Vale NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison

NASCAR immortal Bobby Allison, a founding member of the ‘Alabama Gang’, passed away Saturday at the age of 86. His incredible racing career spanned nearly three decades, earning him 85 wins and the 1983 NASCAR Champion, and a lasting legacy within the sport.

Allison’s journey in NASCAR was marked by both triumph and deep personal losses, including the tragic deaths of his two sons and a devastating crash that cut his career short in 1988.

Born in Miami, Florida, Allison became a symbol of American racing in the 1960s. With natural skill and relentless determination, he quickly amassed wins and recognition, eventually becoming a dominant force on the track.

Allison’s early career was rooted in the dirt and short-track circuits, where he was known for his aggressive style and precision, earning him the admiration of fans nationwide. By 1966, Allison competed regularly in NASCAR’s premier series, achieving his first win at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine and setting off a string of 10 straight seasons with multiple victories.

Allison’s career was also defined by his role in NASCAR’s infamous ‘Alabama Gang’, a group of fiercely talented racers hailing from Hueytown, Alabama. Alongside his brother Donnie and friend Red Farmer, Bobby helped make Alabama a powerhouse in NASCAR.

They were known for their camaraderie, competitive spirits, and sheer skill on the track. Here, Allison cemented his reputation, particularly after his involvement in a post-race fight with Cale Yarborough at the 1979 Daytona 500, an iconic moment that gained NASCAR national attention.

Although Richard Petty won the race, fans remember Allison’s defence of his brother, turning the rivalry into a NASCAR legend.

The highlights of Allison’s career include his three victories in the Daytona 500 (1978, 1982, and 1988), four wins in the Southern 500, and three Coca-Cola 600 titles. His final Daytona win in 1988, when he outpaced his son Davey to cross the finish line first, was a heartwarming moment in NASCAR history, marking Allison as one of the oldest winners of the prestigious event. That win was a bittersweet reminder of the family’s racing legacy.

However, Allison’s career ended abruptly in 1988 following a near-fatal crash at Pocono Raceway, where he suffered significant injuries and a concussion. The accident left him with memory loss and marked the end of his driving days. Tragically, his sons Clifford and Davey both passed away in separate accidents in the early 1990s, underscoring the risks that come with a life in racing.

Despite these tragedies, Allison’s contributions to NASCAR continued. He was inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in 2011 as a member of its second class. He remains fourth on NASCAR’s all-time win list for its premier series, recently officially credited with an 85th victory for a disputed 1971 race. He was honoured as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, a testament to his impact on the sport.

NASCAR Chairman Jim France praised Allison, calling him a true icon whose influence stretched beyond the racetrack.