Bobby Allison, NASCAR Cup Champion and Winner of 85 Races, Dies at 86

Bobby Allison, legendary race car driver who won the 1983 NASCAR Cup Series championship, 85-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner and Class of 2011 Class of 2011 NASCAR Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 20. 86.

According to the statement made by the Allison family, the legendary driver passed away peacefully at home with his family on Sunday, November 9.

“It is with deep sadness that Bobby Allison’s family announces his death at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 9, 2024. His health had been deteriorating for the past few years, but his health continued to deteriorate. In a statement, the family said his loved one “Give back to sports,” he said.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan driver. He enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and chat with them everywhere he went. He was a dedicated family man, friend and devout Catholic.”

Allison’s family has not disclosed arrangements, and the family asks that anyone wishing to honor Allison consider making a donation to his or her church (St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC), any local Catholic church or diocese, or the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preservation Society. or Victory Junction Gang Camp.

While every driver wants to compete for wins and championships, the most prestigious honor a driver can achieve is to be considered a true racer. Allison was.

“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer,’” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France in a statement. “Although he is known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books. As a driver, he won races and championships in various NASCAR divisions. But as the leader of the Famous “Alabama Gang,” Bobby connected with his fans in the most meaningful ways “On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family and friends, and the fans are saddened by the loss of a NASCAR great.”

Calling Hueytown, Alabama home, Allison made his 718 NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 1961 Daytona 500 Qualifying race on February 24, 1961. Allison started 29th that day and came home with a 20th-place finish, which helped secure his spot in the 1961 Daytona 500.

Allison accomplished a lot during his illustrious career, but despite numerous close calls, he had yet to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship heading into the 1983 season. In a tough season-long battle with Darrell Waltrip, Allison managed to capture his first and only NASCAR Cup Series championship at the age of 45, after a six-win season with DiGard Racing, where Waltrip had previously raced.

11 of Allison’s 85 career NASCAR Cup Series wins came in an incredible 1971 season; This marked the most wins in any season of his NASCAR Cup Series career.

Just last month, Allison was officially awarded the Allison award for her 85th career victoryHe increased his total for the 1971 season to 11 wins. Allison had won a NASCAR Cup Series, Grand American mixed event at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1971, but after a protest from NASCAR Cup Series drivers following that race, Allison, who drove a Grand American car in the race, was never awarded the award. official victory.

Throughout his life, Allison continued to emphasize the fact that he won this race in 1971. On October 23, 2024, the record book reflected this fact when NASCAR finally decided to recognize Allison’s 85th career victory.

The final race of Allison’s NASCAR Cup Series driving career took place at Pocono Raceway on June 19, 1988; At this event Allison would suffer near-fatal injuries in a violent crash in the opening round when he was t-boned by Jocko Maggiacomo.

Allison underwent head surgery and remained in a medically induced coma. After struggling with his injuries, Allison became a successful car owner in the NASCAR Cup Series.

One of the best drivers to ever race, Allison logged 718 starts during his 25-year NASCAR Cup Series career. Allison achieved 85 wins, 336 top-five finishes and 446 top-10s, as well as 59 pole positions.