Davey Allison was one of NASCAR’s most distinguished drivers. The son of racing icon Bobby Allison and member of Alabama Gang, he won 19 NASCAR Cup Series races including Daytona 500 and Winston 500 victories; was 1987 Rookie of the Year winner; 1992 Winston All-Star Race champion; and 1993 IROC champion; eventually being honored with induction into NASCAR Hall of Fame status in 2019.
However, Allison was tragically cut short at 32 by a fatal helicopter accident at Talladega Superspeedway in 1993. While on his way to watch his friend Neil Bonnett test his car at Talladega Superspeedway, Allison lost control and crashed in the infield, suffering serious head injuries before ultimately passing away at a hospital near Birmingham, Alabama later on that same day.
A Racing Prodigy
Davey Allison was born in Hollywood, Florida on February 25, 1961 as the oldest of four children of Bobby and Judy Allison. Soon after moving to Hueytown Alabama as a child, his family became immersed in racing – learning car maintenance from both his father and uncle Donnie Allison who were successful NASCAR drivers; as well as befriending local racers such as Red Farmer and Neil Bonnett who formed what would later be known as The Alabama Gang.
Davey Allison began racing at Birmingham International Raceway as an 18-year-old, winning his inaugural race after only six attempts – becoming an instantaneous success at both tracks. Additionally, he competed in ARCA series where he won eight races (four at Talladega Superspeedway). In 1984 he was honored as ARCA Rookie of the Year while finishing second overall.
A Rising Star in NASCAR
Davey Allison made his NASCAR Cup Series debut driving for Hoss Ellington at Talladega in 1985. After qualifying 22nd and finishing 10th in his inaugural race, Allison quickly impressed many and eventually caught the attention of car owner Harry Ranier who hired him to drive No. 28 Ford starting 1987. Allison quickly won three races during his rookie year: Winston 500 at Talladega (beating his father Bobby to finish line); Dover 500 and Southern 500 events plus being named Rookie of the Year – all during one rookie season alone.
Allison continued to win races and compete for championships for Ranier, then later Robert Yates. In 1992 he won both Daytona 500 and Winston All-Star Race after an exciting duel with Bill Elliott; also winning both races was controversial due to a controversial crash with Kyle Petty during their final lap due to rain delays on race day; finishing third overall both years in points standings (behind Dale Earnhardt and Elliott).
A Tragic End
Davey Allison was affected by several accidents and tragedies during his career and life, such as being involved in a violent crash at Pocono in 1992 that saw him flip several times, leading to concussion and broken arm injuries. Furthermore, Clifford died during a practice crash at Michigan in 1992 while Alan Kulwicki perished in a plane crash two years later.
On July 12, 1993, tragedy struck when Davey Allison was flying his helicopter to Talladega Superspeedway alongside Red Farmer who was also a pilot. Allison misjudged the wind and hit a catch fence before misplacing and spinning out of control before landing in an infield corner and spinning up again before eventually spinning and collapsing; Farmer managed to survive with broken arms and punctured lungs; Allison unfortunately suffered massive head trauma; airlifted for surgery at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham before eventually losing consciousness before passing away a day later leaving behind wife Liz as well as Robbie (Robbie), his son Robbie (Robbie), and daughter Krista.
A Lasting Legacy
Davey Allison left behind an indelible mark on NASCAR with his excellence and passion, being one of the most popular drivers from his era and leader of a group known as the Young Guns. Admired by peers and loved by fans alike, who still fondly remember him today. NASCAR honored Davey by honoring him as one of its 50 Greatest Drivers (1998) as well as by honoring him with induction into its Hall of Fame in 2019 (his son Robbie followed in his footsteps and became a driver while Krista became a journalist/writer).
Davey Allison was an extraordinary NASCAR driver whose talent shone briefly but brilliantly. A racer at heart, Davey lived for speed but died too soon. A beloved hero to many who inspired by his life – Davey Allison will never be forgotten as one of NASCAR’s legendary racers.
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