[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING WILLIAM ``BILL'' CLIFTON FRANCE, FORMER PRESIDENT, CEO AND 
                           CHAIRMAN OF NASCAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce a 
resolution honoring the esteemed former President, CEO, and Chairman of 
NASCAR, William ``Bill'' Clifton France, Jr. Sadly, Bill France passed 
away June 4 after an extended illness. Bill was well known in Florida, 
leading NASCAR for 31 years before retiring in 2003. He was, like his 
father, ``Big Bill,'' a giant in the racing world. He was also a super 
citizen whose interests and influence went well beyond the racing 
world. Bill lived life to the fullest and will be remembered with both 
admiration and fondness.
  Today, the Daytona International Speedway is a landmark in the 
international motorsports community. However, when the France family 
settled in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934, the track was nothing but 
packed sand. Bill's father, William H.G. France, was known for his 
innovative perspectives and entrepreneurial skills in building the 
legacy that is the Daytona International Speedway. Bill Jr. took the 
same business savvy his father exhibited, and made NASCAR the legend it 
is today.
  As President, CEO, and Chairman of NASCAR, Bill France transformed 
the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) into the third ranked 
professional sports entity on television. His leadership led the ISC to 
promote more than 100 annual racing events, own and/or operate thirteen 
of the Nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, and own and 
operate MRN Radio, the Nation's largest independent sports radio 
network. In addition to his business achievements, the philanthropic 
initiative of Bill France and the France family founded the NASCAR 
Foundation Family of Charities, a group of more than 30 organizations 
that supports children's programs, animal welfare and conservation.
  I know his wife, Betty Jane, and his children Brian and Lesa and 
their children, will miss him terribly. I know, also, that they are 
proud of the contributions Bill made to make motorsports not only a 
successful venture in Florida, but around the world. I am proud to pay 
tribute to Bill France, his numerous accomplishments, and his 
dedication to the Florida community and the motorsports industry.

                          ____________________