History of Landmark Award recipients

2015

Anne Bledsoe France

Note: France helped usher in a new era for NASCAR as she managed the financial side of the family business. Along side her husband, Bill France Sr., she served as secretary and treasurer of NASCAR. France remained active in the business aspects of NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway until her passing in 1992. 

2016

Harold Brasington

Note: Brasington created Darlington Raceway -- NASCAR's first superspeedway -- a one-of-a-kind egg-shaped oval. In 1950, Darlington was also the site of the sport's first 500-mile race, which has turned into the annual Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend. Brasington also helped in the creation of Charlotte Motor Speedway and Rockingham Speedway. 

2017

H. Clay Earles

Note: Earles built and opened Martinsville Speedway, which has become the only track to host a NASCAR Cup Series race every year since 1949. Earles also has a tradition of presenting race winners with a "different" type of trophy. In 1964, Fred Lorenzen was presented with a grandfather clock and the tradition has continued since at Martinsville. 

2018

Jim France

Note: Son of Bill France Sr., Jim has been involved in all facets of NASCAR since its early beginnings. He has worked on the International Speedway Corporation board since 1959, starting as a secretary and elevating to current chairman. In 2013, France led the Daytona Rising project, a $400 million renovation that made Daytona International Speedway the world’s first motorsports stadium.

2019

Jim Hunter

Note: Hunter made significant contributions to NASCAR over six decades, working as a journalist, public relations professional, and company executive. His mentorship and expertise helped guide the sport's growth, with many drivers and industry leaders crediting him for their success.

2020

Edsel Ford II

Note: Great-grandson of Henry Ford, Edsel has been a prominent member of the Ford Motor Company Board of Directors and a dedicated supporter of NASCAR, building strong relationships with teams, executives and fans. His leadership in the automotive industry, including serving as Ford's President and Chief Operations Officer, and his involvement with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, highlight his commitment to growing the sport.

2021

Ralph Seagraves

Note: Seagraves, an executive at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, changed NASCAR's trajectory in 1971 by securing corporate sponsorship for the sport's premier series, creating the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. This partnership helped propel the sport into the national spotlight and provided long-term stability, with R.J. Reynolds sponsoring the series for over 30 years. Seagraves also supported track refurbishments before retiring from R.J. Reynolds in 1986.

2023

Mike Helton

Note: Helton, a key figure in NASCAR, became the first person outside the France family to serve as NASCAR President in 2000 after a career that began in 1980. With roles ranging from track operator to President, Helton helped expand NASCAR’s presence domestically and internationally, pushed for enhanced safety standards, and played a key role in establishing the NASCAR Research & Development Center. He continues to influence the sport as a Senior Advisor and board member for NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation.

2024

Janet Guthrie

Note: Guthrie, a former aerospace engineer, made a groundbreaking transition to full-time racing in 1972, becoming the first woman to compete in a NASCAR premier series superspeedway race in 1976. She also made history in 1977 as the first female to race in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. Guthrie made 33 Cup Series starts with five top-10 finishes and was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Her helmet and firesuit are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection.

2025

Dr. Dean Sicking

Note: Sicking is renowned for inventing the SAFER barrier, a life-saving innovation in motorsports that has been in use for over 20 years. After Dale Earnhardt’s tragic death in 2001, Sicking partnered with NASCAR and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to improve track safety, resulting in SAFER barriers being installed at all NASCAR national series tracks. His contributions earned him the Bill France Award of Excellence in 2003 and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2005.

2026

Humpy Wheeler

Note: Wheeler, known for his flair for creativity as president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway, helped usher in a new era of race-track promotions. His ability to think outside the box helped him become successful at getting fans to the track and growing the sport of NASCAR.