By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor
While the definition of ‘racer’ can be applied to many in NASCAR history, it was Bobby Allison, who passed away at the age of 86, whose photo would likely be found next to ‘racer.’
Driver, family man, leader, success. Words simply cannot describe the impact that Allison had on the sport nor the kind of man that he was. Born in Miami, FL, his first race came while he was still attending high school. The desire to earn money in auto racing eventually brought Bobby Allison and his brother Donnie Allison to Montgomery, AL. There they formed the famed “Alabama Gang” of racers that included themselves, Neil Bonnett, David Bonnett, Red Farmer, and later Davey Allison, Clifford Allison, and Hut Stricklin.
Success came quickly for the Hueytown, AL native. Allison’s first of 85 victories came in 1966 at Oxford Plains Speedway during his first near full season. The seven-time Most Popular Driver went on to rack up multiple crown jewels, including three Daytona 500s, four Southern 500s, and three World 600s (now known as the Coca-Cola 600). He also won the 1980 International Race of Champions (IROC) championship.
Despite rivalries with Richard Petty, David Pearson, and others, Allison built a dedicated and loyal fan base throughout his career. His legion of fans came through both triumph and tragedy.
Allison suffered a career-ending crash at Pocono Raceway in 1988 that affected his memory. The 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee lost both of his sons, Clifford and Davey, to at-track accidents in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Clifford passed away after a crash in practice at Michigan Int’l Speedway, and Davey from injuries he suffered in a helicopter crash at Talladega Superspeedway.
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer,’” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said. “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. 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.
In addition to the triumphs and tragedies, Allison was no stranger to controversy. On August 6, 1971, he won at NASCAR Cup Series race at Bowman Gray Stadium while driving a Grand American car to fill the field. Allison long maintained that he had won 85 races after his career ended. Officials didn’t credit the then ‘legend in the making’ with the win in 1971. From media members to his legions of fans and Allison himself, many lobbied NASCAR to credit him with the victory. The sanctioning body wouldn’t do so until October 23, 2024.
He also played a part in the iconic end to the 1979 Daytona 500. Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough crashed while battling for the lead on the final lap, handing the win to Petty in the first Daytona 500 with flag-to-flag coverage. After the race, as Bobby checked on his brother, an argument between the Allisons and Yarborough escalated into a fistfight that helped NASCAR’s popularity explode.
Having seen the best and the worst that the sport has to offer, Allison’s certainly was a life well lived, and for the sport, his memory will certainly be a blessing for all who knew him or were a fan of him.
“Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went. He was a dedicated family man and friend, and a devout Catholic,” read a statement released by the Allison family. “Arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to Bobby’s home church (St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, N.C.), your local Catholic church or diocese, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preservation Society or Victory Junction Gang Camp.”