A legendary figure from the world of racing passed away this weekend when Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison died at the age of 86.
Allison’s death came just two weeks after the racing world learned that NASCAR finally named him the winner of a disputed 1971 race at Bowman Gray Stadium. The decision gave the 86-year-old his 85th Cup Series victory, moving him out of a tie with Darrell Waltrip for fourth all-time.
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ Though he is best known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. “As a driver, he won races and championships across several NASCAR divisions.
But as the leader of the famous “Alabama Gang,” Bobby connected with fans in a profound manner. In the most significant ways, he gave his all to our sport. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.”
NASCAR shared details from his historic career:
His 718 career starts are 14th in series history and his 336 top-five finishes are second only to fellow Hall of Famer Richard Petty.
Allison also earned 446 top-10 finishes and 59 poles during a career that began in 1961 and lasted until midway through the 1988 season. He was honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
Along the way, the affable Allison won some of the sport’s biggest events on multiple occasions. He captured the prestigious Daytona 500 three times (1978, ’82, ’88), the legendary Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway four times (’71, ’72, ’75, ’83) and he was a three-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (’71, ’81, ’84).
His final Daytona victory came down to the wire, defeating his son, Davey.
“I was having a ball out there,” Allison said after the race. “Coming down to the finish, it was really good to be in first and to look in my rearview mirror and see someone I really feel is the best driver coming up — and knowing he’s mine. It really is a special feeling.” Our thoughts are with the Allison family.