Bobby Allison, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and founder of the “Alabama Gang,” passed away at the age of 86 at his home in Mooresville, North Carolina. NASCAR confirmed his death in a statement released by his family. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, it was noted that Allison had been in poor health for several years.
Last month, Allison was recognized by NASCAR chairman Jim France for his victory at the Meyers Brothers Memorial at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1971. This victory moved him to fourth on the list of NASCAR Cup Series winners with a total of 85 wins. He now sits behind Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Jeff Gordon in terms of Cup wins. Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 and was a three-time winner of the Daytona 500.
Aside from his success on the track, Allison was known for his interactions with fans. His family described him as the “ultimate fan’s driver” who always took time to sign autographs and have conversations with supporters. Allison’s impact on NASCAR went beyond just his racing achievements. His legendary fight with Cale Yarborough during the 1979 Daytona 500 became a defining moment for the sport.
Born in Miami in 1937, Allison moved to central Alabama in search of better racing opportunities. He, along with his brother Donnie and friend Red Farmer, formed the Alabama Gang and dominated regional races in the 1960s and 1970s. The group later expanded to include other notable drivers like Jimmy Mears, Neil Bonnett, and Allison’s sons Davey and Clifford.
Allison’s racing career came to an abrupt end in 1988 after a near-fatal crash at Talledega Superspeedway. Despite attempts to make a comeback, a series of tragedies, including the deaths of his sons Clifford and Davey, led Allison to retire. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.
In addition to his NASCAR achievements, Allison also made a mark in the IndyCar Series, making six starts for Roger Penske, including two appearances in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. France praised Allison for his contributions to the sport, noting that he personified the term “racer.”
Allison’s legacy in NASCAR is undeniable, and his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. His dedication to racing, his interactions with fans, and his competitive spirit have left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
