Nov. 12—It was sad news when the auto racing community learned this week of the passing of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison.
Allison was one of the founders of the famous “Alabama Gang”, competed in NASCAR from 1961 to 1988 and recorded 85 victories during that time.
He was named one of the top 50 drivers in NASCAR.
Allison is credited with helping put NASCAR in the national spotlight with his famous 1979 fight during the final laps of the Daytona 500 with Cale Yarborough and was joined in the fray by his brother, Donnie.
He was the 1983 champion and won the Daytona 500 three times: in 1978, 1982 and 1988.
Allison also competed in two Indianapolis 500 races, but did not have much success at the Brickyard.
He also competed in the International Race of Champions, Trans-Am and Can-Am and made several starts with the Pendleton-based American Speed Association.
Allison made at least one start at Anderson Speedway, winning the pole position for the 1975 Redbud 400.
His youngest son, Clifford, died in a racing accident and his son Davey died in a helicopter crash at Talladega.
IN OTHER RACING NEWS
—Joey Logano won his third Cup championship by winning the final race of the season at Phoenix.
Logano finished ahead of championship contender and teammate Ryan Blaney. Title contenders William Byron and Tyler Reddick both finished in the top 10.
This was also Martin Truex Jr’s last full-time competitive race.
— A judge has denied efforts by 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to allow teams to compete with a charter, although both teams missed the deadline set by NASCAR.
The teams filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR over broadcast revenue shared with racing teams.
Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide or call 765-640-4863.
