NASCAR's Bill France, Jr. - RIP

Really. When it comes right down to it, this guy really built something -- virtually from scratch.

I'd encountered him once or twice, casually, via work ... I never appreciated how much of a leader he was (I'm not sure when his father died) ...

He created a multi BILLION dollar edifice that has brought a lot to so many.

From what I've read about him in the past few hours makes me think I've got to do some studying more on his background.

I only met Mr. France once and he was very nice to a novice like me.

You gotta give the guy credit as he built a industry that works.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Mr. France has created a sports legacy that is almost mind boggling. His achievements are on display almost weekly and I salute him for making NASCAR the colossus it has become.

SI.com has a nice tribute to Bill France Jr. and his accomplishments:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.nascar.accomplishments/content.1.html

After 9/11, I bought Bobby Labonte's "Let's Roll" Helmet during an auction for the Todd Beamer foundation. I went to Talladega the next weekend, and got to meet Bobby, and while I was meeting him, up walks Bill France. Bobby Labonte introduced me as the person who had bought his helmet during the chairty auction.

He was such a passionate man when it came to NASCAR, and the fans. We talked a few minutes, before he had to move on. I could even see in Bobby's eyes the respect he had for Mr France.

Later that morning i was getting ready to get in the elevator to ride up to my nose bleed seat, when around the corner comes Mr France, and several of the spotters. We all boarded the elevator, and he invited me up to the Observation Platform, to see what the spotters see.

I gladly accepted and WOW what a view from the very top of the main grandstand, center of the tri-oval at 'Dega. After a few minutes of gawking I got back in the elevator and headed to my seat.

I will never forget that trip to 'Dega for that race.





The helmet is signed by 19 drivers & Joe Gibbs

They will bury him w/a corkscrew.

CajunKing-
Thanks for sharing that story. From everything I have heard, it sounds like he was a good man!