The Man Who Built the NASCAR Legacy Dies at 74
The man who made NASCAR everything it is today has died. Bill France Jr., who took NASCAR from a small Southern sport and transformed it into a nationwide phenomena passed away Monday at the age of 74 after a protracted battle with cancer and other health issues.
A man with a keen business sense, over 31 years he shepherded NASCAR’s move into the mainstream with big-time corporate sponsorships, sold-out races, full-season broadcast schedule and mega salaries for the drivers. But there was sweat and toil there, too. France literally helped build Daytona International Speedway, a Mecca to many of today’s NASCAR fans, working 12 hours a day, seven days a week driving the heavy equipment for more than a year while the track was built. He once even tried to use a mule to pull trees out of the swamps, because the motorized equipment kept getting stuck.
"He's the one probably most responsible for the state of our sport today," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's most popular driver. "We will do our part in continuing his legacy -- racing hard, and putting on a good show for the fans. "I think that's what he would want us to do."
After Monday’s Autism Speaks 400 Nextel Cup Series Race at Dover International Speedway, the flag was lowered to half staff.
"Bill France Jr. truly defined the often misused term 'legend,"' Fox Sports chairman David Hill said. He will be missed.