Allison
Bobby Allison after winning the 1988 Daytona 500. (NASCAR Photo)

Bobby Allison Passes Away At 86

NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison died Saturday at the age of 86. His family confirmed his death.

According to the family’s statement, Allison “passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 9, 2024, surrounded by family. He had been in declining health over the past few years but continued to give back to the sport he loved.”

READ: The Inspirational Bobby Allison 

Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame after an illustrious NASCAR Cup Series career which spanned a quarter of a century. During his time in NASCAR’s premier series, Allison scored 85 victories, which ranks fourth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list.

He was the 1983 Cup Series champion and won the Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway three times. He also captured four Southern 500s at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway three times. 

Bobby Allison Neil Bonett Donny Allison Alabama Gang
Bobby Allison (right) with brother Donnie (center) and Neil Bonnett at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. (SPEED SPORT Archives photo)

Months after winning the 1988 Daytona 500, Allison was involved in a serious crash at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, where he was initially listed in critical but stable condition with a severely broken left leg, broken ribs, a concussion, a bruised heart and closed-head trauma.

After emergency surgery and countless rehabilitation, Allison overcame the life-threatening injuries to continue everyday life. He would never race again. 

Allison was one of the founding members of the famed “Alabama Gang” alongside his younger brother Donnie Allison and Red Farmer. 

On Oct. 23, NASCAR awarded Allison his 85th career victory in the Myers Brothers Memorial at Bowman Gray Stadium on Aug. 6, 1971. NASCAR did not declare an official winner of the race until this year. 

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France released a statement following the news.

“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,” the statement read. “As a driver, he won races and championships across several NASCAR divisons. 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.”

According to Allison’s family, arrangements have not been announced.