Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Past NASCAR News Bill France

Bill France Jr. Passes Away

Alongside the Bill France Jr. statue -- Betty Jane France, wife of Bill France Jr., Jim France, ISC Chairman and brother of Bill France Jr., Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and son of Bill France Jr. and Lesa France Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of International Speedway Corp.

Bill France Jr. statue unveiled at DIS: Members of the France family gathered Wednesday with donors, local officials and industry members to unveil the Bill France Jr. statue outside the Daytona International Speedway Ticket and Tours Office. The statue was produced by sculptor John Lajba. William (Bill) Clifton France is remembered - and revered - as the man who followed his visionary father at NASCAR's helm, in the process becoming a visionary himself, as he guided NASCAR to unprecedented levels of popularity. He combined pragmatism with optimism, an approach that resulted in a calculated - and adventurous - road to success.(DIS)(2-23-2012)

Bill France Jr. Inducted Broadcasting Hall of Fame: Bill France Jr., who served as head of NASCAR from 1972 to 2003, was be inducted into the Sport Video Group's Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Tuesday night in New York City. In addition to Bill Jr., this year's class includes legendary broadcaster Jack Buck; former NBC executive Dick Ebersol; NEP Supershooter's Deb Honkus and George Hoover; IMG founder Mark McCormack; NFL Films great Steve Sabol; and visionary audio mixer Ron Scalise, a lynchpin at ESPN. Elected by a group of 80 past and present industry leaders, the 2011 class will be the fifth in SVG's Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and will join such luminaries as Roone Arledge, John Madden, Don Ohlmeyer, Pete Rozelle, Vin Scully, Charlie Steinberg, George Wensel, and more than 30 other industry legends. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France accepted the Sport Video Group's Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame induction on behalf of his father Bill France Jr.(12-14-2011)

NASCAR stars say goodbye to France in simple ceremony: NASCAR stars paid respects to former chairman Bill France Jr. on Thursday in a short, simple funeral service that was far more fuss than he would have wanted. About 2,000 people filled the Performing Arts Center at Bethune-Cookman University to say goodbye to France in a send-off for a man who loved hot dogs, fishing and, more than anything else, NASCAR. "He was our mentor," NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick said. "He was our leader. He was a great friend, and we're all going to miss him. He was a bear of a man, but he really had a teddy bear of a heart." Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Ned Jarrett, and Bobby and Donnie Allison were among the retired drivers on hand, while active stars Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip and Kurt Busch joined the gathering. Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and Bill Elliott, who all raced late into Wednesday night in a charity event in Ohio, trickled in right before the start. See full AP story ESPN.com.(6-7-2007)

Bill France Jr. to be honored at Pocono and beyond: Starting this weekend at Pocono, NASCAR officials probably will add tribute decals to all the cars in honor of France. NASCAR also will have some type of prerace tribute Sunday, but the major tribute to France's life probably will come at Daytona before the Pepsi 400 on July 7.(ESPN.com)(6-6-2007)

Sad News: Bill France Jr.: during the race broadcast on FOX from Dover, it was reported that NASCAR Chairman, Bill France Jr., 74, passed away today, Monday, June 4, 2007.
MORE Bill France Jr., who transformed NASCAR from a small Southern sport into a billion-dollar conglomerate during his 31 years as chairman, died Monday. He was 74. He died at his Daytona Beach, Fla., home, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. France had been in poor health for much of the last decade - he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Although he was in remission, the extensive treatments took a toll. He never regained his full strength, often had difficulty breathing and had taken to using a motorized scooter to get around. France was hospitalized at least twice this year but spent his final days resting at home. His last public appearance was Feb. 12 in Daytona Beach, where NASCAR's top names gathered to "Roast and Toast" him at the Bill France Hot Dog Dinner during the Daytona 500 build-up. Even there, especially there, France Jr., who ruled NASCAR with an iron fist, called the shots. His toasters that evening were gently reminded to avoid any harsh roasting. France did not speak during the dinner but received guests from his seat on the banquet floor.(Associated Press)
Statement from NASCAR: NASCAR Vice Chairman William C. France, whose leadership helped turn a family-owned company into a national phenomenon, died today at his home in Daytona Beach, Fla. at the age of 74. France served as NASCAR's president from 1972-2000, taking over from his father, NASCAR founder William H.G. "Big Bill" France. In 2000, France - known as "Bill Jr." - became NASCAR's CEO and the chairman of the newly created NASCAR Board of Directors. In October 2003, the torch was again passed, with France's son Brian France taking over as Chairman and CEO. France became Vice Chairman at that time, whereupon his influence and input remained considerable - and valuable.
"He had a remarkable career and an even-more remarkable life," said Brian France. "Words cannot express how much he'll be missed by myself and the rest of our family and by the NASCAR industry overall."
Mike Helton became NASCAR's president in 2000. He was the third president in the sport's history and the first not named France. "Coming in, I had two big pairs of shoes to fill," Helton said, talking about Bill Sr. and Bill Jr. "I was more familiar with Bill Jr.'s way of doing business but that didn't make it any easier. He blazed so many trails for our sport. He was determined to follow the vision of his father while also expanding on that vision. Over nearly four decades, he did a masterful job."
France is survived by his wife Betty Jane France, NASCAR's assistant secretary; his son Brian; daughter Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR's vice president and assistant treasurer; his brother James C. France, NASCAR's vice chairman and executive vice president; and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.(NASCAR)(6-4-2007)

