Allison book, tribute hood celebrate of a legend

Anytime the talk turns to NASCAR legends, Bobby Allison's name invariably enters the conversation within the first few sentences.

As the sport first began to shake its rough-and-tumble regional roots in the 1960s, the leader of the famed Alabama Gang emerged as one of NASCAR's first nationally-recognized heroes. He reigned as one of the sport's dominant drivers throughout the 1970s and right on up until injuries in a 1988 crash at Pocono forced him into retirement.

One of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers, he captured 84 victories and the 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup championship before hanging up his helmet. His classic rivalry with Richard Petty, his longstanding love affair with the fans, his mantra of always "doing it his way," and his many triumphs and tragedies are deeply embedded in racing lore.

Allison reflects on his storied career in a 128-page book he co-wrote with former NASCAR.com writer Tim Packman. Published by Sports Publishing and accompanied by a 16-track CD, "Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer" is a compilation of some of the driver's favorite stories told in his own words.

STORE  •  Bobby Allison gear!

A Miami native who later migrated to his much-celebrated hometown of Hueytown, AL, Allison recalls his humble beginnings as one of NASCAR's true grass roots racers, cutting his teeth on the short tracks of the deep south before rising to prominence at stock car racing's highest level.

No book was ever more aptly titled than "Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer."

Now already in its third printing, the hardbound book covers the driver's adventures on and off the track, including his many trips to the Winner's Circle, his role as standard-bearer for AMC Matador, and the much-talked-about conclusion to the 1979 Daytona 500.

Readers can even learn about how Allison met his wife Judy-and hear her version on the CD. In fact, fans have been especially delighted with the CD. Bobby's dry sense of humor has left them in stitches as he tells a story as only he can.

Allison's legacy is also commemorated on a new Bobby Allison Legend Hood from Hi-Rev. Available in both 1:4 and mini versions, this 30-guage aluminum collectible is adorned with images of Allison himself, his No. 28 Monte Carlo, No. 12 AMC Matador, and includes the famous picture of the 1979 Daytona donnybrook between Bobby and Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough. The official North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame logo celebrates Allison's 1998 induction.

The NASCAR.com SuperStore is currently offering the "Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer" book and CD, as well as the Hi-Rev Legend Hood. Also available at The Store is a Bobby Allison Victory Lap die-cast from Action and a Bobby Allison Racing Legend t-shirt from Sports Ventures.