Bobby Allison, a towering figure in NASCAR and a venerated member of the sport’s history, has passed away at the age of 86. A founding member of the “Alabama Gang” and a 1983 premier-series champion, Allison’s storied career spanned nearly three decades.
Born on December 3, 1937, in Miami, Florida, Bobby Allison’s fascination with racing began at a young age. Despite early resistance from his parents, Allison pursued his passion, starting his racing career in 1955 at Hialeah, Florida. Eventually, he relocated to Hueytown, Alabama, where he, alongside his brother Donnie and friend Red Farmer, became known as the “Alabama Gang.” The group quickly established themselves as prominent figures in the racing community.
Throughout his storied career, Bobby Allison secured 85 official race victories, placing him fourth on NASCAR’s all-time win list. His accomplishments were solidified with his induction into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in 2011. With 718 career starts, he ranked 14th in series history, and his 336 top-five finishes were second only to Richard Petty. Allison also marked NASCAR history with 446 top-10 finishes and 59 pole positions.
Among his significant achievements were three Daytona 500 victories in 1978, 1982, and 1988. His 1988 win was particularly memorable, as he finished ahead of his son Davey, marking the first one-two father-son finish in the Daytona 500.
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Beyond his remarkable wins, Bobby Allison was no stranger to infamous incidents on the racetrack. During the 1979 Daytona 500, he was involved in a post-race altercation with Cale Yarborough.
Allison also experienced tremendous personal loss when his career was halted by a severe crash at Pocono Raceway in 1988, resulting in serious head injuries and memory loss. This crash robbed him of the memories of his last victory and curtailed his racing days. Family tragedies further shadowed his legacy; the loss of his younger son Clifford in a 1992 Michigan racing accident, followed by the devastating helicopter crash death of his son Davey in 1993 at Talladega.
In recognition of his enduring contributions, a 2024 ruling by NASCAR acknowledged a disputed 1971 victory, further affirming his fourth-place standing on the all-time wins list.
The family of Bobby Allison has issued the following statement, via NBC Sports:
“With deep sadness, the family of Bobby Allison announces his passing at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2024, surrounded by family. He had been in declining health over the past few years but continued to give back to the sport he loved.
“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.”