It is rare when someone in sports transcends being a typical star performer. Some rare ones stand out for both their incredible talents, and also their incredible intangibles.
That was Davey Allison, whose star both on and off the track has kept his name and legacy alive 30 years after he tragically passed away on July 13, 1993, following a helicopter crash.
Here’s the thing about Davey Allison: He was the complete package of characteristics that most fans couldn’t even dream of from a favorite driver.
For starters, his talent on the track spoke for itself. He grabbed a top 10 in his first NASCAR Cup Series start while only taking 14 races to earn his first win. Then he doubled down two races later and won again.
PHOTOS: Davey Allison through the years
Fans remember that Davey he won races and competed for championships, but his tragic death at the young age of 32 somewhat skews the perception of how great he really was on the track.
His 191 starts, 19 wins (44th all-time), 66 top fives and 92 top 10s don’t necessarily pop out to the naked eye. But if you take a deep dive into Allison’s stats during his full-time career, which ranged from 1987 to his untimely passing in 1993, that is where he truly stands out.
He entered the 1993 season already fifth out of all active drivers in wins. He sat only behind Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott and Rusty Wallace, all of whom have since been enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame – as has Allison.
At the start of his final season in 1993, he had 18 victories in just 175 starts. That was more at the time than future Hall of Famers Terry Labonte (10 wins in 419 starts), Mark Martin (seven wins in 202 starts) and Dale Jarrett (one win in 168 starts). From 1987 to 1993, Allison ranked fourth in wins, fifth in top fives and fourth in laps led.
Allison’s passing came at a time when he sat 24th all time in Cup Series victories. He was coming off back-to-back seasons of five victories and was 14 wins away from 15th all-time, all while just starting to hit his prime as a driver.
Beyond the stats, he had an incredible racing pedigree, ranging from his immediate family to his Alabama upbringing. His father, Bobby, was one of the greatest drivers of all time and his Uncle Donnie was a 10-time winner in the Cup Series. He was seemingly the leader of the next generation of the famed “Alabama Gang,” following the footsteps of Bobby, Donnie and their friends Neil Bonnett and Red Farmer.
Then there was his ability to fight through adversity and toughness, which propelled him to a superhero level as a driver. His first victory in the Cup Series was marred by a terrifying crash that saw his father’s car fly through the air and destroy the catchfence. The following season in 1988 saw the elder Allison involved in a near-fatal crash at Pocono Raceway. It left him in the hospital for 108 days, subsequently ending his driving career.
The younger Allison flew between cities over the next few months to visit his dad in the hospital, but never missed a race in the process. He won twice with his ailing father on his mind.
Later in 1992, Allison’s actions turned legendary during the toughest of times. His grandfather died in April of that year. A few days later, Davey battled rib injuries and grief to win at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
During the first All-Star Race under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, dubbed “One Hot Night,” a last-lap battle with Kyle Petty saw Allison take the checkered flag before the two cars made contact. Allison’s No. 28 car slammed into the outside wall and sent him on a helicopter ride to the hospital with a concussion and bruised body. Allison’s crew chief Larry McReynolds recalled that the first words Allison spoke after he woke up at the hospital were “Did we win?”
A few weeks later, Allison was involved in his own terrifying crash at Pocono. Contact with Darrell Waltrip sent the No. 28 car flying through the air, sending Allison back to the hospital. This time the injuries were more severe, leaving him with a concussion and broken bones. He arrived the following week at Talladega Superspeedway and started the race, his arm in a cast, utilizing Velcro to help him keep his hand on the shifter.
Less than one month later, his brother Clifford tragically passed away in a crash at Michigan International Speedway. A few weeks later Allison had a chance at winning the Winston Million, leading 69 laps before rain cut the race short just after Allison had come into the pits.
Despite this adversity, Allison entered the final race of the season leading the point standings while looking to capture his first championship. The 31-year-old driver controlled his own destiny, needing to just finish fifth or better to be crowned the champion.
His season came to a crashing halt midway through the event, as he could not avoid a crash in front of him. His day, season and dreams came crashing down but yet again, Allison proved why he was such a fan favorite.
He conducted an interview following his crash with a smile on his face, despite the crushing disappointment. Blame was never placed on any other drivers, with Allison saying simply “It just wasn’t meant to be” before pivoting to talk about all of the support he received from his fans through an incredibly trying season.
When you combine all those characteristics together – and add in his two truly iconic and distinctive paint schemes – you end up with a driver that is impossible not to love.
Most Allison fans can recall moment-for-moment where they were the day the championship slipped from his grasp in 1992, those tragic days in 1993 and many moments in between.
Allison left behind his wife Liz and two children, Robbie and Krista, a family that now includes multiple grandchildren. They have strived to keep his memory alive, sharing memories and keepsakes, highlighted by Allison’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019.
Now 30 years after those dark July days in 1993, the legacy of Davey Allison might be stronger than it ever has been.
Everybody is luckier because of it.