TALLADEGA, ALA. (AP) - Robbie Allison never lacks for fresh memories of his father, Davey. NASCAR fans make sure of that.
Robbie Allison, now a college junior, and other family members made an appearance at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. Davey Allison was killed July 13, 1993, when his helicopter crashed into a track infield.
“My dad passed away when I was young,” Robbie said, sitting next to sister Krista. “I say all the time the coolest part of the sport is the fans. I wouldn’t have any idea who he was if it wasn’t for the people who loved him and remember him. Twenty years later, it still seems like it was yesterday to me, because people just don’t forget. I appreciate it a lot.”
A journalism major, he said he has a passion for NASCAR and some interest in getting into the family business.
The family had many pleasant experiences at the superspeedway, too.
“This certainly will always be our home track and lots of happy memories here,” said Liz Hackett, Davey Allison’s widow.
Bobby Allison lives in Mooresville, N.C., and says he spends his time “just running around, seeing folks, going to some races, doing some promotional stuff. Playing with some engine stuff when I have a little time at home.”
Bobby Allison was an 84-race winner in his career. It was his twisting, airborne spin in 1987 that led to restrictor plates the following year at Talladega.
Restrictor plates are used at Daytona and Talladega to combat the high speeds at NASCAR’s two fastest tracks. They typically keep the field bunched tightly together.
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