President George W. Bush Comments on the Passing of Bill France: "Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Bill France Jr. Bill was a legend in the world of NASCAR whose passion and vision for stock-car racing led the sport to the national prominence it enjoys today. Bill brought racing’s excitement to millions of new fans through his steadfast and innovative leadership. Bill also helped ensure that the NASCAR community found many ways to support the men and women of the US Armed Forces. Our thoughts and prayers are with the France family."(NASCAR)(6-5-2007)

France Funeral Services: The funeral service for Bill France, the visionary leader of NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation (ISC) for more than three decades, has been scheduled for Thursday, June 7, at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach. Thursday's funeral service, set for 1-2pm/et, is open to the public. The graveside service will be for family members only.
The funeral will be preceded by a visitation on Wednesday, June 6, from 5:30-9:00pm/et at the Seabreeze United Church in Daytona Beach. The visitation also will be open to the public.
In lieu of flowers, the France family has asked that donations be made to the NASCAR Foundation; the Halifax Medical Center Foundation Inc./Betty Jane France Pediatric Center (also known as the "Speediatrics" children's unit); or another NASCAR-related charity of choice. The performing arts center is located at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., just off International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, approximately two miles east of Daytona International Speedway.
Seabreeze United Church is located at 501 N. Wild Olive Ave., on Daytona's "beachside," between Seabreeze and Oakridge boulevards.
Donations can be made to the NASCAR Foundation online at www.nascar.com/foundation or via mail to the NASCAR Foundation, c/o Bill France Jr. Memorial Fund, 301 S. College St., Suite 3900, Charlotte, NC 28202. For information on donations to the NASCAR Foundation or other NASCAR-related charities call (704) 348-9680. Donations to Speediatrics can be mailed to the Halifax Medical Center Foundation Speediatrics Fund/In Memory of Bill France, P.O. Box 9718, Daytona Beach, FL 32120. For information on Speediatrics donations call (386) 254-4111.(NASCAR)(6-5-2007)

Bill France Jr. back home: Former NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr. was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon and is resting at home, still under the care of his personal physician, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday. France was admitted to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Fla., on March 14 and diagnosed with a virus.(ESPN.com)(3-21-2007)

Bill France Hospitalized UPDATE 2: Former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. was hospitalized Wednesday night at Halifax Medical Center, where he was under the care of his personal physicians. His condition was not known, and NASCAR officials confirmed only that the 73-year-old France had been admitted.(Associated Press)(3-14-2007)

UPDATE: Former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. has been diagnosed with a virus, according to ESPN.com's Marty Smith. France is already showing signs of improvement after being admitted to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach on Wednesday. France, 73, is under the care of his personal physician. He has struggled breathing recently as a side effect of extensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer since 2000. He has been relying on a motorized scooter to get around. France suffered a mild heart attack in 1997 while in Japan for an exhibition race. He was diagnosed with cancer two years later, but never revealed what type.(ESPN.com)(3-15-2007)
UPDATE 2: Bill France Jr. is alert and resting well at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, a NASCAR spokesman said Thursday afternoon.(SceneDaily.com)(3-16-2007)

CHANGES within NASCAR:

the rumors and initial reports and denials:

France in for France? MORE: ESPN.com has learned that 70-year-old chairman and CEO of NASCAR, Bill France Jr., is stepping aside and putting his 37-year-old son, Brian, behind the wheel of the stock car series that has mushroomed into a marketing monster and America's No. 2 sports pastime behind pro football. A source close to Nextel, which assumes title sponsorship of NASCAR in 2004, confirmed this changing of the guard will be announced early next week. "Only a few people know but it's not really that big a surprise when you think about it," said the source. "And Big Bill will still be around to show Brian the ropes." Bill France Jr. denied the report that he is about to retire and turn over control to Brian, but did say he will cut back further on his daily activities. Brian France couldn't immediately be reached for comment in his Los Angeles office on Friday afternoon. Currently president of NASCAR's broadcasting and digital entertainment, France will assume the duties of chairman and CEO immediately and move back to company headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. He will also leapfrog current NASCAR boss, Mike Helton, and that could explain the recent rumors that Helton is going to leave NASCAR for a job with Dale Earnhardt Inc. In an interview with USA Today earlier this year, Big Bill was asked about who might replace him: "Mike Helton has come on, his name is not France, and I think he's done an excellent job in the competition area," was his reply.(more at ESPN.com/Robin Miller)(9-12-2003)

