Bobby Allison was the bravest of the brave

Many great warriors have competed in motorsports, but no one has responded to tragedy and heartbreak with unparalleled courage than Bobby Allison.

Taking stock of his losses is staggering. The NASCAR Hall of Famer suffered the sudden deaths of his two sons, Clifford (1992) and Davey (1993), in separate racing and aviation accidents. Then the loss of fellow “Alabama Gang” member Neil Bonnett (1994) in a practice crash at the Daytona International Speedway. Later, the loss of the love of his life, Judy (2015), after what should have been a relatively simple medical procedure.

The rivalry during his Cup career was legendary and certainly honed his steel, including nail-biting duels and heated exchanges with fellow future Hall of Famers Curtis Turner, Richard Petty, Junior Johnson and Darrell Waltrip.

He didn’t back down from anyone.

Allison’s iron will and quest for perfection led to conflict, which saw him drive for more than twenty different Cup car owners. His legend grew all the while.

In 1974, Bobby suffered a broken back in a crash at Riverside during the IROC Series Saturday race. Yet there he was, back on track the next day in an improvised brace, beating the biggest names in motorsport such as Foyt, Unser, Petty, Pearson, Yarborough and Formula 1 world champions Jody Scheckter and Emerson Fittipaldi.

His battle with Cale Yarborough alongside his brother Donnie in the 1979 Daytona 500 created an unforgettable memory, which is still considered one of the most important events in NASCAR history.

Allison was the original barnstormer, racing everywhere, every day of the week. Local short tracks would promote his special appearances, where he would shake hands, sign autographs and race against local heroes at hundreds of locations, building a nationwide following as one of the sport’s most popular drivers. He was known for ‘buzzing’ the tracks on his private plane upon arrival and departure, allowing fans to imagine where he went next.

On the track, he suffered wrecks that changed the course of NASCAR history. In 1987, his crash into the fencing at Talladega resulted in engine restrictor plates for Daytona and Talladega Superspeedway to slow the cars. He had horrific crashes in Elko, Minnesota and Rockingham and barely missed a beat.

After his father-son finish 1-2 with Davey in the 1988 Daytona 500, Bobby suffered a career-ending crash at Pocono in June that caused a near-life-threatening crash, resulting in serious head injuries. As he recovered from that injury, Bobby focused on resuming his career as a car owner and supporting the racing careers of Clifford and Davey.

After retiring as a car owner, Bobby made numerous appearances at fan meetings, festivals and special events. Sitting next to his brother and fellow NASCAR Hall of Famers Donnie Allison and Red Farmer, they were always among the most famous legends in the autograph line, drawing the longest lines.

Bobby faced several health issues in his final years, but he always had the support of his daughters, Bonnie and Carrie, and countless lifelong friends who stopped by with a strawberry milkshake from Chick-fil-A.

Some competitors are judged by their numbers and he doesn’t lose any shine there. Allison’s 85 career wins rank fourth on the all-time Cup Series wins list. Others are judged on their contributions as innovators, and Bobby was one of the best at developing power steering and spotter radio communications. Some may be judged by fan appeal and popularity, and again, Bobby’s legion of fans is legendary.

He did it all with grit, determination and courage.

Bobby first came to my attention when I was 14 and competing in the 1966 Old Dominion 500 in Martinsville. Bobby and Fred Lorenzen fought in a classic battle. Bobby led 218 laps in his small Chevelle, owned by Donald Brackins, while Lorenzen led 172 laps in his factory-backed Holman Moody Ford. Late engine problems relegated Bobby to third, while Lorenzen won.

From that day at Martinsville, I have followed Bobby’s career closely. When I started working on the media side of the sport 42 years ago, I never dreamed I would know Bobby so well. I especially enjoyed visiting Bobby and Judy at their home, where Judy had gluten-free cookies ready when I arrived. The stories we shared will always stay with me.

One of my most cherished accomplishments is my small role in NASCAR in recognition of his 85th career victory at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1971.

Despite all his trials and tribulations, Bobby kept his faith, cherished the love of his family, and was supported by thousands of friends and fans.

Rest in peace, my friend, and enjoy your family reunion.

Ken Martin, director of historical content, has worked exclusively for NASCAR since 2008, but has been involved with the sport since 1982. He has worked in the broadcast booth for hundreds of races, calculating the “points as they run” for the historic 1992 race finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway.