Robert Mitchell "Mickey" York, a longtime competitor in a NASCAR-sanctioned series, has passed away at the age of 78.
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According to his obituary, he passed away on Friday at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in his hometown of Asheboro, North Carolina.
A 1966 graduate of Nashville Diesel College, York kicked off his racing career in the early 1970s. He primarily competed in the Goody's Dash Series, a NASCAR-sanctioned stock car racing series that underwent multiple name changes between 1973-2011.
York competed at a variety of tracks steeped in NASCAR history. This includes Daytona International Speedway, Rockingham Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway.
The North Carolina native won races at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Myrtle Beach Speedway, Lanier Speedway, and many other tracks during his racing career. He captured eight wins in 14 races during the 1992 season as he won the Goody's Dash Series championship.
The veteran racer also won the series' Most Popular Driver three times while driving for York Racing. He finished third or better in the standings five times. He led the series in wins in four seasons (1990, 1992-94).
York stopped competing in the stock car racing series after the 2003 season. He closed out his career with 319 starts, 28 wins, 118 top-five finishes, and 176 top-10s. He started from the pole 11 times during his career.
"I just received word that former NASCAR DASH driver Mickey York has passed," former competitor Ron Heavern wrote on Facebook. "I raced with him several years, he was a class act and friend, he would help you and give advise (sic) any way he could. Prayers for friends and family. He will be missed."
York is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Jo. He is also survived by his daughters Donna Gardner (Destry) and Cindy Carlyle (Jeff); and his grandchildren Courtney Carlyle and Brody Gardner.
A memorial service will take place at New Hope Community Church in Asheboro on Thursday at 11 a.m.
