Video: Legendary father-son battle for victory at Daytona

27th December 2023

Simon Ostler

When you think of father-son dynamics in motorsport, you think of the Villeneuves, the Hills, the Rosbergs, the Andrettis, the Earnhardts, the list goes on. All legendary names within motorsport, but it’s incredibly rare that a father and a son will race against one another.

Indeed, racing drivers generally have a pretty short competitive career, but there is one form of motorsport that is conducive to a longer period behind the wheel. It’s far more common in Nascar to see drivers continue racing, quite successfully we might add, well into their 40s and 50s, and that was the case with Bobby Allison.

The three-time Daytona 500 winner raced in Nascar from 1961-1988, and even in his swansong, he was still a regular front-runner. Such was his longevity that his son, Davey Allison’s career crossed over with his own. It made for a wonderful moment in Daytona history when we witnessed father and son racing at the very front of the field, battling for victory in the world’s most famous Nascar race.

It was the wily experience of Bobby that proved the deciding factor as he led his son home for what must have been a hugely emotional day for the family.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Gordon Murray on the mission to power the McLaren F1