Bobby Allison remains to this day an American racing institution, despite having retired from the sport two decades ago. During an extraordinary career he claimed NASCAR victories in three different decades, but it was also a career tinged with tragedy.

Bobby was born on December 3rd, 1937 in Florida. His father Edmond was a fan of both cars and motorcycles, but it was four wheeled competition which appealed most to the young Bobby. By the time he left high school Bobby had already competed in his first races. Along with his brother Donnie and their friend Red Farmer the trio relocated to Hueytown, Alabama, where there was a thriving racing scene.

After cutting his teeth in short track races Bobby made his NASCAR debut at the 1961 Daytona 500. His first win came five years later at the Oxford Plains Speedway. During his career the record books show that he went onto claim a total of 84 wins, but the actual total is open for debate. On two occasions Bobby was apparently denied race wins. At the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 race he crossed the line first but, due to NASCAR's complicated rules, he was not credited with the win. Two years later, at the 1973 National 500, he finished third but suspected the two drivers ahead of him of running with over-sized engines. Due to inaccuracies with the scrutineering process it was never proved but many feel Bobby should have been the winner.

Bobby's greatest season came in 1983 when he was crowned the NASCAR Winston Cup Champion. On five other occasions he finished runner-up in the championship. 1978 brought him his first Daytona 500 win, a feat he repeated twice more, the most memorable win coming in 1988. He crossed the line ahead of his son Davey, becoming both the first father and son to finish 1-2 in the great race and the oldest winner. That Daytona win was also the final victory of Bobby's career. Later in the season he suffered a career ending crash at Pocono.

Following his retirement Bobby began running his own team but often struggled to attract sponsors and raise a competitive budget. His final season as a team owner was 1996. Other notable achievements in Bobby's career included winning the 1980 International Race of Champions (IROC) title and being inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993. Bobby also made two starts in the Indianapolis 500, with a best qualifying position of 14th and a best race finish of 25th.

Bobby's brother Donnie also competed in NASCAR, recording ten victories, but he also suffered a serious accident which effectively curtailed his career in 1981. Bobby's sons Clifford and Davey both followed their father into the sport but both had their lives cut short by accidents. In 1992 Clifford died in a horrific crash at Michigan International Speedway. Davey died the following year in a helicopter crash at Talladega.

Bobby Allison is assured his place in NASCAR history as one of the greatest exponents of the series. His popularity with the fans is reflected by his six Most Popular Driver awards. Now 70 years old he can reflect on a brilliant career and an enduring legacy.

Sources:

www.bobbyallison.com
www.decadesofracing.net
www.nascar.com
Indy 500 Yearbook
The Nostalgia Forum

Learn more about this author, Kevin Guthrie.
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