
After more than half a century, NASCAR legend Bobby Allison is now officially credited with his 85th career win in the NASCAR Cup Series. This win, from a race way back in 1971, has finally been added to his record.
So, whatโs the story? On August 6, 1971, at Bowman Gray Stadium, Allison drove a Grand American โ70 Ford Mustang against a mixed field of Cup cars and smaller Grand American cars. He led most of the race, crossing the finish line first with Richard Petty close behind.
But because Allison wasnโt in a Cup car, the win was never counted in the official record booksโeven though the race was part of the 1971 Cup Series schedule. No one was officially credited with the win that day, leading to decades of debate.
Allison has always insisted he had 85 wins, not 84, and for good reason. This change bumps him ahead of Darrell Waltrip, placing him in sole possession of fourth on NASCARโs all-time wins list.
At 86, Allison finally gets his place in history, thanks to NASCARโs willingness to reexamine the records and officially acknowledge his victory.
Bobby Allison being recognised for his 85th win. Photo:NASCAR Media
This adjustment also means that Allison now holds the honor of being the first driver to win a Cup race in a Ford Mustang, not Brad Keselowski in 2019, as previously thought.
Itโs fitting timing, too: Bowman Gray is back on the Cup schedule in 2025, and the season opener, โThe Clash,โ will take place there. Itโll be the first Cup race there since that controversial 1971 event. You can bet Allison, now recognized as Bowman Grayโs last Cup winner, will be in attendance when NASCAR returns to the iconic track in February.
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