40 Facts About Bobby Allison

Early Life and Beginnings

Bobby Allison's journey to becoming a racing legend started in humble beginnings. His early life and initial steps into racing set the stage for a remarkable career.

1. Early Life: Born Robert Arthur Allison on December 3, 1937, in Miami, Florida, Bobby was one of 12 children. At nine, he decided he wanted to become a race car driver.

2. Racing Beginnings: Allison began his racing career in 1955 at Hialeah, Florida. Starting on small, local tracks, he gradually moved up the ranks.

3. The Alabama Gang: Along with his brother Donnie and friend Red Farmer, Bobby formed the "Alabama Gang," a group of drivers based in Hueytown, Alabama. They were known for their competitive spirit and short-track racing prowess.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Bobby Allison's career in NASCAR was marked by numerous victories and championships. His achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport.

4. Career Highlights: Allison is one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR history, with 84 credited victories and 2 uncredited victories, making him fourth all-time in wins.

5. First Victory: He achieved his first victory in the Grand National (now Cup) Series in 1966 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

6. Daytona 500 Wins: Bobby won the Daytona 500 three times: in 1978, 1982, and 1988. His 1988 win was notable as it was his first victory with restrictor plates.

7. NASCAR Champion: In 1983, Bobby became the NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, winning the Driver of the Year award for the second time while driving for DiGard Racing.

Family and Legacy

The Allison family has a rich history in racing, with Bobby's legacy extending through his relatives and their contributions to the sport.

8. Family Legacy: Bobby's brother Donnie was also a prominent driver, and their sons, Clifford and Davey, followed in their footsteps. Davey tragically died in a helicopter crash at Talladega in 1993.

9. Alabama Gang Success: The Alabama Gang achieved significant success in the early years of Allison's career, dominating short-track racing.

10. Father-Son Finish: The 1988 Daytona 500 saw Bobby and Davey finish one-two, making them the first father-son duo to achieve this in the race's history.

Challenges and Controversies

Bobby Allison's career wasn't without its share of challenges and controversies, which only added to his storied legacy.

11. Controversy and Tragedy: The 1982 Daytona 500, known as "Bumpergate," was marred by controversy involving a collision that led to debates about race rules and safety.

12. Career-Ending Crash: In 1988, a severe head injury sustained during a crash at Pocono Raceway effectively ended Allison's driving career.

13. Restrictor Plates: The incident at Talladega in 1987, where Allison's car went airborne, led to NASCAR mandating restrictor plates at Talladega and Daytona to limit speeds.

Honors and Recognition

Bobby Allison's contributions to motorsports have been recognized through numerous awards and hall of fame inductions.

14. NASCAR Hall of Fame: In 2011, Bobby was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of drivers.

15. International Motorsports Hall of Fame: He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993.

16. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Inducted in 1992, further solidifying his place in motorsports history.

17. Driver of the Year Awards: Allison was twice honored as American Driver of the Year and three times as the National Motorsports Press Associations' Driver of the Year.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond the racetrack, Bobby Allison's personal life and philanthropic efforts have also been noteworthy.

18. Personal Life: After his divorce from Judy Bjorkman in the early 1990s, Allison remarried in 2000 and remained married until Judy's death in 2015.

19. Family Tragedies: The Allison family faced numerous tragedies, including the deaths of Davey and Clifford Allison, and Neil Bonnett, another member of the Alabama Gang.

20. Philanthropy: Bobby supported various charitable organizations, focusing on children's health and education.

Impact on NASCAR and Motorsports

Bobby Allison's influence on NASCAR and motorsports extends beyond his on-track achievements.

21. Impact on NASCAR: Allison's involvement in key moments, such as the infamous fight with Cale Yarborough at the 1979 Daytona 500, helped catapult the sport to national prominence.

22. Career Statistics: Allison's official NASCAR stats show 84 premier series victories, tied for fourth all-time. He also led at least one lap for 39 consecutive races, a record, and third in miles led, 29,205.2.

23. Prize Money Won: Allison won $7.2 million in prize money during his career, placing him fifth among all NASCAR drivers.

24. Awards and Recognition: In addition to his Hall of Fame inductions, Allison was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998 and one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Business Ventures and Post-Racing Career

Even after retiring from racing, Bobby Allison remained active in various business ventures and continued to contribute to the racing community.

25. Business Ventures: Allison was involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, including real estate and other business investments.

26. Post-Racing Career: After retiring from driving, he served as a race-car owner for several years but had limited success.

27. Legacy in Motorsports: Despite the challenges and tragedies he faced, Bobby left an indelible mark on motorsports, inspiring generations of drivers and fans.

Short-Track Dominance and Racing Philosophy

Bobby Allison's dominance in short-track racing and his unique racing philosophy contributed significantly to his success.

28. Short-Track Dominance: Allison earned back-to-back Modified Special titles in 1962–63 and two consecutive NASCAR National Modified championships in 1964–65.

29. Racing Philosophy: His approach to racing was characterized by perfectionism and determination. He often said his career had more peaks and valleys than the State of Arizona.

Enduring Legacy and Influence

Bobby Allison's enduring legacy in motorsports continues to inspire new generations of drivers and fans.

30. Legacy in Family Racing: The Allison family's legacy in racing continues through their sons and other relatives who have followed in their footsteps.

31. Impact on Short-Track Racing: Allison's success in short-track racing helped establish these events as a crucial part of NASCAR's schedule.

32. Enduring Legacy: Bobby's story serves as an inspiration to anyone involved in racing or any competitive endeavor.

33. Public Perception: Despite his tough exterior, Allison was known for his kind heart and generosity, widely respected by peers and fans for his integrity and sportsmanship.

34. Media Feud: Allison had a long-standing feud with the media, which often criticized his driving style and behavior, fueling his determination to prove himself on the track.

35. Record-Breaking Streak: In 1972, Allison was voted national Driver of the Year after winning ten races and taking 11 poles, including a record five straight poles.

36. Controversy Over Engine Use: There was controversy over one of Allison's potential wins in 1983, involving possibly illegal engines used by the drivers who finished ahead of him.

37. First Daytona 500 Win with Restrictor Plates: Allison won the first Daytona 500 run with restrictor plates in February 1988, making him the first driver to achieve this feat.

38. Most Popular Driver: He was voted Most Popular Driver by the fans seven times between 1971 and 1983, a testament to his popularity and respect among fans.

39. International Recognition: Allison's impact on motorsports extended beyond NASCAR, competing in various other series including IndyCar, Trans-Am, and Can-Am.

40. Driver of the Year Awards: Allison was twice honored as American Driver of the Year and three times as the National Motorsports Press Associations' Driver of the Year.

Bobby Allison's Lasting Impact

Bobby Allison's career in NASCAR and beyond is a tale of grit, triumph, and resilience. From his early days racing on local tracks to becoming a NASCAR Hall of Famer, Allison's journey is nothing short of legendary. He not only racked up 84 official wins but also left an indelible mark on the sport with his fierce competitiveness and dedication. The Alabama Gang, his three Daytona 500 victories, and his 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship are just a few highlights of his storied career. Despite personal tragedies and a career-ending crash, Allison's legacy continues to inspire. His contributions to motorsports, both on and off the track, have cemented his place as one of the greatest drivers in history. Bobby Allison's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of racing and the impact one individual can have on a sport.