TALLADEGA, Ala. — Talladega Superspeedway announced today that original “Alabama Gang” members Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer will serve as the Grand Marshals and will give the command to fire engines for the Geico 500 this Sunday, April 23.
The pre-race celebrants are joining the weekend as part of the NASCAR Legends Presented by Geico campaign, highlighting traditions and stories throughout the rich history of NASCAR, which will conclude with the Geico 500.
In addition to giving the command, after the familiar sight of Johnny Ray’s big rig flying the American flag during the National Anthem, Donnie Allison will take a ceremonial lap in his famed No. 27 1968 Ford. The car won five races between 1968-1970, and had a local tie-in to Talladega with sponsorship from Sunny King Ford in nearby Anniston, Alabama.
“To have the original ‘Alabama Gang’ members involved in our pre-race ceremonies is truly an honor,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton. “It’s going to be very special seeing Donnie drive around the track during his ceremonial lap. The impact that Bobby, Donnie, and Red had on both NASCAR and Talladega can’t be measured and it always means a lot to the fans when they come out to the track.”
Farmer and the Allison brothers became popular in Alabama during the late 1950s and early 1960s while racing on short tracks in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery. In 2014, Talladega Superspeedway named the 4,000-foot backstretch “The Alabama Gang Superstretch,” which showcases scripts at the exit of turn two and near the entrance of turn three in their honor.
The Alabama Gang also had great success racing at Talladega Superspeedway. Bobby visited victory lane four times during his career. He won 85 career races and was the 1983 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Donnie was able to win twice at Talladega (1971, 1977) and earned 10 career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. Farmer obtained two wins in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega and is a 3-time NASCAR Late Model Sports Champion (1969, 1970, 1971). Bobby was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011 and Red joined him with the Class of 2021.