Bobby Allison, whose life in NASCAR included both grand triumphs and unspeakable heartbreak, died Saturday, NASCAR announced. He was 86. Through NASCAR, Allison became a champion driver and a Hall of Famer. But the sport also robbed him of his two sons, who died in tragic accidents less than one year apart.

Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday. He was 86. NASCAR released a statement from Allison’s family that said he died at home in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Allison drove for Penske Racing in the 1973 and 1975 Indy 500s. Younger brother Donnie was 1970 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year