NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison, the legendary driver and founder of the iconic “Alabama Gang,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 86.
Allison’s name is etched throughout the NASCAR record books, ranking fourth all-time in premier series wins with 85, second in top-five finishes with 336, and 14th in starts with 718. These accomplishments helped him secure his place in NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class in 2011.
In addition to his record-setting career, Allison was a three-time Daytona 500 winner, a four-time winner of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and a three-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 1988 when he won the Daytona 500 while holding off his son, Davey, for the checkered flag.
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ 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,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. “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.”
Allison was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, a testament to his enduring legacy. His career spanned from 1961 to 1988, and during that time, he also won twice in what is now known as the Xfinity Series and earned an International Race of Champions title in 1980. He was honored as NASCAR’s most popular driver six times.
Together with his younger brother Donnie and modified racer Red Farmer, Allison helped dominate the short-track racing scene in the Hueytown, Alabama, area during the late 1950s, forming the foundation of the legendary “Alabama Gang.”
On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, Jim France expressed his deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends, and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.
Source: Field Level Media
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