Bobby Allison, NASCAR Hall of Fame Driver, Dies at 86: ‘Shaped the Sport for So Many’

Bobby Allison, the 1983 NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Fame driver who won 85 career races, has died at age 86.

The racing legend passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Nov. 9, according to NASCAR, which did not disclose the cause of death.

Allison’s death comes after NASCAR awarded him his 85th Cup Series victory on Oct. 23 decades after the disputed 1971 race at Bowman Gray Stadium. The victory placed him fourth on NASCAR’s all-time premier series wins list, behind Richard Petty, David Pearson and Jeff Gordon.

“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘runner.’ While he is best known as one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport reaches far beyond the record books,” NASCAR President and CEO Jim France said in a statement.

Bobby Allison 2023.

David Jensen/Getty

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“As a driver, he won races and championships in several NASCAR divisions,” the statement continued. “But as the leader of the famous ‘Alabama Gang,’ Bobby connected with fans in a profound way. He gave his contribution to our sport in the most significant ways. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.”

Allison’s full-time career in the premier series began in 1966 after back-to-back NASCAR Modified titles, according to NASCAR. Before that, Allison, his younger brother Donnie and fellow racer Red Farmer famously moved to Alabama and formed what would become known as the “Alabama Gang.”

Allison’s career highlights include his 1983 Winston Cup Series Champion win, three Daytona 500 wins and induction into NASCAR’s second class of the Hall of Fame in 2011.

The final victory of Allison’s career came in the 1988 Daytona 500, when he and his son Davey Allison had a legendary 1-2 father-son record, according to NASCAR.

Davey died in a helicopter crash in July 1993, less than a year after his younger brother Clifford Allison died from injuries sustained in a crash at Michigan International Speedway in August 1992.

Bobby Allison in 1970.

ISC Archives/CQ-Roll Call Group via Getty

Several friends and fans in the racing world paid tribute to Allison over the weekend, including NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson, who remembered the Hall of Fame driver as a “true legend” in a post shared on X.

“Bobby Allison was one of my heroes growing up—an incredible driver and person who shaped the sport for so many of us,” Johnson wrote alongside photos of the pair together. “I’m grateful for his kindness and everything he brought to racing. He will be greatly missed.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also shared a tribute to Allison on Instagram, writing that the late NASCAR legend “gave more than anyone” to the sport. “Through triumphs and despite tragedies, he continued to give more to the sport than he ever received in return,” Earnhardt wrote.

“He did things his way, often choosing the more challenging path to ultimate victory,” he added. “The sport of Nascar stands on the shoulders of legends like Bobby. We should all be forever grateful.”

In another touching tribute, Richard Petty wrote that Allison “was not only a fierce competitor on the track, but also a friend off the track.”

We’ve had many battles on the track over the years, but I always respected Bobby for the way he carried himself and his dedication to the sport, he wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time. His legacy will always be remembered.”

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Source: HIS Education