Bobby Allison, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday at the age of 86, surrounded by his family at home, according to a family statement. Known as “the ultimate fan driver,” Allison was beloved for his engagement with fans and his dedication to family and faith.
Allison ranks as one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, with 85 wins, placing him fourth behind Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Jeff Gordon. His 85th victory was controversial, occurring at the 1971 Myers Brothers Memorial 250 at Bowman Grey Speedway, an event where NASCAR did not officially declare a winner.
NASCAR CEO Jim France praised Allison as a legendary figure whose influence extended beyond his race wins and championships, noting his success across multiple NASCAR divisions. Allison claimed his only Cup Series Championship in 1983 at age 45 after several near-misses and top finishes in previous years. That year, driving the No. 22 Buick for the Degard team, he won six races and secured the title with strong performances in the season’s final races.
One of the defining moments of Allison’s career was his involvement in the dramatic 1979 Daytona 500 finish, which included his brother Donnie Allison and rival Kale Yarborough and became one of NASCAR’s most memorable moments. His career also included two serious crashes, notably the 1987 Talladega accident that injured four spectators and prompted NASCAR to introduce restrictor plates to limit speeds for safety. Another severe crash in 1988 at Pocono left Allison with significant head injuries and memory loss, ending his racing career.
Despite his injuries, Allison won the 1988 Daytona 500, finishing ahead of his son Davy Allison in a historic father-son finish. Tragically, Davy later died in a helicopter crash in 1993, less than a year after the death of his brother Clifford in a racing accident, marking a sorrowful chapter for the Allison family and NASCAR community.
Fan Take: Bobby Allison’s passing is a profound loss for NASCAR fans, as he was not only a racing legend but a symbol of the sport’s passionate and resilient spirit. His impact on the sport’s history and safety advancements continues to resonate, reminding fans of the risks and rewards that define NASCAR racing.
