Danica Patrick’s Darlington throwback scheme honors Robert Yates

After working in the sport for more than two decades, Robert Yates launched his own team, Robert Yates Racing, in the late 1980s. In 1996, RYR expanded to a two-car operation, fielding the No. 88 Quality Care/Ford Credit Ford with Dale Jarrett.

Yates was recently elected a member of the Hall’s Class of 2018.

The decision by Yates to add a second car to the stable resulted in Jarrett winning the 1999 championship in a paint scheme that Patrick’s No. 10 Ford Credit Ford Fusion will emulate in the Sept. 3 Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

“The throwback race at Darlington is such a cool event,” said Patrick. “The track has done such a great job of getting the teams and drivers involved. I’m excited to run a true throwback scheme this year. It’s great that we’re able to honor Robert Yates and all he’s done for our sport.” 

In addition to the championship Jarrett earned in 1999, RYR amassed an impressive 57 wins, including three in the Daytona 500.

“The No. 88 Quality Care/Ford Credit Ford was definitely a memorable program for our team,” Yates said. “We won the Daytona 500 in Dale’s very first race in that scheme in 1996 and went on to win many more races and the championship in 1999.

“It was incredibly gratifying to have Ford as my sponsor and manufacturer, especially when we beat the competition. Getting to see this scheme run again will bring back many great memories. I can’t thank everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing enough for honoring me and everyone that was on the team during those years.”