By james art After 53 years, one of NASCAR’s longest-running controversies is over.
Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison was named the winner of the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the auto racing governing body announced Wednesday afternoon.
“NASCAR CEO and Chairman Jim France and Vice Chairman Mike Helton visited Allison on Wednesday to inform him of the recognition,” Zach Albert wrote on NASCAR’s website.
The race – the final Cup Series race to date at one of racing’s most hallowed venues – had not officially had a winner in 53 years. The lack of decision stemmed from a dispute over the make of Allison’s car, a Ford Mustang, which was believed to give him an unfair advantage over competitors on the quarter-mile track.
In 1971, NASCAR briefly experimented with races featuring both Grand National cars and pony cars in the short-lived Grand American Series. The Myers Brothers 250 was one such race, and Allison’s pony car victory left runner-up Richard Petty fuming.
Petty filed a complaint with NASCAR, resulting in Allison forfeiting the win. The recovery allows him to move ahead of Darrell Waltrip for sole possession of fourth place on the all-time Cup wins list.
NASCAR’s top division will return to Bowman Gray Stadium in February for the annual preseason clash.