Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Roush Fenway Racing are helping the NASCAR community grieve the loss of one of the legends of stock car racing.
Stenhouse is set to run a paint scheme honoring legendary owner and engine builder Robert Yates during Sunday’s Can-Am 500 at Phoenix Raceway, Roush Fenway announced Monday in a press release.
Yates, who died Oct. 3 following a one-year battle with liver cancer, earned wins as an owner at Phoenix in both 1991 and 1992 with driver Davey Allison. The No. 17’s paint job, which Stenhouse said will be a “really cool” way to honor Yates, is inspired by the car with which he won those races.
“The entire NASCAR community has lost a pillar of our sport with the passing of Robert Yates,” Jack Roush said in a statement. “Robert was true to all he held dear — a fierce competitor, a dedicated and inspired leader and a passionate family man. For me he was the type of competitor that brought out the best in everyone around him and he was a wonderful partner and friend. I am very fortunate to have been able to team up with, and learn from, Robert Yates.”
Although RFR’s gesture will undoubtedly help the sport as a whole reflect on the Hall of Famer’s career, few appreciate it as much as Yates’ son, Doug, who heads Roush Yates Engines.
“Our family would like to thank everyone at Roush Fenway Racing for the special paint scheme at Phoenix Raceway to honor my dad Robert Yates and his legendary career in NASCAR,” Yates said in a statement.
To see more pictures of the No. 17’s Robert Yates-inspired paint scheme, click through the gallery below:
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