Roush Yates Engines president and CEO Doug Yates announced the painful loss of his ‘incredible’ father-in-law. Yates shared an X post with a heartfelt message honouring the late family member.
Yates is married to Whitney Yellow Robe Yates, who was born in Hawaii before moving to Charlotte with her parents, Sanna and Lakota Sioux. The couple are proud parents to four children.
The NASCAR engine builder attached a family picture of his wife, her parents, and two daughters, writing,
“Our family lost a truly great man and an incredible father-in-law. We are heartbroken, but so grateful for the love, wisdom, and memories he leaves behind. Please keep Sanna, Whitney, and our entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Doug Yates continues to supply Ford teams across the all three national series. Their premier customers include Team Penske, RFK Racing, and Front Row Motorsports.
Yates took over from his late father and legendary engine builder, Robert Yates. The former team owner passed away in 2017 after a long battle with liver cancer.
Roush Yates Engines was established in 2003 in collaboration with Jack Roush. The partnership fetched a Cup Series championship just a year later with Matt Kenseth in the No.17 Ford.
Doug Yates honoured with Spirit of Ford Award
Doug Yates and his family were bestowed with the Spirit of Ford Award this February. Heading into the Daytona 500, Edsel B. Ford II presented the award to Yates at the Daytona International Speedway Media Center.
“Doug and his father, Robert, symbolize what’s right with the Ford Racing program, but also what is right about the sport of motor racing itself,” said Ford via Yahoo Sports.
Yates shared his thoughts on the accolade, saying,
“What an honor. I could have never imagined being more proud of being part of the Ford family and I wish my dad, like you said, Edsel, was here to celebrate this with us today, but it’s really special being part of the Ford Racing family – 125 years of racing and winning, starting with your great-grandfather, Henry Ford, and carrying that on today.”
A day before the ceremony, Joey Logano and the No.22 Ford team won the America 250 Florida Duel 1. Doug Yates remarked how the occasion seemed fitting after a victorious day at Daytona.
Logano went on to finish third in the season-opening Daytona 500. The Penske driver faced a winless streak for 20 starts before reaching victory lane at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The result marked Ford’s third and second consecutive win this season. Ryan Blaney clinched the previous weekend at Echopark Speedway. Both races have been a dominant display by the Ford drivers, with Blaney leading 171 laps and Logano leading 323 laps.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in NASCAR, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
