I watched the NASCAR Race Hub interview with Bobby and Donnie Allison a couple of days ago and I was amazed at the fact that this historic, talented driver (Bobby) hadnt been credited with all of his wins. If history is to be accurately recorded in the books then why is the 85th career win of this phenomenal driver not being acknowledged by an entity that states they want to preserve and share their history with the world?
It is amazing that Tiny Lund has been credited with his two wins while driving his Grand American Camaro but Bobby Allison cant have his 85th win counted because he was driving a Grand American car. Things that make you sayhmmm? I think it is unfair and a grave mistake that NASCAR would make if they dont correct this information formally.
Politicsyes, I know a thing or two about that; however, the controlling powers should really take a look at this and make the right decision. There were some savvy business decisions that brought this sport into the national spotlight and even more out of the box thinking that took it to an international level. I believe that thing that is forgotten or overlooked the most is the fact that there had to be some hard core racers who utilized their talent to gain and maintain the interest of the fan base.
Granted, I have fallen in love with this awesome sport and NASCAR has been a huge contributor to that fact; however, it is a little disappointing that they are not sharing all the information or correcting any errors brought to the forefront. This task has been left up to the drivers that have lived to share their awe inspiring stories or their family members who are left to make sure that they are not forgotten due to the commercialization of todays racing personalities.
Personally, I want to thank the many historical organizations such as Racers Reunion who continue to honor these drivers by acknowledging the contributions they have made to this awesome sport.
Until next timeGear Up, Strap In For A Thrillin Ride
Great read Unique. I have never really understood NASCAR's decision on that Allison win either but I do recall that, several years ago, a huge effort was made my Allison and other involved folks, to get that win credited to Bobby's record but NASCAR flat turned it down. I do not recall, however, that there was an issue with the Tiny Lund wins. I have my suspicions about what is behind all that but I already give D.W. enough grief.Thanks for contributing!Tim
Great work Unique...here's a bit of a follow up, courtesy of my good friend Rick Houston at Stock Car History Online:I just learned about your web site, Stock Care History Online. In a word, its great!!With both considerable interest and consternation, I read your pieces on Bobby Allisons confiscated 85th NASCAR Cup win. Back in 2002, I organized a little conclave between some NASCAR historians and NASCAR itself (Jim Hunter and his communication and public relations entourage) to correct the records of its premier series, of which the seized Allison race was one.Some background information is clearly in order. In January of 2002, I provided Jim Hunter, at the EMPAs (Eastern Motorsport Press Association) annual convention, a document that outlined some of the many inaccuracies associated with the win records of some of NASCARs greatest stars, such as Lee Petty, Tim Flock and Bobby Allison. I related to Mr. Hunter that NASCAR needed to correct its records before it would be really taken seriously by the main-stream sports industry. I offered to organize a meeting with two of NASCARs renowned historians, Bob Latford and Greg Fielden, and perhaps others, to establish once and for all an accurate record database for NASCARs premier series. Much to my pleasant surprise, Hunter accepted my offer!On April 23, 2002, Bob Latford, Greg Fielden, Bob Moore, Len Thacher and yours truly met with Jim Hunter and his staff at NASCARs Charlotte office. During the meeting, which commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded at 3 p.m. (would you believe NASCAR provided a catered lunch for us?), we outlined the inaccurate race winners from 1949 thru 1971. Jim Hunter was very receptive with our recommendations and impressed with the manner in which we presented them. He even suggested that we reconvene at some future date to review other NASCAR record categories that he felt needed some scrutiny to ensure accuracy.At the conclusion of this meeting, Bob Latford and Jim Hunter discussed, in jest, how they could arrange an on-camera encounter between Bobby Allison and Darrel Waltrip so that Bobby could tell Darrell, in person, that his Winston-Salem Cup win had been restored and now Allison officially had one more Cup win than Waltrip did.When I asked Jim Hunter how long it would take before NASCARs record data base and the NASCAR Media Guide could be amended to reflect all of the changes, he advised me that after he reviewed them with Bill (France) within the next week, the changes would be reflected in the 2003 Media Guide.I subsequently learned, one month later, that France had agreed with all of the proposed changes, until Hunter reviewed the final recommendation, which was the winner of the infamous 250-lap race at Winston-Salems Bowman Gray Stadium on August 6, 1971. When Hunter suggested that Allison should be credited with a Cup win for that race, France immediately and emphatically rejected the recommendation as well as all of the recommendations he had previously approved. End of story, period!Since my motorsport journalism pursuits concluded at the end of the 2004 season, I no longer had access to NASCARs Media Guide and/or Web site to ascertain if any of our proposed corrections have ever been made.Now back to your article. I was pleased to learn that Tiny Lund has now been credited with the two mixed Grand National/Grand American short-track events and that his career Cup win total is five, which is correct!Sidebar - now Chevrolets manufacturer wins match the number of Cup wins. Its interesting to note that while the manufacturer wins for Ford includes Allisons 70 Grand American Mustang, the driver behind the wheel of the No. 49 Mustang has never been given credit for his victory!Obviously Kerry Tharp doesnt have a clue! This repugnant error can be corrected but the only person in NASCAR that may have an interest in doing so is Mr. Jim Hunter.Don BeichnerMidlothian, Va.EDITORS NOTE: Jim Hunter declined to comment on this letter to the editor, adding only that (i)t is what it is. The commentary to which this letter refers can be found here: http://www.stockcarhistoryonline.com/bobbyallison.php
Unique,you,Devin and Ronda continue to amaze me at the dedication and depth youall go with racing here on R/R.This story about Bobby has been a thorn in the shoe for awhile but every time someone tries to correct it that thorn starts showing its point and things get taken off and put back in the corner. I have heard Bobby and Donnie and the gang talk of this and Bobby always says his true fans know the truth but if it were changed ole Jaws would loose his glory slot. So I guess we can pencil it in here on R/R and then the records will be correct right?!! Because all our records here are true because of people like you who strive for accuracy . Way to go girl. remember to keep the slide in your ride :Johnny
NASCAR is famous for making things up as they go along, and their view of history is nothing new.For example, Big Bill France promoted Fonty Flock as the "1947 NASCAR Champion" after Fonty won the NSCRA title the year prior to NASCAR's formation. NASCAR refuses to acknowledge that now.Bobby being robbed of that win is just another example. And I promise you, as long as Bobby Allison is alive, I doubt NASCAR will change their tune. That's why it's up to people like you and others here on the board to continue to tell the TRUTH about the history of our sport.
Thank you Unique as you no i am a big fan of Bobby and the gang but like everybody is saying it`s Nascar`s call right now but in my mind he has 85 Thank you for wrighting this
Thanks for all the comments. It will be really interesting to find out if/when NASCAR really decides to correct this wrong.