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 “It ruined not just our day, but several other people’s days.” Brad Keselowski said these words after last weekend’s finish. But besides portraying the devastating wreck in Talladega, his words also contained a hint about how much he cares for his RFK Racing team. And on the same day, this prominent Cup Series team lost an irreplaceable jewel of its fold.

Daniel Collins Allor II, or simply Danny Allor II, was a longstanding sponsor of NASCAR. Most recently, he had aligned with Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 team. Together, they churned out many impressive paint schemes and fetched good finishes at race tracks. Now, the RFK Racing fold paid the veteran a heartfelt tribute.

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Brad Keselowski’s team pens an emotional message

Danny Allor II’s presence in NASCAR may have been limited, but he left a mark with his magnetic personality. The 56-year-old veteran was known for his generosity, strong work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit. He enjoyed listening to country music, sponsoring NASCAR, and spending time outdoors. Allor was the proud owner of Solomon Plumbing, a Michigan-based company with turn-key plumbing and fire solutions for residences. He connected with Brad Keselowski through his plumbing brand for the first time in 2022. That partnership stuck and has thrived till the present day. Given the close camaraderie that Keselowski shared with his fellow Michigan native, the recent news has been heartbreaking for him and his team.

Danny Allor II passed away on April 27th, due to reasons which have not been specified. Nevertheless, the RFK Racing team’s tribute was no less profound in heartbroken emotions. Brad Keselowski‘s team penned in an Instagram post: “RFK Racing is heartbroken by the loss of Danny Allor II. Danny was more than just a partner of RFK, he was a close personal friend to so many of our team members. Although we are devastated by his passing, we are blessed to have had Danny as part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and everyone at Solomon Plumbing.”

 

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RFK Racing will use a special decal for the upcoming Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. It features the No. 6 Ford’s signature green colors and shows Brad Keselowski hugging Danny Allor and his wife Danielle. The team continued in its post: “We will honor Danny this weekend with a special decal that will ride on the 6, 17, and 60 car.” In his personal tribute, Keselowski honored both Allor and Mike Chase, the 1994 NASCAR Winston West Series champion who passed away on April 18th. Keselowski wrote, “Heartbreaking Mr Danny and Mr. Mike Chase in the last week.” Allor II’s family scheduled his mass on April 30th at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Brighton, Michigan.

Danny Allor II was born in Southfield, Michigan, on May 6, 1968. And coincidentally, the tire wars were at their peak that year! It was the year when NASCAR went through a restructuring in terms of tires. The conservative estimates placed the two tire companies’ contribution to racing in prizes, tire development, contracts to drivers, and other financial assistance at $30 million. And, do you know who won? Considering 39 sets of Goodyear tires parked in victory lane, versus only 7 for Firestone racing tires, the winner was clear. And the company has been reigning ever since. Seems like Allor was a lucky charm for NASCAR in ways we cannot comprehend. This makes the loss more personal to the sport.

What’s your perspective on:

Can RFK Racing bounce back stronger after the loss of their beloved sponsor, Danny Allor II?

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In Allor’s obituary by Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, there was a comforting flower basket by YOUR 6 PIT CREW with the message, “Love you Danny! We will always cherish your support and love for the crew! 6NEVERQUITS John 14:2-3…..YOUR 6 PIT CREW.” This heartbreaking loss has left RFK Racing a little lighter. It has also left a horde of NASCAR fans dealing with the grief.

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NASCAR community pours its condolences

Danny Allor II had a special place in RFK Racing. When Brad Keselowski took over Jack Roush’s team as co-owner in 2022, the organisation was in shambles. It had lost its glory days when drivers like Carl Edwards or Matt Kenseth brought multiple wins. At that time of uncertainty, Allor II was one of the people who had faith in Keselowski and his venture. So one fan hailed the bygone veteran’s efforts: “A man that redefined what it means to be a sponsor in the current era of nascar. He was a true fan, and put his heart and soul into the team. A true testament that the American dream is alive and well if you work hard and do right by people. Can’t wait to see his face in victory lane 🏁” 

Eventually, Danny Allor II helped restore RFK Racing’s splendor. Brad Keselowski snapped a 110-race winless streak in the 2024 Darlington race in his No. 6 Ford. So one fan quoted an inspiring line from Keselowski’s late sponsor: “6 never quits.” Other people expressed their heartbroken feelings about losing such a gem. One fan wrote a reverent message: “RIP 🙏🙏🙏” Allor II is survived by his loving spouse Danielle, five children, and parents Daniel and Linda. So, another fan kept his family in their prayers, wishing that they would get over these hard times. “Sorry for you loss and his families. Prayers.😔🙏”

Fans were also impressed by RFK Racing’s tribute on Instagram. The specially made decal for the team’s outing at Texas Motor Speedway also caught their attention. The informal vibes of the picture demonstrate how close Brad Keselowski was to the late sponsor, and one fan loved that. They wrote, “What a beautiful tribute. He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. He’s yelling from heaven now “6 Never Quits.” Brad Keselowski himself entered the comments with a single emoji. It was enough to show his feelings: “💔”

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Danny Allor II’s passing has created ripples of sadness in the entire community. Here is to wishing that the bygone sponsor’s family and the RFK Racing team will pull through these hard times.

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Can RFK Racing bounce back stronger after the loss of their beloved sponsor, Danny Allor II?

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