Davey Allison's Sports Injuries

Davey Allison experiences one of the worst flips in NASCAR history during the 1992 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Pocono.

Davey Allison, a member of the first family of racing, died today from injuries he received in a helicopter crash yesterday. Allison, who was 32, leaves his wife and two children, marking another tragic affair in the lives of this famous racing family. His untimely passing remains one of NASCAR's biggest "what if" stories, leaving fans and fellow drivers wondering about what could have been. At the height of his racing career, he was a force to be reckoned with, a champion on the track, and a beloved figure in the sport. Yet, on an ordinary day, fate took a cruel turn. Born on February 25, 1961, in Hollywood, Florida, Davey was the son of racing legend Bobby Allison. From an early age, he was active in sports, particularly football, but it was no surprise when he expressed his desire to become a race car driver, following in his father's footsteps. By his junior year in high school, he started to get serious about racing, spending late nights in the engine shop alongside his dad. His dedication led him to build his first race car, a Chevrolet Nova, with help from his friends, humorously dubbed the "peach fuzz gang." Davey made his racing debut on April 22, 1979, in Birmingham, finishing 20th, and clinched his first win just six races later. By 1983, he was a familiar face on the winner's podium and began competing in the Automobile Racing Club of America series, earning the title of ARCA Rookie of the Year in 1984. In 1987, he set records as the first rookie to secure five pole positions and two wins in a season, including a front-row qualification for the Daytona 500. Davey's career continued to soar, with notable successes in the 1991 season and a historic 1992 season where he won the Daytona 500 and the Winston 500. However, tragedy struck in 1992 when his younger brother Clifford died in a practice run for a Bush Series race. Despite the heartbreak, Davey reached the peak of his NASCAR career by 1993, only to face another tragic turn. On July 12, 1993, Davey boarded his newly acquired Hughes 369 HS helicopter to fly to the Talladega Super Speedway. With limited experience, he attempted a complicated landing approach, resulting in a crash. Despite emergency surgery, Davey succumbed to his injuries the following morning. His death was attributed to a closed head injury, lung damage, and a broken pelvis. Davey's legacy was cemented with his posthumous induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019. Throughout his NASCAR Winston Cup run, he secured 19 victories, 66 top-five finishes, and 92 top-ten finishes, earning $6.7 million. His memory lives on through his wife Liz and their two children, Christa Marie and Robert "Robbie" Gray. Despite a serious accident at age nine, Robbie eventually followed in his father's racing path, driven by a desire to feel closer to his dad. Davey Allison's remarkable story reminds us of the indelible mark he left on the world of racing and the hearts of those who knew him. From his inspiring triumphs on the track to the profound legacy he left behind, Davey's spirit continues to inspire and resonate. His legendary career was marked by countless victories, fierce determination, and an unbreakable spirit.

On July 12, 1993, NASCAR driver Davey Allison crashed his helicopter while trying to land at the Talladega Superspeedway. It was a hot summer day, and David Bonnett, son of Neil Bonnett, was practicing. People were expecting Davey and Red Farmer to come, but they hadn't shown up. Later, it was reported that Davey Allison had crashed his helicopter. Initial reactions were of disbelief and uncertainty about his condition. Another photographer, Hal Yeager, was sent to Carraway Hospital, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Davey was pronounced dead the next morning at 7 o'clock. He was 32 years old and had recently bought the helicopter to save time traveling. His death deeply affected race fans and the local community, with thousands showing their grief and support. The tragic event is remembered as both a high and low point in local NASCAR history.

Davey Allison flips during the 1992 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Pocono Raceway.