Imagine winning a race and waiting 50 years to have it officially recognized. That’s exactly what happened to NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, whose long-disputed victory has now broken a tie with fellow racing icon Darrell Waltrip. Both drivers had been credited with 84 wins, but NASCAR’s recent decision now confirms Allison as the rightful owner of 85 Cup Series victories, finally putting him ahead of Waltrip.
NASCAR made the announcement just this past Wednesday, delivering the news in person to Allison. Jim France, NASCAR’s CEO, and Mike Helton, Vice Chairman, were the ones to break the long-awaited news. While many fans are thrilled for Allison, Waltrip’s supporters are understandably upset, as this update reshuffles the list of winningest drivers.
The race that sparked this controversy took place at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina on August 6, 1971. Allison’s win in the Myers Brothers Memorial 250 was initially dismissed due to technicalities. NASCAR had announced that six events that year would include cars from both the Cup Series and the Grand American Series, a decision that frustrated many. Richard Petty, who led the early part of the race, argued that only Grand National cars should be counted. As a result, NASCAR left the race officially winnerless—until now.
The push to restore Allison’s win gained momentum recently, especially with NASCAR’s Clash exhibition returning to Bowman Gray in February 2025. NASCAR officials acknowledged that leaving the Myers Brothers race without a winner was a historical oversight, and Allison’s victory deserved to be restored.
However, not everyone is pleased. Waltrip’s fans feel like their driver has been unfairly pushed down the rankings. And NASCAR’s decision has reignited debates about its inconsistent rulings and decisions in recent years. Fans have compared this move to other controversial changes, such as the introduction of the playoff system, which some say rewards spotty performances over consistent results.
In the end, Bobby Allison’s recognition as the winner of 85 Cup Series races may bring long-overdue justice to his career, but it has also reopened old rivalries and fueled new frustrations in the NASCAR community.
