Bobby Allison’s famed 1969 Mercury Cyclone – Bobby Allison Racing Photo
Allison’s famed 1969 Mercury Cyclone will be driven by grandson Robbie Allison
TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 17, 2025) – Talladega Superspeedway announced
today that the late NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison will be honored
during a special parade lap as part of pre-race ceremonies for the
NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500. Allison’s famed 1969 Mercury
Cyclone will be driven around the track by his grandson Robbie Allison
following the National Anthem.
“It’s going to be special honoring the late Bobby Allison with a
parade lap in his famous 1969 Mercury Cyclone prior to the Jack Link’s
500,” said Brian Crichton, Talladega Superspeedway President.
“Bobby’s history racing at Talladega is worth celebrating, with four
career Cup Series victories along with being an integral member of the
Alabama Gang. This tribute celebrates his remarkable contributions to
NASCAR and the track’s storied history, and it will make for an
unforgettable moment.”
Allison’s list of accomplishments can only be described as
extraordinary. He accumulated 85 career NASCAR Cup Series wins along
with being crowned NASCAR Cup Series champion in 1983. Allison was also
a member of the legendary Alabama Gang – originally comprised of
Bobby, his brother Donnie, and their best friend Red Farmer. All three
are enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
At Talladega Superspeedway, Allison competed in 37 NASCAR Cup Series
races from 1970-1988. Allison notched four victories (1971, 1979, 1981,
1986) at Talladega and had 13 top five finishes as part of 19 top 10
finishes. Allison was named to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011,
and was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998.
Allison passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 86 in
Mooresville, NC. Allison’s family announced his death the same day
prior to the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race. This will be
the first race at Talladega Superspeedway since his passing last year
and the parade lap is going to be an emotional moment for those in
attendance as Allison’s legacy to the sport is honored.
“My granddad and I spent countless hours on road trips together. He
insisted on driving every time,” said Robbie Allison. “I can’t
help but smile when I think that we’re going on one last ride
together, but I’m driving this time.”
The spring race weekend action at Talladega kicks off on Saturday, April
26, with a doubleheader. The ARCA Menards Series will hit the track at
12:30 p.m. ET for the General Tire 200 followed by the NASCAR Xfinity
Series Ag-Pro 300 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On Sunday, April 27, the NASCAR Cup
Series stars will duke it out during the Jack Link’s 500 to close out
the weekend at 3:00 p.m. ET.
For ticketing information and more details about upcoming events,
including the Jack Link’s 500 race weekend, visit
www.talladegasuperspeedway.com [1].
About Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is the most competitive racetrack on the
NASCAR schedule (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), the highest-banked
(33 degrees) and the longest (2.66 miles), as well as the most fun and
fan friendly. Three-and four-wide racing at 200 mph are a norm
at Talladega Superspeedway, along with nail-biting, photo finishes.
For information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com [6] or call
1-877-Go2-DEGA.