Bobby Allen, one of the greatest Sprint Car drivers to emerge from Pennsylvania's racing scene and a founding member of the Outlaws in 1978, has passed away. He was 81.

Originally from Florida, Allen began racing in his home state before moving to Pennsylvania to advance his career. The transition wasn't easy--at times, he reportedly even slept in the Lincoln Speedway ticket booth--but his determination paid off. He soon became one of the region's top drivers, winning the 13th running of Williams Grove Speedway's National Open in 1975.

When Ted Johnson launched the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 1978, Allen was among the inaugural group of competitors. Allen, known then as "Scruffy," earned the second win in Series history on April 16, 1978, at Ohio's Eldora Speedway, added another at Indiana's Warsaw Speedway, and finished third in points that season.

Over the following years, Allen remained a formidable presence, collecting victories across the country. He captured the All Star Circuit of Champions title in 1980, topped the Tuscarora 50 in both 1982 and 1989, and earned his 30th and final World of Outlaws win at the 1990 Knoxville Nationals--his biggest career triumph, when he outran Sammy Swindell for the victory. 

In 1988, Allen was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Allen's impact extended far beyond his driving career. He helped launch the careers of his son, Jacob Allen, and grandson, Logan Schuchart, and together they founded Shark Racing, taking two teams on the road with the World of Outlaws in 2014. Despite doubts they could last a full season, their perseverance proved otherwise. They finished the year and have remained fixtures on tour ever since.

Schuchart earned Shark Racing's first World of Outlaws win in 2016 at Cedar Lake Speedway, the first of 44 victories to date--placing him 20th all-time. Jacob Allen secured his first Series victory in 2020 and added four more in 2022. Today, Schuchart continues to compete full-time in the No. 1S, while Ashton Torgerson drives the No. 1A on a select schedule with Jacob's involvement. Allen remained an active presence with the team through his final weekend, attending the National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

"Our hearts are broken but we know he lived his life to the fullest and touched so many. Anyone who ever got to meet him or know him always got to share a story and/or a smile. He did it his way and that was the 'Scruffy way.' He will be loved and terribly missed by all. He was a legend on and off the race track and his contributions will live on forever," said Shark Racing in an online statement. "You could commonly find him with a glass of his favorite wine, smiling and laughing, making calls about race cars, and enjoying being surrounded by beautiful women. He was a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, a friend and so much more. An announcement will follow giving details for a celebration of Bobby's amazing life at a later date. The Shark Racing family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time."

Images courtesy of Shark Racing