AND NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. denied a report that he is about to retire and turn over control of the racing circuit to son Brian, but said he will cut back further on his daily activities. "I'm still going to work and have an office, but it's time for me to get out of the way a little bit," France told The Associated Press by telephone Friday night from his home in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was responding to a report earlier Friday that he would relinquish all control. The report from ESPN.com cited a source close to Nextel, which assumes title sponsorship next year of the world's largest auto racing circuit. He did concede that his son would be the logical replacement should he retire, and said some organizational changes have been decided on. He would not reveal what they were, but said president Mike Helton would continue to head daily operations. "All that will be cleared up on Monday," France said. "Mike's been doing the day-to-day stuff for some time now." Helton denied reports last month that he would leave NASCAR to run Dale Earnhardt Inc., one of the sport's top teams. Brian France, 37, is president of NASCAR's broadcasting and digital entertainment division in Los Angeles. The source said he would assume the duties of chairman and CEO immediately and move back to company headquarters in Daytona Beach. He is the youngest of the France children. His sister, Lesa France Kennedy, is the president of family-controlled International Speedway Corp., which owns and operates 12 of NASCAR's major tracks. Jim France, who is Bill Jr.'s younger brother by 18 years, serves as NASCAR vice chairman and executive vice president.(more at ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-12-2003)

AND II William C. France's 31-year reign as NASCAR's benevolent dictator is expected to wind down as a shift of power and responsibilities within the organization begins next week. The 70-year-old NASCAR chairman is expected to give his son, Brian Z. France, more control of the company. Bill France Jr. denied reports that he is about to retire and give complete control of the racing empire to his son, but admitted he plans to cut back on his daily business activities. But a confidant of the France family, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Friday night that "ESPN.com doesn't have it completely right, but there is something going on" within NASCAR's leadership. The lack of response from any of NASCAR's top officials was deafening Friday evening. Phone calls to NASCAR's public relations department here and its entertainment office in Los Angeles were not returned to The News-Journal.(more at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-13-2003)

The OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

It's Official: Brian Z. France has been named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). France, actively involved in NASCAR for more than two decades, is a member of NASCAR's founding family. He is the grandson of founder William H.G. France, and the son of William C. France.

"Brian is well prepared to lead this sport and this company into the future," said William C. France, outgoing NASCAR Chairman and CEO, who, with brother Jim France, will serve as Vice Chairmen of NASCAR. "I am confident the future of NASCAR is in very capable hands. NASCAR is my life's work, and my father's before me; this decision is probably one of the most important ones I've made at NASCAR “ and I know it is the right decision."

France, 41, has an extensive background in NASCAR racing, ranging from his experience as a racetrack manager to helping develop and manage the NASCAR Weekly and Touring Series divisions and launching the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He was a key proponent of NASCAR's new Research and Development Center, a future-oriented facility dedicated to improving the safety, operational, and cost-containment aspects of the sport.

"I've been fortunate to spend my entire life in this sport and have worked with some of the giants who made NASCAR what it is today “ starting with my father and grandfather," France said. "NASCAR has always stood for quality “ our sport, our employees and our fans.. I am proud and honored to lead this great company into the future and build on that tradition of quality."

In 1999, The Sports Business Daily named France its Sports Industrialist of the Year and Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) named him the SMEI Marketing Statesman of the Year. Previous awards include Advertising Age honoring France as one of the publication's top-100 marketers of the year and Promo Magazine naming him one of that publication's top promoters of the year. He serves on many boards and is the founder and Chairman of NASCAR's Diversity Council, an organization comprised of motorsports executives focused on encouraging greater diversity within the motorsports industry.

France took over NASCAR's marketing responsibilities in 1994 and has been at the forefront of NASCAR's dramatic sponsorship growth, including the recent ground-breaking announcement of Nextel Communications as the new sponsor of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning next year. France opened NASCAR's New York City office in 1997, designed to enhance the sports sponsorship sales and marketing efforts, and the company's Los Angeles office in 2000 which is focused on broadcasting, new media and entertainment marketing. France also spearheaded a host of marketing initiatives including internalizing the sanctioning body's licensing efforts and developing NASCAR's consolidated television plans that culminated with NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series events broadcast on FOX Sports, FX, NBC Sports and TNT.(NASCAR PR)(9-13-2003)

and some other NASCAR stuff......

