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

David Levy -- president, Turner Sports

"Bill France Jr. was an institution in sports and an inspiration to all who live and love stock-car racing. Throughout Turner's 22-year relationship with NASCAR Bill remained an emphatic visionary, astute business partner and dedicated colleague and friend. We will miss him for his contributions both on and off the track, and send our condolences to his wife and family."

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."

Mike Accavitti -- director, Dodge Brand Marketing and SRT Communications

"Everyone in the Dodge Motorsports family was saddened to hear the news of Bill France, Jr.'s passing. His leadership of NASCAR was fundamental in creating the dynamic motorsports industry we have today, and his contributions were innumerable. His vision, pragmatism and steady guidance will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten."

Wally Parks -- founder, NHRA

"Having known Bill Jr. since his teenage years, when he was assigned to beach control during NASCAR's early Speedweeks at Daytona, I have always been impressed with his integrity and his sincere dedication to upholding the basic principles that were established by his father, Bill France Sr.

"His inherited leadership has been highly responsible for the dynamic growth that NASCAR has achieved as the unchallenged leader in motorsports. And his special combination of wit and wisdom will be missed by those of us who were fortunate in knowing him, as we extend our condolences to the members of the France family."

Rick Hendrick -- owner, Hendrick Motorsports

"I've never seen anyone who could strike the balance that Bill did. He knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish and rarely compromised, yet always made it a point to be fair. We've lost a strong leader, a visionary businessman and a truly amazing person.

"Bill was one of the toughest guys I've ever met, but he had a soft side, too. Words cannot express how much his friendship and support meant to me and my family during the most difficult of times. We shared a love for the ocean -- fishing and telling stories -- and it's those moments that I'll cherish forever."

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."

Dr. Joseph Mattioli -- board chairman, CEO, Pocono Raceway

"We have been associated since 1967. Our families have been friends all that time and had it not been for Bill France, Pocono Raceway would not be here today. Many times over the years he has helped us through some difficult times and Bill France was very important to the success of Pocono Raceway. He will be missed.

"His son, Brian, his daughter, Lesa Kennedy, and Mike Helton are well trained and NASCAR will not miss a step. The Mattioli's and the Pocono Raceway Family extend their deepest condolences to the France Family and to all of NASCAR."

A.J. Foyt -- winner, 1972 Daytona 500

"Bill Jr. and his dad were the backbones of NASCAR. They both knew how to promote racing and their kids are doing a great job of carrying on. But it was Bill Jr. who parlayed what his father had started to make NASCAR the household name it is today. It's a shame that the racing world has lost a fine gentleman and personally it's tough for me because he was a good friend of mine."