NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison passes away at age 86

You don't win the Daytona 500 without being one of the best racecar drivers in the world.

By the time you've won THREE of them AND the 1983 NASCAR championship, people have to admit you're one of the all-time greats.

NASCAR legend Bobby Allison has passed away at the age of 86.

A cause of death wasn't given, but Allison had been in declining health for years.

Ironically, he passed away on the day of NASCAR's Xfinity Series championship, something that might not even exist if it weren't for people like Bobby Allison and his brother Donnie.

Sure, Bobby and Donnie Allison were amazing racecar drivers, some of the best ever.

They were also participants in one of the sport's most famous fights ever, an event credited with helping popularize NASCAR in America.

Back in 1979, NASCAR wasn't quite the draw it was today. However, when a snowstorm kept most people in their houses on President's Day weekend in 1979, NASCAR took full advantage.

They broadcast the race to a national audience, many of whom had nothing else to do other than stay inside and watch television. The entire east coast was buried under snow.

It was one of NASCAR's greatest races ever, and the sport EXPLODED in popularity.

He was one of the sport's great drivers. Apparently, he was also one of the sport's great fighters.

It's no wonder that NASCAR fans couldn't get enough of Allison back in the day.

If you've ever watched the sport, or love somebody who does, you have Bobby Allison to thank for that. It's fair to say that without him, the sport wouldn't be what it is today.

Rest in peace, Champ. Drivers are athletes, and you were one of the best.

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