On November 9, 2024, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and key member of the “Alabama Gang,” Bobby Allison, died at his residence in Mooresville, North Carolina. He was 86. The Allison family confirmed his passing, stating he had been experiencing deteriorating health for a few years.
Robert Arthur “Bobby” Allison was born on December 3, 1937, in Miami, Florida. He started his racing career during the early 1960s. Looking for better prospects, he moved to Hueytown, Alabama. There, along with his brother Donnie and their friend Red Farmer, the trio formed the legendary “Alabama Gang.” This group dominated NASCAR during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming synonymous with the sport’s success.
Allison’s NASCAR career was remarkable, marked by significant milestones. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1983 and collected 85 premier series victories, which put him fourth on the all-time win list. His major victories include winning the Daytona 500 thrice, in 1978, 1982, and 1988. The 1988 win held a special place in his heart as he finished just before his son, Davey Allison. Reflecting on that race, Bobby said, “It really is a special feeling.”
Besides his track victories, Allison was part of one of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history. In the 1979 Daytona 500, a post-race skirmish between Allison, his brother Donnie, and driver Cale Yarborough drew nationwide attention. The incident, which was broadcast live, is often credited with increasing NASCAR’s popularity. Allison later joked, “Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose.”
Allison’s career also faced hardships. He was involved in a nearly fatal accident at the Pocono Raceway in 1988, sustaining serious head injuries that ended his driving career. He also had to deal with the tragic deaths of his sons: Clifford in a 1992 racing accident and Davey in a 1993 helicopter crash. Even after these personal tragedies, Allison remained a strong figure in the racing world.
In 2011, Allison was honored for his contributions to the sport and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Jim France, the NASCAR Chairman, noted, “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.”
Allison’s legacy is not just about his racing achievements. He was also known for his dedication to his fans, often spending time signing autographs and interacting with them. His commitment to the sport and its community has left a lasting impact on NASCAR history.
Allison is survived by his daughters, Bonnie and Carrie. The family has announced that a private funeral service will be held, with only close family and friends in attendance. This private event will give those closest to Bobby a chance to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
Details for a public memorial service have not been released yet. However, the family recognizes Bobby’s significant influence on the racing community and his fans. They are exploring options to allow the public to honor his life and contributions to motorsports.
