Bobby Allison

Bobby Allison (December 3, 1937-) was one of the first NASCAR drivers and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. Born in Miami, Florida, he grew up in Hueytown, Alabama and entered his first race as a senior in high school, but was ordered to quit by his father after a few accidents.

Bobby Allison began his NASCAR career as a mechanic and an engine tester, but eventually became a driver and won the national championship in the modified special division in 1962. He moved to the Grand National circuit in 1965 and got his first victory at Oxford Plains Speedway on July 12, 1966.

During the course of his career, Bobby Allison accumulated 84 victories, which ties him for third all-time with Darrell Waltrip, including three victories at the Daytona 500 in 1978, 1982 and 1988, where he finished one-two with his son, Davey Allison. He was also the Winston Cup Champion in 1983.

On June 19, 1988, Bobby Allison nearly died in a crash at Pocono International Raceway, but was left with injuries that forced his retirement from NASCAR. He was elected to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993, tragically, the same year as his son Davey died in a helicopter accident at Talladega Superspeedway.