The fear of losing someone is an inevitable outcome of loving them. It certainly is true for the relationships between NASCAR icons and their fans. We have idolized and worshipped racers for their phenomenal on-track qualities. However, the more we adore them, the more painful the thought of losing them someday gets. A similar scenario is at hand as a piece of worrisome news recently came to light. This comes just after the motorsports world lost the young Justin Owen after he succumbed to injuries sustained in the recent USAC race on Saturday.

Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Class of 2012, 3x Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough remains one of the most iconic drivers in the history of the Cup Series. The 4x Daytona 500 winner is one of the only two drivers to have won the championship three consecutive years—the other being Jimmie Johnson. If this doesn’t speak enough of his achievements, his 83 career wins also tie him with Johnson in the sixth position when it comes to all-time race wins. While Yarborough has had a fabulous career and a unique record to his name, some disturbing news concerning his health came to light recently.

Fans react as legendary Cup Series driver Cale Yarborough struggles with his health

It is no secret that Yarborough is still revered and adored by the NASCAR community. So, when John Dodson revealed a worrisome update on the 84-year-old’s health, fans were genuinely concerned. To those unaware, Dodson has been a longtime member of the NASCAR community and was once a car builder and tire changer for some of the most iconic racers.

His recent update on Twitter said, “The toughest race car driver I ever worked for is not doing well. Please keep Cale Yarborough in your prayers. The Yarbrough family has asked for no phone calls or visits for now. Praying for Cale and the family.”

Obviously, this left the fans worrying as responses and wishes came flooding in. NASCAR’s official subreddit page was flooded with concerned comments. Here are a few of them.

“That sucks. Hope he pulls through.”

“That sucks, get well Cale”

“Saying a prayer for Cale and his family right now. A legend!”

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“Praying for Cale. He’s a tough SOB”

“I figured he wasn’t doing too well considering he wasn’t at Daytona for the 500 festivities before the race. It sucks losing legends, we lost Pearson already a few years ago.”

Well, it is worrying considering the recent losses in the sport but the fans’ agony doesn’t stop there. In fact, this news has sent the fans into panic mode, fearing the worst that could happen in the near future.

NASCAR fans panic as Cale Yarborough news gets them wondering about the future

The news of Cale Yarborough being unwell has got the fans thinking about the dark times that are to come. It got them wondering how their beloved legends are getting older and the chances of losing them are only getting stronger with time.

To this, some of the fans on Reddit reacted in the following fashion.

“Gonna really be tough losing all these guys in the next few years, legends are all getting up there.”

“Cale Yarbrough is 84. Richard Petty is 85. Bobby Allison is 85. Roger Penske is 86. Leonard Wood is 88. Darrell Waltrip is 76. Geoff Bodine is 73. Rick Hendrick is 73. Richard Childress is 77. Joe Gibbs is 82. Red Farmer is 90. Harry Gant is 83. Ned Jarrett is 90. Hershel McGriff is 95. Fred Lorenzen is 88. A.J. Foyt is 88.” 

“A lot of names that defined NASCAR are getting quite old”

It is difficult to admit but what the fans are saying here is true. The least we can do here is cherish their presence to the fullest and make it memorable before it’s too late. As for Cale Yarborough, there would be nothing more pleasing than seeing him fully recover soon.

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