Bobby Allison said Arena Racing’s quick-lap style is a great developmental tool for young drivers like his grandson.

“And it’s an opportunity to be part of a close-knit racing community — a little like NASCAR used to be at the very top level,” he said.

The elder Allison recalled racing against Pond for decades — both at NASCAR’s major races and in smaller events at short tracks such as Southside Speedway.

“Lennie was a tough competitor,” he said. “I raced against him lots of times over the years. He was fun and fair to race against. And when the race was over, if you needed help, Lennie would help you out.

“You knew he was going to be competitive,” Bobby Allison said. “He worked hard with his part of the deal and came to the track ready to race.”

Pond’s brother, Wright Pond, said support for Lennie has poured in from fans and racers around the country.

“He is loved more than he knows,” his brother said.

Pond won scores of races, starting in the 1950s, on dirt tracks and asphalt tracks in NASCAR’s Modified and Late Model Sportsman classes.