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

Tony Stewart -- driver, No. 20 Chevrolet

"It's the biggest loss in NASCAR since Dale Earnhardt -- probably bigger."

Roger Edmondson -- president, Grand American Road Racing Association

"The passing of Bill France Jr. is a huge loss to the international motorsports world and particularly to all of us at Grand-Am and in the North American sports car racing community. Bill was one of our founding investors and his incredible experience and guidance was a key part of our leadership team at Grand-Am. His interest in sports car racing existed long before Grand-Am was founded and I have no doubt that the mark Bill France Jr. made on our organization will leave a strong impression for many years to come."

Steve Page -- president, general manager, Infineon Raceway

"Bill France was one of the most significant sports figures of our era and he was at the helm when NASCAR emerged from its roots as a regional sport to the second most popular spectator sport in America. In that respect, all of us in this industry have benefited from his insight and business. All of us at Infineon Raceway are thinking of the France family during this difficult time."

Sterling Marlin -- driver, No. 14 Chevrolet

"It's a sad day, the sport of auto racing has lost a giant. Bill France Jr. was without a doubt the person responsible for bringing NASCAR to a major league level. I always enjoyed his company. I will miss him as will the entire motorsports community."

Dick Ebersol -- chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics

"As the brilliant intellect and blinding force behind NASCAR's incredible growth, Bill France Jr. earned his reputation as one of the true giants in the history of American professional sports. He will live forever in my mind as one of the most impressive men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Our hearts and prayers are with Betty Jane, Brian and Lesa."

Joe Nemechek -- driver, No. 13 Chevrolet

"Mr. France will go down as one of the outstanding executives in all of the major sports. He was not only a visionary, but a compassionate competitor about NASCAR. He worked hard to achieve his visions, and all of us in the sport have greatly benefited from his leadership. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the France family."

Sterling Marlin -- driver, No. 14 Chevrolet

"It's a sad day, the sport of auto racing has lost a giant. Bill France Jr. was without a doubt the person responsible for bringing NASCAR to a major league level. I always enjoyed his company. I will miss him as will the entire motorsports community."

Eddie Gossage -- president, Texas Motor Speedway

"It is very sad news to hear today of the passing of Bill France Jr. During his time as head of NASCAR, the sport grew from a small, regional series into one that is a peer to Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and others. We express our sympathies to the entire France family over this loss."

Richard Petty -- owner, Petty Enterprises

"Everyone involved with the Petty family is saddened by the passing of Bill France Jr. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire France family at this time.

"Simply stated, Bill France Jr. was one of the greatest visionaries of our sport. Bill France Jr. took our sport to the next level. He continued his father's vision and guided our sport through a period of tremendous growth. His vision built relationships with corporate sponsors and television partners. That helped build our fan base that reaches far beyond just the southeast. These are his greatest accomplishments. His vision, knowing what he wanted NASCAR to become and be, has made NASCAR a national sport.

"We should all be fortunate for Bill France Jr. and his dedication to the sport we love. I raced under Bill France Jr. for 20 years. He treated every competitor fair and with honesty. He was not only a trusted leader, but a good friend who will be truly missed." (Continued)