Motorsports' reaction to the death of Bill France Jr. (cont'd)

Grant Lynch -- president, Talladega Superspeedway

"Having had the opportunity to learn how to operate a motorsports facility under the tutelage of Bill France Jr. was certainly one of the most impactful things in my life. His work ethic, wide range of knowledge and attention to detail are things I try to apply in business, as well as everyday life.

"His passing is a tremendous loss to the NASCAR community, as we have lost not only our leader and a pioneer of the sport, but also our friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the France family as we all go through this time of sorrow and grief."

George Bodenheimer -- president, ESPN and ABC Sports

"Like his father before him, Bill France Jr. was a pioneer and will be remembered for so many contributions while growing stock car racing into a national pastime during NASCAR's modern era. We offer our condolences to his wife, Betty Jane, his children, Brian and Lesa, the rest of the family and all who mourn his loss."

Jeff Boerger -- president, Kansas Speedway

"We are deeply saddened to learn of today's passing of Bill France. Mr. France and Lesa Kennedy had the vision to expand NASCAR to the Midwest and build Kansas Speedway, which has is one of the top tracks on the NASCAR circuit.

"This has been an extremely difficult year for the NASCAR family which has also lost Benny Parsons and Bobby Hamilton. The staff at Kansas Speedway and I join the rest of NASCAR nation in mourning Mr. France's passing."

Mark Martin -- driver, No. 01 Chevrolet

"It's a huge loss. Bill France Jr. is someone that I will never forget. I will always remember him for his strong leadership and his tremendous vision. I was around when he took over leadership from his father. There is no arguing that he carried this sport to a new level."

Hunter Nickell -- president, SPEED

"Very few leaders in American sports earn the title of visionary, but NASCAR's Bill France Jr. certainly was one of the elite few who delivered on his vision of the future, leaving a true signature on the sport of NASCAR. He was a true giant in the world of motor sports, and SPEED joins the NASCAR family in mourning his loss."

Leonard Wood -- owner, Wood Bros. Racing

"Bill France and the Wood Brothers have had a friendship for years. He always spoke with authority. You knew where you stood with him. If you had a legitimate complaint, he'd go to bat for you. At the same time, he'd stay on top of you to make sure you didn't tell him something that wasn't true.

"I remember one time when I told him about something, and he said I should try to look at it from his end. That made me realize how big this whole thing is. I don't think any of us would be hear today without him. He wasn't somebody you could run over."

Roger Curtis -- president, Michigan International Speedway

"On behalf of the staff of Michigan International Speedway, we are deeply saddened by the news of Bill France's death. Mr. France was a great American, and truly embodied the American entrepreneurial spirit. He transformed the auto racing industry into what it is today and was a historic figure that helped build the foundation of motorsports with his knowledge of business and love for auto racing.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Betty Jane, the rest of his family and the entire racing community as they deal with the loss of such a great man and leader."

Tony George -- CEO, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

"Bill was a great friend and business partner. He ranks near the top of the list of people I most respect. Besides his companionship, what I will miss most is his humor. His wit was sharp as a butcher's knife. His personal dedication to building NASCAR will be his legacy, and his leadership will be long remembered. My condolences to Betty Jane, Jim and the family." (Continued)