Nov. 12—It was sad news when the racing community learned of the passing of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison this week.
Allison was a founder of the famed “Alabama Gang,” competed in NASCAR from 1961 through 1988 and recorded 85 wins over that span of time.
He was named as one of NASCAR’s greatest 50 drivers.
Allison his credited with helping put NASCAR in the national spotlight with his famed 1979 fight during the closing laps of the Daytona 500 with Cale Yarborough and was joined in the melee 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 didn’t find 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, capturing the pole position for the 1975 Redbud 400.
His youngest son, Clifford, died in a racing accident, and 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.
It also marked the last full-time ride in competition for Martin Truex Jr.
—A judge has denied an effort by 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to allow the teams to compete with a charter, although both teams missed the deadline set by NASCAR.
The teams have filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR over broadcast revenues shared with race teams.
Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
