Bobby Allison becomes “The Matador” for Roger Penske (1974-76)
Join me throughout this year as I take a look at when some of the sport’s biggest stars drove some unusual cars! (Presented in no particular order).
Why? Bobby Allison never stayed one place for long, but it was still a surprise when he left his own relatively-successful team midway through the 1974 season to run for a NASCAR newcomer in Roger Penske. But most-bizarre of all was the car he’d be racing—a bold red, white, and blue AMC Matador dubbed “the flying brick”.
How successful were they? Despite the AMC’s lack of aerodynamics, Allison won four races in the car over one-and-a-half part-times seasons. Then, after a single race in the Matador in 1976, Penske switched to a more-conventional Mercury, which Allison used to finish fourth with in points (albeit without a win).
What was the aftermath? Allison would return to the AMC in 1977 before a move to Bud Moore’s Fords in 1978 revitalized his career. Penske’s NASCAR operations would peter-out before starting anew in 1991 with Rusty Wallace.
Ranking on the Strange-O-Meter? 10 controversial wins out of 10—this just might be strangest pairing in NASCAR history. Really—an AMC!!!
www.spaderacing.com updated four times weekly
Visit the store https://www.cafepress.com/spaderacing
Buy the book 100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs Unauthorized
A MOXOC Media production