One of NASCAR’s top champions, Bobby Allison was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993. Miracle: Bobby Allison and the Saga of the Alabama Gang is a biography of this NASCAR legend written with the cooperation of the Allisons.
Miracle: Bobby Allison and the Saga of the Alabama Gang
This biography is written by Peter Golenbock, the New York Times best-selling author of American Zoom and The Last Lap. While Bobby Allison lived on the track, this book is presented with a focus on what went on behind the scenes. With quotes from family members, friends, and an insight into Bobby Allison’s innermost thoughts, Miracle gives fans a rare look into life past the track.
Introducing Bobby Allison’s Early Years
Born in 1937, Bobby was the 4th of 10 children. Miracle features interviews with Eddie, Bobby Allison’s brother, and friends. These interviews give special insights into how Bobby grew up.
The son of a man who spent countless dollars trying to keep his daughter alive before she succumbed to cystic fibrosis, could “fix anything,” and didn’t complain in the face of hardship, Bobby had a fantastic father figure growing up that he looked up to. His parents took in children to foster from Catholic Charities to try and give them a sense of home life.
Bobby’s first race was in high school where he finished 10th out of 55 cars. However, after he flipped his car twice his father put a temporary hold on Bobby’s racing career. After graduating from high school, he was employed testing engines at Mercury Outboard and worked for about two years as a garage owner before driving race cars again. His father, whom we get to know better through this book, instilled in him a strong work ethic that arguably led to his success.
The main appeal of this book is how focused it is on providing an in-depth view of Bobby Allison’s life and the real events that happened off the track.
Reviews
Overall, the reviews for this biography are positive. 78% of reviewers on Goodreads give the book 4 to 5 stars. Fans of not only NASCAR, but stories about hardworking men who achieved greatness, enjoy this book. It also paints a picture of almost three NASCAR eras, so NASCAR fans will enjoy getting a perspective of the times from someone who was there.
The main complaint is that Bobby has his opinions and point of view (which is expected since it’s a biography). The one-sidedness paired with some repeat information, left some reviewers feeling like it needed some more editing. Some people are portrayed in a negative light and were not given a chance to tell their side. However, considering the goal of the book is to tell Bobby Allison’s story, readers should keep in mind that there are multiple perspectives and this is just one of them.
Bobby Allison And The International Motorsports Hall Of Fame
If you are interested in learning more about Bobby Allison’s racing career, come visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Lincoln, Alabama. This 1983 NASCAR champion had a fascinating career, and you can learn more about him on our inductee page as well.