In 1987 a rookie driver assumed control of the Ranier/Lundy #28 Ford Thunderbird. He carried with him the legacy of a last name made famous by his father and uncle, two drivers who had found success on NASCAR’s grandest stage. The driver, Davey Allison, displayed the talent to earn Rookie of the Year honors. The car, dubbed the “Battlestar”, displayed the reliability and flexibility to run 14 of 22 races that season. That “star” still shines brightly on the hallowed grounds of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

    On its debut run, the Battlestar car earned Allison his first Cup pole award and set the track qualifying record at Rockingham. Coincidentally, the date was Feb. 25, 1987, Allison’s 26th birthday.

    The Battlestar would carry Allison to a win at Dover and three more poles at Michigan, Darlington and again at Rockingham. Allison earned an additional win at Talladega and an additional pole at Daytona that year, driving the Battlestar’s sister car, the “Superstar”.

    The legacy of the Battlestar was almost lost in 1988, as a wreck in Atlanta so badly twisted its frame that the car was removed from competitive service. Fortunately for race fans and visitors to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Robert Yates Racing restored the car in 1989 and promptly put it on display.

    Visitors to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame will find the Battlestar car on display in the Enoch Staley Room.

    Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter). Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 7 to 17 and free for kids age 6 and younger. Combo packages that include both tours of the museum and Talladega Superspeedway are $12 for adults, $8 for kids age 7 to 17 and free for kids age 6 and younger.