Talladega to honor Bobby Allison with ceremonial parade lap driven by grandson

The NASCAR weekend at Talladega is still a week away. When it comes around, Bobby Allison will be honored ahead of the Cup Series race. The Jack Link’s 500 will have a parade lap honoring the late Hall of Famer and all-time great race car driver.

Bobby Allison and the Alabama Gang made Talladega what it is today. The high banks, high speeds, and unmatched atmosphere of Alabama’s own NASCAR track at Talladega are all because of this special group of racers.

Last year, NASCAR credited Allison with his 85th official win in the Cup Series. A long-contested race from Bowman Gray Stadium was granted an official winner after 52+ years. Before NASCAR returned to the Madhouse, they had to take care of that piece of history first.

With 85 wins in his career, four came at Talladega. This is the first NASCAR race at Talladega since Allison died. So, NASCAR will honor him and his family before the Cup Series race next week.

“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,” Talladega Superspeedway said in a statement. “Allison’s famed 1969 Mercury Cyclone will be driven around the track by his grandson Robbie Allison following the National Anthem.”

A touching tribute. Bobby Allison and his family deserve this recognition and more.

NASCAR celebrating Bobby Allison at Talladega

We could spend the entire day talking about Bobby Allison, his brother Donnie, Red Farmer, and all of those members of the Alabama Gang. Without these tenacious drivers and their accomplishments, NASCAR would not be what it is today.

Talladega is a sacred place. It is not a Crown Jewel, but this Spring race carries a lot of meaning to many drivers. You want to conquer this track. It could mean a lot more with the prerace parade lap.

“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.”

Of course, this is a big moment for the Allison family. Grandson Robbie is very excited to take the parade lap. One last ride with his granddad.

“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.”