Bill France Jr. left impact on people as well as business (cont'd)

"His dedication to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series allowed this good old boy from Alabama to live a dream, driving in NASCAR."

Petty, the ultimate good old boy who became "The King" of stock-car racing through his achievements on the track, and his demeanor off it, might be one of the single biggest beneficiaries of the Frances' largesse and acumen.

Richard Petty shares a moment at the Bill France Roast and Toast in February 2007.

"Simply stated, Bill France Jr. was one of the greatest visionaries of our sport," Petty said in a statement released by his Petty Enterprises team. "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 [and] that helped build our fan base that reaches far beyond just the Southeast.

"These are his greatest accomplishments."

Petty, who through his treatment of his fans and his sponsors had to have a streak of France's vision within himself, paid France a fitting tribute.

"His vision, knowing what he wanted NASCAR to become and be, has made NASCAR a national sport," Petty said. "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."

Petty was only one of the many legendary NASCAR competitors who, in accepting the inevitable that faces every man, mourned a friend as well as an icon in the sport.

Many, from track owners such as Drs. Joe and Rose Mattioli and Bob Bahre, to team owners like Richard Childress and A.J. Foyt spoke in the same vein of France, who was a friend in addition to being a business partner.

The tough Texan Foyt, who in many respects resembled France in demeanor and achievement, also had his run-ins with Bill and his father -- most notably when he surrendered the 1976 Daytona 500 pole after a rules violation.

"Bill Jr. and his dad were the backbones of NASCAR," Foyt said. "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."

Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Board of Directors of the Ford Motor Company, could have spoken for many.

"Bill France Jr. was more than a good friend of mine -- he was a legend in motor racing," Ford said. "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."

Darrell Waltrip, the three-time Cup champion whose entire driving career came during France's presidency, could be likened to a wild colt when he came on the scene with Bill, kicking down fences, biting hands and raising dust -- and was never tamed. (Continued)