[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BILL FRANCE JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to William 
Clifton ``Bill'' France, who passed away Monday, June 4, 2007, at his 
home in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was my honor to have known and 
worked with Bill France over the past years. Known by friends as ``Bill 
Jr.,'' he was a legend in American motorsports.
  The son of NASCAR's founder, he was born in Washington, DC on April 
4th, 1933. His family moved to Daytona Beach in 1934 where his father, 
William France, Sr., began establishing the world's most famous racing 
circuit and a national sports phenomenon.
  Bill Jr. graduated from Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach in 
1951 where he played on the basketball team. He attended the University 
of Florida and served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1955.
  After his service in the Navy, Bill Jr. found the love of his life, 
Ms. Betty Jane Zachary, who became the mother of his two children, 
Brian France and Lesa Kennedy. Both of his children and his wife were 
instrumental in the success of what is now ``the most watched American 
sport,'' NASCAR.
  Bill Jr. did not begin his journey as CEO. He started working his way 
up the ranks holding positions as a flagman, concierge, race scorer and 
other jobs. In 1959, he even drove a bulldozer and a grater during the 
construction of the Daytona International Speedway before becoming Co-
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
  With the passing of Bill France, American motorsports has lost a 
great leader, our country and State have lost an outstanding citizen 
and I have lost a wonderful friend. He will be remembered as a 
patriotic American, a pillar of our community, a respected businesman, 
a compassionate husband and a loving father. To his wife Betty Jane, 
his son Brian, his daughter Lesa France Kennedy, his brother James, his 
three grandchildren and the all of the France family, we offer our 
deepest sympathy.
  Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Bill France's 
contributions and ask all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives 
of the 110th Congress to join me in remembering a great American.

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