NASCAR world mourned the death of legendary racer Bobby Allison with tributes and stories

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The current Winston Cup point leader Bobby Allison is all smiles during qualifying for the Busch Nashville 420 NASCAR race at Nashville Raceway July 15, 1983.

NASCAR legend Bobby Allison died Saturday at the age of 86, NASCAR announced in a statement. A cause of death was not mentioned, but his family in a statement noted he had been in declining health in recent years.

The former NASCAR driver was a hugely influential factor in the sport for decades as a three-time Daytona 500 winner, the fourth all-time winningest NASCAR driver with 85 checkered flags and an original member of the “Alabama Gang.”

Inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in 2011, Allison raced in the sport from 1961 until 1988 and was also the 1983 NASCAR champion.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went,” the Allison family said in a statement via NASCAR.

Ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race Saturday at Phoenix Raceway, there was a moment of silence to honor Allison:

But there were many more tributes and stories shared online as news of the racing legend’s death spread.

How the NASCAR world reacted to the death of Bobby Allison

“When Bobby Allison would roll in, you’d think God had rolled in.” – Dale Earnhardt

Bobby was as great a racer as any. A brilliant engineer, superb driver. Just as good in a Cup car, modified, dirt modified, Indycar, or sports car. A man who gave everything for racing RIP legend pic.twitter.com/WkQNaAubNu

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) November 10, 2024

Prayers going to the Allison family on the passing of Bobby. The Allison’s have always been close to our family with my dad still meeting Bobby recently for breakfasts. I have a vivid memory of Davey sitting at our kitchen table when I was younger. I can only think of Bobby’s… pic.twitter.com/FZzvRcYEcE

— Wendy Venturini (@WendyVenturini) November 10, 2024

Godspeed Bobby Allison. I’ve never known a purer racer but I’ve also never known a man who was forced to endure more pain. No matter, you couldn’t keep him away from the racetrack. As sad as I am he’s passed, I’m so happy knowing he’s back with Judy, Davey, Clifford and Neil. pic.twitter.com/vL2FkkWs32

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) November 10, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with the Allison family. I have so many great memories of my friendship with Bobby. I’ll always remember his as a fierce competitor and a kind human. RIP BA.

— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) November 10, 2024

Just heard the news about Bobby Allison. What a wonderful man, he will be missed. Prayers to the family. #GodSpeed

— Ron Hornaday (@RonHornaday) November 10, 2024

Bobby Allison is an absolute legend. Without him, this sport would not be what it is today, and for that, we should all thank him

Check out this video, where he shows why he was a legend: fearless, Fast, Entertaining, a Role Model, and tough as can be…pic.twitter.com/rxvjssT2PM

— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) November 10, 2024

The Allison family occupies a special place in NASCAR history and Bobby embodied the true spirit of what it means to be a racer. As the heart of the ‘Alabama Gang’, his relentless drive and influence reaches far beyond the impressive record he put together on the track. He… pic.twitter.com/k684sz23eR

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) November 10, 2024

Our prayers go out to the entire Allison family tonight. Bobby Allison was an amazing American with the heart of champion. His legendary perseverance and determination lead him to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and earned him a place in the hearts of all who knew him. God bless the… https://t.co/FTBi6gtTWU

— Marcus Smith (@MarcusSMI) November 10, 2024

RIP to Bobby Allison, one of the Alabama Gang and one of the toughest sumbitches ever to get behind the wheel of a car. Always a kind word for every single fan, every single time NASCAR visited Talladega. pic.twitter.com/Onp1KyUKQX

— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) November 10, 2024

Rest in peace to an American badass. What a legend to this great sport of NASCAR and a true hero. Bobby Allison you will be missed 🙏🏻🏁 pic.twitter.com/UXVgfdb6pP

— Kirt Achenbach (@Kirt_Achenbach) November 10, 2024

It was Bobby Allison that taught our Wallace family how to become NASCAR racers.
Bobby will always be in my heart.
My prayers to his family ❤️

— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) November 10, 2024