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15 Stories on Bobby Allison
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SI.com: Tom Bowles: Restrictor plate racing -- are drivers and fans safe?

As NASCAR heads to Talladega this Sunday, the Cup Series will conclude its 22nd consecutive year of "restrictor plate racing." Designed to slow speeds on the circuit's two fastest tracks, Daytona and Talladega, restrictor plate racing is a temporary solution to an age old question: how can NASCAR keep drivers safe while leaving competition and innovation intact?

SI.com: Pearson tops list for NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2011

Sometimes, the first class can be the easiest to pick. By and large, the NASCAR Hall of Fame's list of its inaugural five comes devoid of any big surprises, names with an A+ grade attached to their careers inside the sport. Legends known on a national scale, both Frances, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt are the Babe Ruths of their sport, directly responsible for its growth from its regional roots to a national craze.

SI.com: Mark Beech: At 51, Hornaday strings together five straight Trucks wins

We spend a lot of time here at Racing Fan obsessing over the Cup series and all of its attendant drama. But the recent accomplishments of one Ron Hornaday Jr. cannot be ignored. The man has won five straight races in the Camping World Truck Series, the most in NASCAR's modern era, which began in 1972. Richard Petty won 10 straight races in 1967, and five in a row in 1971. Bobby Allison also won five in a row that year.

SI.com: Lars Anderson: Motor sports Thrill List

These lists are not mere compilations of all-time bests in their respective sports but all-time bests at quickening the pulse and evoking a visceral response from those fortunate enough to have witnessed their artistry.

SI.com: Brant James: First Hall of Fame class nominations has drivers hoping to make the cut

The induction of NASCAR's first Hall of Fame class in Charlotte next May has already become the source of great conjecture, fueled by the release last week of the names of the 25 nominees for five precious spots.

SI.com: Bruce Martin: Other drivers offer advice as Patrick considers NASCAR move

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- So, Danica Patrick thinks she can leave the IndyCar Series, switch to NASCAR and become an instant sensation, racking up millions in sponsorship and endorsement opportunities and race off into the sunset.

SI.com: Bruce Martin: Gordon fighting to end his winless streak, more news and notes

MIAMI -- It was getting late on an October Saturday in 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon had just won the Bank of America 500 and appeared on his way to winning his fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

SI.com: Tim Tuttle: Revitalized Martin's last Cup shot

Deep down inside, Mark Martin understands it's unlikely he can win the Sprint Cup championship next year. He'll be 50 years old, admittedly past his prime, and two years removed from the rigors of a full season.

SI.com: Mark Beech: Busch driving toward history

SI.com's Mark Beech offers the most intriguing news, notes and analysis fans need to know heading into each week's race

SI.com: Daytona 50 Years: The '70s - Flying High

This was the golden age, an era graced by some of the most memorable stars and cars in NASCAR history and defined by some of the fiercest rivalries the sport has known. The King's reign continued -- Richard Petty won 89 races and five series titles during the decade -- but it wasn't easy. He tradedpaint weekly with such legends as Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, David Pearson and Cale Yarborough, men who were stars in their own right and who beat him with remarkable regularity, especially Pearson. The second-winningest driver in NASCAR history, the Silver Fox is remembered fondly by fans for besting his nemesis at the wire of the 1976 Daytona 500, when a final-lap accident between the two drivers left Petty stuck in the infield while Pearson literally coasted to the win. Racing had never been more exciting.

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