Highlights
- NASCAR legend Bobby Allison passes away at 86.
- Allison, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, won three Daytona 500 races.
- He was the founder of the iconic “Alabama Gang” racing team.
- Allison moved to fourth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list last month.
- He was one of only ten drivers to achieve NASCAR’s “grand slam.”
- Allison survived a near-fatal 1988 crash that ended his career.
- Both his sons, Davey and Clifford, passed away in racing-related accidents.
- Allison’s 1979 fight with Cale Yarborough marked a NASCAR milestone.
Bobby Allison, NASCAR legend, three-time Daytona 500 winner, and NASCAR Hall of Famer, has passed away at 86.
Known for his fierce dedication to the sport and his role in establishing the iconic “Alabama Gang,” Allison left an indelible mark on NASCAR history.
His family confirmed he died peacefully at home in Mooresville, North Carolina, after facing health issues in recent years.
Allison recently moved to fourth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list when NASCAR chairman Jim France awarded him the 1971 Meyers Brothers Memorial win.
This win solidified Allison’s 85 Cup Series victories, placing him behind legends Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Jeff Gordon.
Allison’s family expressed pride in his legacy and his bond with fans, saying, “Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver. He loved signing autographs and having conversations with everyone he met.”
Founding the Alabama Gang
Originally from Miami, Allison moved to Alabama to pursue more racing opportunities. He formed the Alabama Gang with his brother Donnie and friend Red Farmer, later joined by Neil Bonnett and Allison’s sons, Davey and Clifford.
They dominated regional racing, boosting NASCAR’s popularity across the Southeast.
Career and Setbacks
Allison’s career nearly ended in 1988 after a life-threatening crash at Talladega Superspeedway.
Although he eventually regained memory and relearned daily activities, the tragedies didn’t end there. His son Clifford died in a 1992 crash, followed by son Davey’s fatal helicopter crash in 1993.
NASCAR Hall of Fame and Legacy
Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011, Allison’s competitive spirit remains legendary.
His 1979 Daytona 500 fight with Cale Yarborough was a defining moment, which Allison joked about, saying, “Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose,” acknowledging the event’s impact on NASCAR’s popularity.
In addition to NASCAR, Allison raced in six IndyCar Series events for Roger Penske, including two appearances in the Indianapolis 500.
His skill and tenacity earned him numerous accolades, making him one of only ten drivers to win NASCAR’s career “grand slam,” which includes the Daytona 500, Winston 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500.
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer,’” NASCAR chairman Jim France remarked, paying tribute to Allison’s unparalleled contributions to the sport.
