What’s Happening?

This week, NASCAR reversed a decision they made in 1971, giving Bobby Allison a tie-breaking career win 53 years after he took the checkered flag and the prize money. But why did NASCAR make such a late call on this, and what does it have to do with 2025?

NASCAR Overturns Controversial 53-Year-Old Race Result

NASCAR Overturns Controversial 53-Year-Old Race Result

What’s Happening? Keeping with all the shocking storylines of October, NASCAR has overturned a ruling from over 50 years ago. Wednesday…

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Why Was This One Race So Controversial?

@brakehard NASCAR AWARDS BOBBY ALLISON 85th WIN 53 YEARS LATER #nascar #racing #motorsport ♬ original sound – brakehard

On Aug. 6, 1971, NASCAR hosted a combination race at Bowman Gray Stadium. This race combined the NASCAR Grand American and Grand National Series, now known as the Cup Series. The Grand National Series raced the usual Chargers and Plymouths of the era, while the Grand American Series ran smaller “pony” cars like Mustangs and Firebirds.

Without warning, that race, the Myers Brothers Memorial 250, would become infamous. But not for a crash, a fight, or even a tragedy. Rather, a driver, Bobby Allison, outsmarted the field and won the race. Entering the race, Allison, rather than race his normal No. 12 Holman-Moody Racing Ford, opted to enter a “pony” or Grand American car.

When the green flag dropped, pole sitter Richard Petty took his Plymouth to the lead, followed by Allison. But when Petty had to pit, Allison, in his more fuel-efficient No. 49 Mustang, stayed out and led the rest of the 250-lap race. Drivers were so upset by this that NASCAR never officially awarded Allison the win in the record book, rather just the benefits of finishing first, leaving this race without a winner.

However, on Wednesday afternoon, after 53 years of fans, peers, and Allison himself speaking out on the matter, NASCAR reversed its decision, awarding Allison his 85th career victory. So, after all this time, why did NASCAR make such a sudden change?

Why Is This Coming Back Up in 2025?

NASCAR is no stranger to late decisions. The first Daytona 500 took several days to announce its winner, and even this year, NASCAR stripped a Denny Hamlin win of playoff implications months after the race happened.

However, waiting over fifty years is incredible. Other than football national championship claims, there may be no other North American sports victory awarded in such a late manner. So, what caused this issue to return to the top of NASCAR’s to-do list?

NASCAR is returning to The “Madhouse,” Bowman Gray Stadium, this spring. The quarter-mile short track is known for its bent fenders, close corners, and football field in the infield. NASCAR is racing its preseason Clash race at BGS on Feb. 2.

Is the Return to BGS the Only Reason For This Change?

The timing of this historic change is no secret. NASCAR needs to promote this return to BGS as much as possible, so why not drum up interest in the matter?

This return to BGS, of course, played a major factor in overturning a result from NASCAR’s golden era. As NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France said:

“As we began preparations for the upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the topic of that Aug. 6, 1971 race returned to the forefront. We felt it was the right thing to officially recognize Bobby’s win and honor him as an 85-time NASCAR Cup Series winner. We are grateful for Bobby’s lifetime contributions to NASCAR.” — Jim France

That phrase “the right thing” goes a long way. NASCAR and its “first family,” the Frances, have heard many fans complain throughout the years about this alleged misjudgment. Even Allison himself swore in his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction that he won 85 races, which we now know he did.

It takes a lot for NASCAR to admit they were wrong. But giving back to a driver who gave so much to the sport is a fair trade.

While NASCAR is doing this to help drum up attention for its return to BGS, it is appropriate, of course. It allows the sport the chance to close this chapter of its history and remove an asterisk. Furthermore, it is important that this change happened while Allison could still be honored in person.

For the long-term future of NASCAR, fans can no longer sarcastically protest by saying, “Allison won 85 races,” because he did.

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