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The legacy of NASCAR's racing families

Nascar is definetely a family oriented sport. Most of the drivers out their credit their families for what they do, whether its their wives and children, or the whole clan, Nascar racing families have a definite legacy in this high speed sport. There are families in Nascar that are just as legendary as the drivers. Some of these families have generations of racers, some of them who even competed against eachother. Family is what makes Nascar what it is.

Two brothers competing in Nascar created the legacy known as the "Alabama Gang". This family could be known by no other name than The Allisons. Bobbie and Donnie Allison started this legacy, which has continued in racing for five decades. These brothers started out racing in Florida, but after a trip to Alabama, that all changed. The brothers made handfuls more money, so they continued racing in Bama. They moved the family down there, and thats where the name "Alabama Gang" was born. These brothers continued into victory lane in the Southeast, making them legends. Bobby Allison become one of the 50 all time greatest Nascar drivers. Donnie Allison has won more than 500 races on the short track. Donnie is a major part of Allison Brothers Race Cars Inc where he advises other drivers and continues on a legacy. And of course Bobby Allison is the other half of the Allison Brothers Race Cars Inc. Bobby's two sons Davey and Clifford, were born into racing, and later went on to become successfull racers just like their father. Davey's son Robbie also got started in racing. So as you can see, The Allison Family is a family that will forever be famous for decades of standout racing stars.

Of course when you think of legendary Nascar families, The Earnhart's are one to be remembered. Dale Earnhart started it all in racing.This man began his leading was from his father Ralph Earnhart, who was also a well known name in Nascar. Dale was known as being "The Intimadator" a force to be reckoned with in his signature black #3 car. This man was a family man, and was known to be mean on the track but the nicest guy ever off the track. Dale won seven Winston Cup Championships and 76 races, however, he was easily defeated. Dale was in his last lap in the 2001 Dayton 500, when a sobering crash took his life. Dale lost his life trying to help another team member and also his son, Dale Earnhart Jr. to win the race. Dale Jr. took second place that day, however his life was forever changed. Dale Jr., also known as Little E has continued the legacy of the Earnhart Family. He is also very successfull and is a major standout in Nascar today. He too, is also becoming a huge legacy in Nascar.

There are also several other famous families in Nascar, such as The Labontes, The Burtons, The Pettys, The Sadlers, The Waltrips and many many more. Each of these families have their own legacy, of victory and tragedy, good times, good luck, along with hard times and hard luck. However, each of these families prove one thing, family is what gets you where you are, and is your support system. It is amazing how Nascar can be a sport the whole family participates in.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Miller.
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