Bobby Allison’s Son Davey Could’ve Been “Up There With Jimmie Johnson,” Legendary NASCAR Team Owner Once Claimed

Published 12/15/2022, 11:42 AM EST

NASCAR has seen its fair share of tragedies—among the saddest being the untimely death of the seven-time Cup Series Champion, Dale Earnhardt. We have also witnessed other legends like Jimmie Johnson bring glory to the track. But what if there was someone else who could have shared the pedestal with the greatest? This is the story of the son of a NASCAR legend. This is the story of Davey Allison.

As soon as Bobby Allison’s son burst into the NASCAR scene, all eyes were on him. Not only because he was the son of a legend, but because people knew he could carry his father’s legacy forward. Young Davey debuted in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1985 and raced until 1993, amassing 19 victories in just 191 races. For comparison, take Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of another legendary driver, who had to compete in 505 races to win his first 19.

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Tragic end to a promising career

Davey’s talent was undeniable, but everything came to a halt in 1993 when, on the cusp of greatness, he lost his life. Sadness struck the NASCAR field as Allison fell victim to a fatal helicopter crash.

“God Has Asked an Awful Lot of This Family”: Tragic Death of Bobby Allison’s Son Shocked NASCAR Legends to the Core

The driver of the famed No. 28 Texaco-Havoline Ford was no more, and the news hurt everyone. One person, in particular, held him in the highest regard. It was none other than the owner of Yates Racing and the No. 28 Ford, Robert Yates. In fact, Yates went on record saying, “He would’ve been up there with Jimmie Johnson — he’d have been as good as anybody, ever. On driving alone, I’m not sure he couldn’t outperform any of them. All of them. Anybody. Ever. He was amazing.”

Davey Allison made his father feel quite special

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Of course, the loss of one’s son is bound to affect the father profoundly, especially when both were at the top of the same sport. After Davey passed away, Bobby revealed something his son had said that made him feel very special.

“One of the neatest things a father could ever hear from his son, no matter what the circumstances, is ‘Dad, how can I do this better?'” Bobby said. “That was so neat for me. So super special.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: “Wish I Had Died”: NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison’s Tryst With Tragedy Prompted Shocking Revelation Years After the Devastating Incident

There is no doubt that Davey Allison’s death still evokes gloom in the NASCAR community. But it’s his legacy as a gifted and sincere driver that carries on. Do you think he could have been in the same ranks as Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Hetul Katyal is a NASCAR and F1 Writer at Essentially Sports. Currently pursuing his degree in Journalism from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce. When the Stock Cars rev up, you can find him cheering Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch, in hopes of seeing one of them drive to the Victory Lane.

Edited by:

Nischal Kandpal

Bobby Allison’s Son Davey Could’ve Been “Up There With Jimmie Johnson,” Legendary NASCAR Team Owner Once Claimed

Tragic end to a promising career

Davey Allison made his father feel quite special

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