Bobby Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer, dies at 86

CNN
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NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison has died at age 86, the racing organization announced Saturday.

According to NASCAR, Allison died peacefully at his home in Mooresville, North Carolina. A cause of death was not given.

As one of the founding members of NASCAR’s “Alabama Gang,” Allison ranks fourth on the all-time wins list with 85 race victories.

Last month, Allison was honored with his 85th win, with NASCAR officials recognizing him for winning a controversial race at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1971, the racing organization said.

He later won the 1983 NASCAR championship and the Daytona 500 three times.

“Bobby Allison embodied the term ‘racing driver’. While he is best known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement.

“As a driver, he won races and championships in multiple NASCAR divisions. But as the leader of the famous “Alabama Gang,” Bobby had a deep connection with fans. He gave everything for our sport in a very special way. On behalf of the French family and all of NASCAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.”

In 2011, Allison was inducted into NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class.