Photo by Quibik
Donnie Allison at 1979 Daytona
During the 1979 Daytona 500, Donnie Allison was involved in crash which occurred during the final-lap. Although he was leading, driver Cale Yarborough was close. At the end of the backstretch, Allison attempted to block Yarborough’s signature slingshot pass. Yarborough ended up losing control of his car when pulling alongside and making contact with Allison’s car. Both drivers made contact several times before crashing into a wall in Turn 3. Richard Petty, who was behind at the time of the accident, ended up winning the race.
While all drivers involved ended up injury-free, the accident did cause a fight between the drivers and Donnie Allison’s brother, Bobbie Allison. This accident, and the publicity that resulted, is said to have been instrumental in the growth and popularity of NASCAR.
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