Motorsports' reaction to the death of Bill France Jr.

• Message Board: Post your condolences to the France family
• Community: Share your memories of Bill Jr. in the Tribute Crew
• Reaction: Motorsports world reacts to death of Bill France Jr.
• Timeline: William C. France biographical timeline and career events

Brian France -- chairman and CEO, NASCAR; son of Bill France Jr.

"He had a remarkable career and an even-more remarkable life. Words cannot express how much he'll be missed by myself and the rest of our family and by the NASCAR industry overall."

Mike Helton -- president, NASCAR

"Coming in, I had two big pairs of shoes to fill [Bill France and Bill Jr.]. I was more familiar with Bill Jr.'s way of doing business but that didn't make it any easier.

"He blazed so many trails for our sport. He was determined to follow the vision of his father while also expanding on that vision. Over nearly four decades, he did a masterful job."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- driver, No. 8 Chevrolet

"It's a profound loss for the sport. His dad really started NASCAR, but he's the one probably most responsible for the state of our sport today. He's one of those giants -- very intimidating to me. I didn't know him well, but my dad was close with him and I know that made my dad very very proud to get close to someone that not a lot of others did."

Bob and Gary Bahre -- chairman and president, New Hampshire International Speedway

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill France, Jr. Bill was not only a great friend of ours personally, but he was a great friend of the Speedway as well. Our entire family will cherish the many memories that we shared with him. His influence on the sport of auto racing will be felt forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty Jane, Brian, Lesa, and the entire France family."

Doug Fritz -- president, Richmond International Raceway

"Words can't describe the impact Bill France Jr. had on our sport. From the millions of NASCAR fans to those of us who make our livelihood in NASCAR, we all have Bill to thank for his vision and leadership.

"I knew Bill for more than 17years, so I know he would have wanted us to get right back to work to help promote the sport he loved. We will carry on, but we'll do so with heavy hearts. We will miss him tremendously."

Brent Dewar -- vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, General Motors North America

"The world of racing has lost a true innovator in Bill France, Jr., who made NASCAR the premiere sport it is today. His vision, tenacity and friendship will be missed. He left the sport better and provided the foundation for continued growth. Chevrolet and General Motors extends its thoughts and prayers to the France family."

Edsel B. Ford II -- Board of Directors, Ford Motor Company

"Bill France Jr. was more than a good friend of mine. He was a legend in motor racing. NASCAR and motor racing worldwide would not have seen the growth and prosperity it has without Bill's vision and determination. He single-handedly made it the reality it is today by understanding what the fans wanted and by creating an environment where on-track competition was king. Bill also understood and encouraged the automobile manufacturers to become a major part of the sport.

"I personally loved the opportunities I had to sit with him, discussing racing, business and family. He had a wonderful perspective on everything going on around him. Everyone at Ford, and me personally, lost a great friend today."

Jim Aust -- president and CEO, Toyota Racing Development

"It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of Bill France Jr. His vision and determination played a critical role in guiding and developing the sport of NASCAR into what it is today. We join with all members of the NASCAR family in remembering a great leader and in sending our condolences to the France family."

Richard Childress -- owner, Richard Childress Racing

"Bill France Jr. was not only a leader in our sport but he was also a very good friend. Not only did he teach me a lot about our sport but he taught me numerous lessons about life.

"Over the last several years, NASCAR has grown to an unprecedented level of popularity. None of that would have been possible without the vision and leadership Mr. France provided. My thoughts and prayers go out to Betty Jane, Brian, Lesa and the entire France family.

Denis McGlynn -- president and CEO, Dover Motorsports Inc.

"The entire Dover Motorsports family offers its sincere condolences to the France family and the NASCAR community. Today's race at Dover was run with heavy hearts. Bill France Jr. was an innovator, and through his vision for the sport of NASCAR, those associated with the sport today continue to reap the benefits of the groundwork laid by Mr. France."

Dean Kessel -- director, Nextel Cup Series marketing for Sprint Nextel

"It is with the passing of one of NASCAR's greatest icons that Sprint Nextel joins millions of fans in grieving today. Bill France Jr. orchestrated the transformation and fostered the growth of NASCAR to the heights it enjoys within the world of sports.

