NASCAR Settles a 53-Year Debate: Bobby Allison Finally Gets His 85th Win

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, what’s the story? On August 6, 1971, at Bowman Gray Stadium, Allison drove a Grand American ’70 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 wasn’t in a Cup car, the win was never counted in the official record books—even 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 NASCAR’s all-time wins list.

At 86, Allison finally gets his place in history, thanks to NASCAR’s 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.

It’s fitting timing, too: Bowman Gray is back on the Cup schedule in 2025, and the season opener, “The Clash,” will take place there. It’ll be the first Cup race there since that controversial 1971 event. You can bet Allison, now recognized as Bowman Gray’s last Cup winner, will be in attendance when NASCAR returns to the iconic track in February.