Renowned motorsport journalist Jeff Gluck reported for USA TODAY that Bobby Allison, a distinguished figure in NASCAR history, passed away on Saturday at the age of 86, as confirmed by NASCAR officials.
Allison’s illustrious career in NASCAR was marked by remarkable achievements and profound tragedies that shaped his life. While he carved out a legacy as a champion driver and a beloved Hall of Famer, the sport also took away his two sons, who tragically perished in separate accidents only months apart.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame recognized Allison’s outstanding contributions to racing by inducting him into its second class, a prestigious honor that enshrines him among the ten legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport’s rich history.
Bobby Allison led the renowned “Alabama Gang,” a talented group of drivers hailing from Hueytown, Alabama, showcasing a lineage steeped in racing excellence. His sons, Davey and Clifford, along with his brother, Donnie, also pursued careers in racing, but it was Bobby who predominantly dominated the track.
During his illustrious career, Bobby Allison achieved remarkable feats on the raceway, including three unforgettable Daytona 500 victories. He clinched the 1983 Cup championship and amassed an impressive total of 85 NASCAR Cup Series wins, solidifying his status as a racing icon. His victory at Bowman-Gray Stadium in 1971 was specifically awarded to him later, further enhancing his legacy as he ranks fourth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list.
Although he was already a prominent driver by the late 1970s, the 1979 Daytona 500 catapulted both Allison and NASCAR into the national spotlight. On the dramatic final lap, a collision occurred between Cale Yarborough and his brother, Donnie Allison, allowing Richard Petty to seize the win. The incident escalated into a heated brawl, with Bobby Allison famously recounting that “Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose.”
The fallout from that notorious incident did not hinder Allison’s performance; he continued to achieve victory, culminating in his long-awaited Cup championship in 1983 after five second-place finishes over nearly two decades.
However, tragedy struck in 1987 when Allison was involved in one of the most catastrophic wrecks in NASCAR history. While competing at Talladega, a blown tire sent his car soaring into the air, colliding forcefully with the fence and narrowly avoiding the grandstands, prompting immediate safety reforms, including the introduction of restrictor plates for both Talladega and Daytona.
The following year’s Daytona 500 stands as one of the highlights of Allison’s career—but it is also marked by a heartbreaking twist. Though he won the race for an astonishing third time and shared the moment with his son Davey, the joy was overshadowed by a horrific crash at Pocono just months later that nearly claimed his life. The accident resulted in severe head trauma that robbed him of memories from that victorious Daytona race. “That one race, the one I know has to mean the most to me, is the one I can’t remember,” Allison lamented in an interview, expressing the profound loss associated with his injuries.
Despite the traumatic events that followed his retirement, including a permanent limp, the emotional toll he faced was far more harrowing. The sorrow compounded in 1992 when his youngest son, Clifford, was tragically killed in a crash during practice for a Busch Series race in Michigan. Just months later, in a cruel twist of fate, his son Davey died in a helicopter accident while attempting to land at Talladega, leaving Bobby and his family devastated.
Reflecting on his devastating losses, Bobby Allison expressed, “I don’t know that it will ever ease up, that it will be easier any day, less painful,” a testament to the deep-seated grief he carried. “It’s what happened. It’s our duty to go on.”
Such profound grief ultimately led to the dissolution of Bobby and his wife Judy’s marriage, yet a shared moment of solace after the tragic death of Adam Petty in a 2000 crash drew them back together, culminating in their remarriage two months later.
In his later years, Bobby Allison embraced a new role as a respected ambassador for NASCAR, where he was celebrated not only for his accomplishments but also for his cheerful demeanor. His Hall of Fame status brought him immense pride, and his appearances at racetracks were often marked by his characteristic smile as he engaged with fans who adored him.
This story was updated with new information.
Rashing incident that took the life of his son Clifford just months later.
**Interview with Renowned Motorsports Journalist, Jeff Gluck**
**Interviewer:** Jeff, thank you for joining us today. The news of Bobby Allison’s passing has resonated deeply with fans and followers of NASCAR. What can you tell us about the impact he had on the sport?
**Jeff Gluck:** Thank you for having me. Bobby Allison was not just a driver; he was a cornerstone of NASCAR. His career spanned several decades, and he shaped the sport in significant ways—both on and off the track. His victories and struggles defined an era in NASCAR that paved the way for future generations.
**Interviewer:** Bobby’s life was filled with both triumph and tragedy. Can you share more about the personal challenges he faced?
**Jeff Gluck:** Absolutely. Bobby’s career was marked by incredible highs—like his three Daytona 500 victories and being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame—but it was deeply intertwined with heart-wrenching losses. The deaths of his sons, Davey and Clifford, were monumental tragedies that he carried with him. While he celebrated amazing victories, the pain of losing his boys left a lasting impact not just on him, but on the entire NASCAR community.
**Interviewer:** He was known for leading the “Alabama Gang.” How significant was his influence on other drivers?
**Jeff Gluck:** Bobby’s influence extended far beyond his own driving. He was a mentor and a role model for many drivers coming out of Alabama, notably his own sons and brother. The legacy of the “Alabama Gang” is still felt today, as many of those drivers went on to make their own mark in NASCAR. Bobby was not just a champion; he was a symbol of Southern racing grit and skill.
**Interviewer:** The infamous brawl from the 1979 Daytona 500 is often highlighted in motorsport history. How did that incident shape perceptions of NASCAR?
**Jeff Gluck:** That altercation really thrust NASCAR into the national spotlight and gave the sport a raw, unfiltered image. Bobby famously stated, “Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose,” which encapsulated the fierce competitiveness of the sport. It showcased NASCAR as a sport filled with drama and intensity, attracting new fans and media attention at a time when it was still growing.
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on his legacy, what do you think Bobby Allison will be most remembered for?
**Jeff Gluck:** Bobby will be remembered as one of the sport’s all-time greats—a true pioneer who transformed NASCAR with his skill, dedication, and resilience. His legacy is not just in his statistics and wins but in the way he faced immense personal tragedy yet continued to embody the spirit of a champion. His impact on the sport will be felt for generations, and he will always remain a beloved figure in NASCAR history.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your insights on Bobby Allison’s remarkable life and legacy.
**Jeff Gluck:** Thank you for having me. Bobby’s story is a testament to the complexities of life in racing, and he will be dearly missed.