"He did so with passion and an uncanny business sense that put the interest of fans as utmost importance. That will forever be his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty Jane, Brian, Lesa and the entire France and NASCAR families."

Robin Braig -- president, Daytona International Speedway

"As a former Daytona International Speedway president, Bill France always kept a keen eye on the track that his father Bill France Sr. founded and built. I have been honored to have his guidance and experience at my disposal during my tenure as track president.

"Bill France was a great ambassador to the sport and under his watch, led unparalleled growth for Daytona International Speedway, International Speedway Corporation and NASCAR. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time."

Dan Davis -- director, Ford Racing Technology

"Everyone involved in the Ford Racing program is thinking of the France family and wishing them the best at this very difficult time. There's no way to put into words how much Bill France Jr. meant to NASCAR and auto racing in general, because if it wasn't for him, this sport obviously wouldn't be where it is today.

"He wanted to take NASCAR from a regional sport to something that is followed worldwide, and with great determination, he made that vision come true. Every sport needs a strong leader at the top in order to be successful and no organization had a man that stood taller these last four decades than Bill France Jr. We will truly miss him."

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."

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."

Darrell Waltrip, three-time Cup champion

"There will never be another Bill France Jr. This sport lost a great leader. He's been in this sport ever since I have. He started in 1972 in this sport as the leader of NASCAR. I started my career in 1972. He's been the only leader in this sport that I've really ever known. He's going to be dearly missed. People like myself, not only consider him to be a friend, but to be someone they cared about and someone they loved.

"Betty Jane, a man could not ask for a more faithful, loyal, loving, caring, stand by your side through thick and thin wife than Betty Jane has been. My heart goes out to her. Stevie and I both and the girls are thinking of them and praying for them and wishing them that the strength of God will be with them during this very difficult time."

Gillian Zucker -- president, California Speedway

"I had the great honor of knowing and learning from Bill France for 10 years. He was an imposing man, both in stature and leadership style, who made the sport of NASCAR and our company what they are today. He set standards impossibly high and challenged everyone to chin to them. He had vision where others saw nothing. The only thing more widely acknowledged than his attention to detail was his story-telling ability. Words cannot begin to express how deeply he will be missed and only one can describe his impact -- legendary."

Bruton Smith -- chairman, CEO, Speedway Motorsports Inc.

"Bill did a tremendous job of implementing the lessons learned from his father and managing NASCAR and its growth during his era. His father taught him this business from the ground up and Bill had respect for our sport's history and a strong desire to continue to move it forward, which he did. His leadership will be missed. My sincere condolences go out to Betty Jane, Lisa, Brian, Jim and the rest of the France family."

H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler -- president, COO, Speedway Motorsports Inc.

"Our heart goes out to the entire France family. Bill France Jr. rose to the greatest challenge of all -- following in his legendary father's footsteps to take what he began into the mainstream of American sport. It was not an easy path. He hammered up advertising posters in places like Hillsborough, North Wilkesboro, the old Charlotte Speedway and the beach track at Daytona.

"He did everything from selling tickets to giving broke racers enough money to get home or to the next track. He helped his father guide the sport through the turbulent '60s. When the whole thing was dumped in his lap in the '70s, there was little capital investment, few sponsors and network television was rare.

"His steady hand and analytical mind were exactly what was needed at the time, and that firm hand guided stock car racing through explosive growth and success. He will go down as one of the great leaders of American sport in the 20th century and his contribution to motorsports is immeasurable."

Jeff Byrd -- president, Bristol Motor Speedway

"It is hard to imagine where NASCAR would be right now without the leadership of Bill France Jr. He was the right man for the time, as was his father, Bill Sr. and his son Brian.

"I worked with Bill Jr., as a journalist at The Winston-Salem Journal, as a sponsor, in my years with R.J. Reynolds, and as a promoter here at Bristol Motor Speedway. We shared a lot of laughs and some disagreements. I don't think that's any different than anyone else who dealt with him.

"The one thing about Bill Jr. that you could take to the bank was you never had to guess where you stood. He had a passion for this business and had done everything in it in his lifetime from selling tickets to running the whole shooting match. And never during that time, in my 30-plus years of our working relationship, did I ever wonder where he stood on a matter. Even when we didn't agree and there's something to be said for that."

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."