Brock Yates
Brock Yates: A Life of Passionate Pursuit
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Brock Yates was an American journalist, author, and screenwriter, best known for his advocacy of the automobile industry and his involvement in the high-performance driving community.
Birth and Death Dates
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Yates was born on August 21, 1922, in Buffalo, New York, and passed away on September 3, 1995, at the age of 73.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Journalist, Author, Screenwriter, Editor
Yates' career spanned over four decades, during which he made significant contributions to the automotive industry as a journalist, author, and advocate.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Yates developed an early passion for cars. He began writing about automobiles at a young age, publishing his first article on the subject when he was just 14 years old. This spark of interest would eventually propel him to become one of the most influential voices in the automotive world.
After serving in World War II as a correspondent, Yates returned home and began working for the _Buffalo Evening News_. His reporting skills quickly caught the attention of major publications, and he soon found himself writing for prominent newspapers like the _New York Herald Tribune_ and _Newsday_.
Major Accomplishments
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Journalistic Career: Yates' writing career spanned over 40 years, with a focus on the automotive industry. He was known for his engaging storytelling style, which earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Co-Founder of Car and Driver Magazine: In 1976, Yates co-founded _Car and Driver_ magazine alongside David E. Davis Jr. This publication quickly gained popularity for its in-depth reviews, high-performance testing, and advocacy for driver's rights.
Author of Several Best-Selling Books: Yates wrote several books on the automotive industry, including "The Decline and Fall of the American Automobile Industry" and "Bully!: A Headstrong American at War with the World".Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Yates include:
_The Decline and Fall of the American Automobile Industry_: This book chronicled the changes in the automotive industry, highlighting issues that would eventually lead to its decline.
_Bully! A Headstrong American at War with the World_: This memoir recounts his experiences as a correspondent during World War II.
Editor of Car and Driver: Yates served as editor-in-chief of _Car and Driver_ magazine from 1976 until his death in 1995.
Impact and Legacy
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Yates' impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. Through his writing, he championed driver's rights, advocated for more stringent safety regulations, and encouraged manufacturers to push the boundaries of innovation. His tireless advocacy helped shape public opinion on issues like emissions standards, fuel efficiency, and vehicle design.
His legacy extends beyond journalism as well; Yates was an influential figure in popularizing high-performance driving and encouraging enthusiasts to explore the limits of their vehicles. Today, his writings continue to inspire car enthusiasts worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Brock Yates is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Passion for Automotive Industry: His unwavering dedication to the automotive world and its enthusiasts has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Advocacy and Activism: His tireless efforts as a journalist, author, and advocate helped shape public opinion on issues crucial to the industry's growth and development.
* Timeless Insights and Wisdom: His writings continue to provide valuable insights into the complexities of the automotive world, offering readers a glimpse into his experiences and perspectives.
In conclusion, Brock Yates' life was a testament to his unyielding passion for the automotive industry. As both a journalist and advocate, he made significant contributions that continue to shape public opinion today. His legacy as one of the most influential voices in the history of the automotive world remains an inspiration to enthusiasts worldwide.
Quotes by Brock Yates
If one is looking for cultural testosterone and raging off-the-wall competition in the world of communications, Manhattan was – and is – home plate.
Regardless, I did rise to the editorship before embarking on a freelance career in the late ’60’s.
Don’t get me wrong, I think bikes are terrific. I own several of my own, including a trendy mountain style, and ride them for pleasure and light exercise.
The bicycle is a former child’s toy that has now been elevated to icon status because, presumably, it can move the human form from pillar to post without damage to the environment.
They still talk about the night that Augie Pabst, a fresh-faced heir to the brewing fortune, drove a rented Falcon into the swimming pool of the Mark Thomas Inn in Monterey, California. His reviews were so good that he repeated the act at a Howard Johnson’s outside Denver.
I have spent – or wasted – my life around motor racing: driving, promoting, and writing about what Ernest Hemingway once linked with mountain climbing and bull fighting as the only true sports. The rest, he sniffed, are merely games.
To Secretary Pena: Fix your busted airport and leave bikes alone and the commuting to us sociopathic drivers.
I think even as this is one of our shortest events, we'll keep all the competitors quite busy and challenged with the variety of tracks on the schedule. This year will allow for more possible hotel time but also some very long, late legs through the night. We look forward to a good, safe event.
My father, Raymond F. Yates, was a successful writer of technical nonfiction and such a life seemed a reasonable alternative to real work.
Much of our quiet time is spent boating and generally loafing at our second home in the 1,000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River.