NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison has Passed Away

Bobby Allison, celebrated NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Daytona 500 winner, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday at the age of 86, according to NASCAR and the Associated Press.

Allison joined the Grand National circuit as a full-time driver in 1965 and quickly established himself as a force in the sport. With 85 career victories, he stands fourth on NASCAR’s all-time win list for its premier series. Allison made an impressive 718 career starts—the 14th-highest in series history—and logged 336 top-five finishes, second only to Richard Petty in consistency at the top.

In 1983, he claimed the premier series championship, solidifying his legacy among NASCAR’s elite. Known for his dominance in high-stakes races, Allison secured wins at the Daytona 500 in 1978, 1982, and 1988. His prowess also extended to the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, where he won four times (1971, ’72, ’75, and ’83), and to the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which he captured three times (’71, ’81, and ’84).

Allison’s impact on NASCAR was felt both on and off the track. His fierce rivalry with Cale Yarborough, highlighted by a famous fight during the 1979 Daytona 500, captivated the nation and helped propel NASCAR into the mainstream. As one of the founding members of the “Alabama Gang,” alongside his brother Donnie and Red Farmer, Allison contributed to a legacy that would earn each member a place in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.