Timmonsville, South Carolina. He was the eldest of the three brothers. In 1961, Cale got married to Betty Jo Thigpen, and together they had three daughters - Kelley Yarborough, B.J. Yarborough, and Julie Yarborough. Cale Yarborough unfortunately died on December 31, 2023, aged 84 due to a rare genetic disorder.

Cale Yarborough’s Wife

Cale Yarborough got married to his wife Betty Jo Thigpen in 1961 and together they had three daughters.

Cale Yarborough’s Kids

Yarborough and his wife Betty Jo had three daughters together - Kelley Yarborough, B.J. Yarborough, and Julie Yarborough.

​

Cale Yarborough's Net Worth

As per Celebrity Net Worth, Cale Yarborough had a net worth of $50 million at the time of his death in 2023. The factors that helped Yarborough build his net worth include his NASCAR driver career and his dedication to Cale Yarborough Motorsports.

Cale Yarborough Investments

After his retirement, Yarborough invested and set up various textile, restaurant, automotive dealerships, and dry-cleaning businesses. He also started a self-owned Honda/Mazda dealership in his hometown, Florence.

Cale Yarborough’s Career Stats

Yarborough debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1957 at the Southern 500, Darlington, and ran 560 races over 31 years in the same.

Cup Series

Yarborough won the 1976, 1977, and 1978 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship. He has also won the Daytona 500 four times- 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984.

Cale Yarborough’s NASCAR Records

Yarborough was the first driver in NASCAR history to have won three championships consecutively. He also holds the Winston Cup Series modern-era record for most poles in a season (14 poles in 1980).

Cale Yarborough’s Race Wins

Yarborough has won a total of 83 races in the NASCAR Cup Series. Some of the important and popular races won by him were:

1. Daytona 500 - 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984

2. Southern 500 - 1968, 1973, 1974, 1978, and 1982

3. Winston 500 - 1978, and 1984

4. Talladega 500- 1985

Cale Yarborough’s Contract

Yarborough retired from racing in 1988 and spent his remaining life focusing on Cale Yarborough Motorsports.

Cale Yarborough Awards

The Hall of Famer has earned awards throughout his career and are as follows:

1. 1967 NASCAR Grand National Series Most Popular Driver

2. International Motorsports Hall of Fame 1993

3. National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame 1994

4. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America 1994

5. Court of Legends at Charlotte Motor Speedway 1996

6. National Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year (1977, 1978, 1979)

7. 1977 American Driver of the Year

8. South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame 1978

9. Talladega Walk of Fame 1996

10. Named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers 1998

11. NASCAR Hall of Fame 2012

12. Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers 2023

Cale Yarborough House

Yarborough’s house was on a ranch in Florence, South Carolina, where he also practiced farming.

Cale Yarborough Cars

Yarborough drove for many different manufacturers in his time.

1. Ford

2. Pontiac

3. Chevrolet

4. Dodge

5. Mercury

6. Plymouth

7. Olds

8. Buick