Donnie Allison and his wife, Pat Allison, got married in November 1986 and reside in Salisbury, North Carolina, close to their family.
Born on September 7, 1939, in Miami, Florida, Donnie is particularly known as a member of the famous “Alabama Gang,” a group of racers known for their fierce competitiveness and roots in Alabama.
Although he never won a NASCAR Cup Series championship, Donnie achieved ten career victories in the series, including a memorable win at the 1970 Coca-Cola 600.
Donnie was a versatile driver, competing in 242 NASCAR Cup Series races over 21 years, often balancing his racing schedule with other responsibilities.
Donnie Allison and Pat Allison Are The Proud Parents of Four Children
The couple has four children: three sons and a daughter: Kenny, Ronald, Donald, and Pam.
Pat has supported Donnie throughout his racing career and beyond.
She played a vital role in balancing his demanding professional life and personal commitments.
While not as publicly visible as her husband, Pat has contributed to the close-knit and family-oriented reputation of the Allisons.
Their enduring partnership reflects the stability and resilience that have characterized Donnie’s life both on and off the track.
Since they enjoy being surrounded by their family, their home is close to their children.
Their daughter, Pam, married former NASCAR driver Hut Stricklin. This further cemented the family’s deep ties to the racing world.
They have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Adding to their household is their beloved dog, Baby, who completes the warm and loving environment.
Donnie Allison has left his mark as a NASCAR legend, deeply committed to fostering the Allison racing legacy.
He has worked closely with his sons to develop the Allison Brothers Race Cars and Allison Legacy Racing Series.
Donnie has created a platform for aspiring drivers to gain experience and hone their skills.
Unlike Donnie’s high-profile racing career, his sons have maintained lower public profiles, focusing more on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the sport and their roles within the family enterprise.
This includes managing and supporting the operations of the Allison Legacy Racing Series and contributing to the continuation of the Allison family’s racing legacy.
Donnie’s guidance has extended to his grandson, Taylor Stricklin, and his grandson, Justin Allison, as they navigate their respective racing careers.
He has supported his grandsons as they climb the ranks of NASCAR, striving to uphold the family’s presence in motorsports.
Over The Years, Donnie Has Received Numerous Honors Celebrating His Contributions to Racing
Donnie’s contributions to motorsports are recognized with several Hall of Fame inductions.
He was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama, in 2009, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Detroit in 2011.
Similarly, he also earned 78 top-ten finishes and 17 pole positions during his career, displaying his consistency and skill.
These accolades underscore his impact on the sport and his enduring legacy as one of its most respected figures.
On the other hand, one of his most iconic moments came during the 1979 Daytona 500. Donnie was battling Cale Yarborough for the lead on the final lap when the two collided.
The incident escalated into a heated fistfight involving Donnie, his brother Bobby, and Yarborough.
The televised incident introduced millions of viewers to the high drama and intensity of stock car racing.
In Case You Did Not Know
- Before racing in the Grand National Series, Allison, like his brother Bobby, drove modified stock cars.
- Currently, Allison works as a television and radio commentator.
- Allison held a twenty-three-year record for the Indianapolis 500 as the highest-finishing Rookie from 1970 until 1993.
