Bobby Allison Daytona 500 Champion

Lore & Background

Allison was the founder of the Alabama Gang, a group of drivers based in Hueytown, Alabama. He raced competitively in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1961 to 1988. He also raced in IndyCar, Trans-Am, and Can-Am. Named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He was unusual for competing successfully with his own, low-budget team for much of his career.

Reader's Guide

Allison accumulated 85 credited victories and one uncredited victory, making him fourth all-time. He won the Daytona 500 in 1978, 1982, and 1988, finishing one-two with his son, Davey Allison in 1988. He was NASCAR Winston Cup Champion in 1983. He also won the Firecracker 400 in 1982, sweeping both Sprint Cup point races at Daytona that year. He is the oldest driver (50 years) ever to win the Daytona 500.

Did You Know?

• Allison's brother Donnie Allison was also a prominent driver, as were his two sons, Clifford and Davey Allison.
• Bobby and Donnie's televised fistfight with Cale Yarborough at the 1979 Daytona 500 has been credited with exposing NASCAR to a nationwide audience.
• Allison was involved in a 1987 Talladega crash where his car went airborne into the catch fence, leading NASCAR to mandate restrictor plates.
• Allison won the first Daytona 500 run with restrictor plates in 1988, making him the first driver to win the Daytona 500 both with and without restrictor plates.