Bobby Allison - Dec 3, 1937-Nov 9, 2024)
Robert Arthur (Bobby) Allison passed away November 9, 2024 at his home in Mooresville, NC. Allison was a member of the ‘Alabama Gang’ of racers that included Red Farmer, Bobby and Bobby’s brother, Donnie. Allison was one of the most versatile racers of his era, running a total of 718 NASCAR Cup races, 43 Xfinity races, 17 GN East, 21 various ARCA races, six Champ Car (Indycar) races, plus winning the 1980 IROC championship and numerous other races, including a win in the 1982 Busch Clash at Daytona.
Allison and his wife Judy paid a high price in racing, losing both sons, Clifford in a racing crash and Davey when his small helicopter crashed at Talladega. Bobby and Judy divorced after their different ways of coping with the loss conflicted, but later reconciled and remarried. (a personal note: the story of their reconciliation and remarriage was this writer’s favorite story in my career at Speedvision.com.)
Allison is often credited with bringing NASCAR into the national spotlight with the confrontation he had with Cale Yarborough after Yarborough and Donnie Allison in the closing lap of the 1979 Daytona 500. The eastern US was snowed in by a winter storm, adding to the TV audience that weekend and the event drew a record viewership rating.
Statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France:
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ 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. As a driver, he won races and championships across several NASCAR divisions. But as the leader of the famous “Alabama Gang,” Bobby connected with fans in a profound manner. In the most significant ways, he gave his all to our sport. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.”
John Davison
Long-time RIS staffer, beginning in the mid-80s. Charlotte, NC area local contact.