AVONDALE, Ariz. – NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison died Saturday. He was 86 years old.

The former Cup champion ranks fourth on the all-time wins list with 85 after NASCAR recently recognized his victory in a 1971 race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Bowman Gray in February 2025 for the first time since the 1971 race won by Bobby Allison.

Allison won his Cup championship in 1983 and was inducted into the second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He won three Daytona 500s (1978, 1982 and 1988). He was the leader of the “Alabama Gang” in NASCAR.

His sons Davey and Clifford also ran, following in their father’s footsteps. Clifford was killed in a 1992 accident in Michigan. Davey died from injuries sustained in a 1993 helicopter crash at Talladega Superspeedway.

Bobby Allison’s family released a statement:

“It is with deep sadness that the family of Bobby Allison announces his passing at the age of 86. He died peacefully at his home on November 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. His health deteriorated in recent years, but he continued to give back to the sport he loved.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan driver. He truly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and chat with them wherever he went. He was a devoted family man and friend, and a devout Catholic.

NASCAR President Jim France said, “Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ Although 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. As a driver, he won races and championships in several NASCAR divisions.

“But as the leader of the famous ‘Alabama Gang,’ Bobby established a deep connection with the fans. In the most meaningful way, he gave his all to our sport. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I ‘offers my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.

The arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Bobby’s home church (St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC), your local Catholic church or diocese, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preservation Society or at Victory Junction Gang Camp.