NASCAR legend Bobby Allison has died aged 86

NASCAR legend Bobby Allison has died at the age of 86. The former driver reportedly passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family following a health condition he had been dealing with for the past few years.

Bobby Allison was a former NASCAR Cup Series driver notable for being one of the most successful in the sport. He won his first and only Cup championship in 1983 and a total of 85 races, which puts him fourth on the all-time list between Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip.

The former driver’s family released a statement on his passing, saying:

“With deep sadness, the family of Bobby Allison announces his passing at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully at home on November 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.”

The statement continues:

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

While the arrangement has yet to be finalized, the family encouraged fans to donate to Allison’s home church instead of offering flowers.

“Arranged have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to Bobby’s home church (St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, N.C.), your local Catholic church or diocese, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preservation Society, or Victory Junction Gang Camp.”

Jim France, NASCAR’s chief executive officer, also had words for Bobby Allison on behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR.

“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ Though he is best known as the 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 a dealer 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.”

Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. In his 718 starts, the former driver secured 58 poles and 85 wins. He was also a 3-time Daytona 500 winner.

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Bobby Allison moved to fourth on all-time wins list this year after being awarded as the winner of 1971 race

Earlier this year, NASCAR made Bobby Allison’s win at the 1971 Myers Brother Memorial 250 from Bowman Gray Stadium official. This put his name fourth on the all-time NASCAR Cup race wins list with 85 victories after tying with Darrell Waltrip for a long time.

The 1971 Myers Brother Memorial 250 witnessed Allison winning the trophy for a first-place effort ahead of Richard Petty. However, the race win wasn’t made official following a controversy where it held the Grand National Series (now known as the Cup Series) and Grand American Series in the same race for the first time.

The Grand National teams felt the Grand American teams had an advantage, with seven-time champion Richard Petty saying cars from each series shouldn’t run in the same race.

After 53 years, NASCAR decided to recognize the race win, making Bobby Allison an 85-time Cup race winner.