NASCAR / news

Bobby Allison, one of NASCAR's most celebrated drivers and a Hall of Fame member, passed away on Saturday at the age of 86.Allison's family confirmed his passing, stating he died peacefully at home, surrounded by those closest to him.. Known as the "ultimate fan’s driver," Allison’s legacy stretches beyond his incredible achievements on the track to his deep connection with fans and commitment to family and faith. A Storied Career in NASCAR Allison's impact on NASCAR is profound. His 85 Cup Series victories place him fourth on the all-time wins list, behind only Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Jeff Gordon. In October, NASCAR awarded him an official 85th victory for the 1971 Myers Brothers Memorial 250 at Bowman Gray Speedway, a race that had previously been unclassified due to unique conditions. Can you start work tomorrow? "NASCAR has lost one of its true legends," remarked Jim France, CEO of NASCAR.. "Bobby Allison embodied the spirit of a true racer. He was not only one of the winningest drivers but also a significant figure who connected with fans and influenced the sport for generations." Championship Glory at 45 Although Allison was a dominant force in NASCAR for many years, it wasn’t until 1983, at the age of 45, that he clinched his sole Cup Series championship.. That year, he drove the No. 22 Buick for DiGard Racing, amassing six victories and 25 top-10 finishes over 30 races. His late-season surge, with three consecutive wins, ultimately helped him clinch the title. Following his championship triumph, Allison secured five additional victories. However, he never again reached the top five in the standings. The Legendary Daytona 500 Clash One of NASCAR’s most memorable moments came in the 1979 Daytona 500, which featured a dramatic crash involving Allison’s brother Donnie and Cale Yarborough. With Donnie and Yarborough colliding on the final lap, Bobby, who was laps down, stopped to check on his brother, sparking a brawl between the three—a moment now cemented in NASCAR history. Tragedy and Transformative Crashes Allison’s career and life were profoundly impacted by two horrific crashes and the tragic deaths of his sons in racing-related incidents. In 1987, a tire blowout sent Allison’s car into the catch fence at Talladega, injuring four spectators and resulting in NASCAR’s decision to introduce restrictor plates to slow cars down at high-speed tracks like Talladega and Daytona. The restrictor plate era ushered in the pack-racing style that remains iconic in NASCAR today. Just a year later, Allison suffered a life-altering crash at Pocono. His car hit the wall head-on before being struck on the driver’s side. The collision left Allison with severe head injuries, temporary paralysis, and memory loss. He endured an intense rehabilitation process to regain basic functions and faced lasting impacts, including the inability to recall his last Daytona 500 victory in 1988, where he finished first ahead of his son Davey. Father and Son Triumph—and Tragedy The 1988 Daytona 500 marked the first time a father and son finished first and second in a NASCAR Cup Series race, with Bobby and Davey Allison taking the top two spots. It was a triumphant weekend, capped off by Bobby’s victory and an achievement that would be his last in the sport. Tragically, both of Bobby Allison's sons lost their lives in racing accidents. In 1992, his youngest son, Clifford, was killed in a practice crash in Michigan. The following year, Davey Allison died in a helicopter crash at Talladega, just as he was establishing himself as one of NASCAR’s brightest stars with 19 career wins. A Lasting Legacy Bobby Allison’s influence on NASCAR endures beyond his remarkable accomplishments on the track. As the leader of the famed "Alabama Gang," he connected deeply with fans, embodying the resilience and spirit of NASCAR racing. Allison’s storied career and personal sacrifices have left an indelible mark on the sport, making him not only a champion but a legend admired by fans and fellow racers alike. Sell Your Photos!