[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING JIM FRANCE, RECIPIENT OF POCONO RACEWAY'S 2008 BILL 
                       FRANCE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to James C. 
France, vice chairman and executive vice president of NASCAR and 
chairman and CEO of International Speedway Corporation, who was named 
2008 recipient of the Pocono Raceway's Bill France Award of Excellence.
  This award has been presented annually since 1977 to the person, 
corporation or organization that has made outstanding contributions to 
the sport of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing.
  The award is dedicated to the inspiration of William H.G. France, 
founder of NASCAR and the father of this year's recipient.
  Jim France grew up in the early years of stock car racing, living and 
learning every aspect of the sport from his own experience and from his 
father and brother.
  Mr. France joined ISC in 1959, working in all phases of operations. 
He was elected to the ISC board in 1970 and has served as the company's 
secretary, assistant treasurer, vice president, chief operating officer 
and executive vice president before being named the company's president 
and chief operating officer in 1987. He was also named to the NASCAR 
board of directors in 2000.
  France has been involved in motorsports most of his life. He has been 
a strong supporter of motorcycle racing in the United States, as 
evidenced by his professional involvement in the sport. He was active 
in Legends car racing and the Allison ``Legacy'' Car Series. He was BF 
Goodrich Legends Cars national tour champion in 1992 and had a good 
deal of success in the Gatorade Florida Legends Series.
  He served as starter for the U.S. Motorcycle Grand Prix in the late 
1960s, raced dirt track races for nearly five years and has been a 
member of the American Motorcyclist Association for more than 30 years. 
In addition, France has raced karts on both dirt and asphalt and he has 
served as a board member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the 
United States.
  Dr. Joseph Mattioli, chairman and CEO of Pocono International 
Raceway, has stated that Mr. France was ``a driving force behind 
NASCAR's success . . .'' He added that he is proud to announce that Mr. 
France has been selected as this year's award recipient.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. France on this 
auspicious occasion. Certainly, his lifelong commitment to the 
motorsport industry has had a tremendously positive economic impact for 
thousands of families in this great nation and has created a permanent 
place of honor for Jim France and the entire France family.

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