Bill France Jr named WCI Person of the Year: NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated magazine has named retired NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr. its 2003 Person of the Year for his leadership in growing the sport after taking over from his father in 1972 until stepping aside this year. "Despite his great knowledge and an obvious willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done, there was no guarantee France Jr. would find success in a sports-crazed country where today's triumph is tomorrow's laughingstock," writes Jon Gunn, the magazine's managing editor. Columnist Ben White writes that France Jr. earned the honor "for his countless contributions" and adds, "Maybe in his case it should be called 'Person of the Century.'" The magazine, which is published by NASCAR Winston Cup Scene's parent company, Street & Smith's Sports Group, is available on newsstands now.(Winston Cup Scene Free Daily Newsletter)(11-21-2003)

NASCAR announces additions to PR staff: NASCAR has expanded its public relations staff to include three individuals who bring respected credentials from their previous positions within motorsports. Rick Houston, Denise Maloof and Buz McKim are the newest members of the NASCAR Public Relations Department. Houston is the new Manager of Communications for the NASCAR Busch Series. Until his recent appointment with NASCAR, he spent nearly a decade writing for NASCAR Winston Cup Scene, including the last seven years as the publication's NASCAR Busch Series editor. Houston is also a published author, having written the book, "Second to None: The History of the NASCAR Busch Series."
Maloof, named a Manager of Communications, spent the last year with SI.com where she was the beat writer responsible for all original NASCAR coverage for the dual Sports Illustrated-CNN worldwide website. She was a member of the original start-up staff for the site and also contributed as a writer/package producer for CNN's "Sports Tonight." Maloof also spent over 10 years as a writer for both the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Gwinett Daily News, covering the sports and education beats.
As NASCAR's Coordinator of Statistical Services, McKim will manage NASCAR's Historic Database, which includes the sports' vast historical and statistical archives. McKim, a former racer and car sign-painter who also created artwork for the likes of NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has been involved in the history of NASCAR for most of his life.(NASCAR PR)(9-13-2003)

Feisty France in better health, back at work: As stock cars roared around the track, a small black Volkswagen Jetta made a slow crawl through the Daytona International Speedway garage and pulled up to the NASCAR hauler. Bill France Jr. climbed out and gingerly walked the 10 steps toward the truck. At least a dozen crew members stopped and waved. A handful of officials asked if he needed any help. Nope, NASCAR's chairman is just fine after recent health problems and back at work keeping a watchful eye over the family business. "I'm feeling better, a lot better," the 69-year-old France said in an interview with The Associated Press. "My hip's a little sore, that's it. But the way I see it, things are good because I'm on the right side of the grass." France, the oldest son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., broke his right hip in August when he fell after misjudging a step in a Daytona restaurant. Before he could be treated for that injury, doctors insisted he have heart bypass surgery. The long recovery and a setback - one lung filled with fluid in early December - kept him away from most NASCAR functions and led to speculation that the cancer he beat in 2001 was back. A recent checkup, though, gave him a clean bill of health, he said. France is determined to look his best when he plans to make his first official appearance of the 2003 season next week at a NASCAR function at the annual media tour [in Charlotte].(See full interview story at FoxSports/AP, includes quotes about minorities, women, autographs, driver benefits)(1-16-2003)

Update on Bill France Jr: Bill France, chairman of NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., continues to recover from heart and hip surgery at an undisclosed hospital. France, 69, slipped, fell and broke his hip at a local restaurant on Aug. 27. After being examined by doctors, France had a triple bypass heart operation, followed two days later by hip surgery. "Bill's doing very well," said David Talley, ISC's director of corporate communications. "He's been up and walking since this past weekend and constantly asking about the business." France has assorted but expected "aches and pains for a man who had heart and hip surgery," Talley said. "Bill is in good spirits and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery from these surgeries, although no timetable for his release has been established," Talley said Wednesday. The family won't say where France is hospitalized.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-12-2002)

France undergoes Hip surgery: Bill France Jr. had surgery Saturday morning to repair the broken right hip he suffered in a fall earlier this week. France fell Tuesday night and broke his hip. As doctors evaluated that injury, they determined that France needed heart bypass surgery and performed that operation Wednesday night. Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, said Saturday that France's surgery on Saturday was successful. "Bill is resting comfortably and his doctors are extremely pleased with the results of both surgeries," Hunter said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-31-2002)

France undergoes surgery: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) announced today that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, William C. France, has undergone bypass surgery. The procedure is not expected to prevent him from continuing his roles as Chairman and CEO of ISC. The bypass procedure was performed Wednesday evening. France was admitted to a hospital after a fall Tuesday night that resulted in a broken hip. After initial tests resulting from the fall were performed, doctors recommended the bypass procedure. "I have spoken with my brother and he is alert and in good spirits. The doctors say to expect a full recovery," said James C. France, President and Chief Operating Officer of ISC. "With regards to the company, we have a strong management team in place and expect on-going operations to continue to run efficiently."(ISC PR)(8-29-2002)

Bill France Appearance: Bill France Jr., chairman of the board of NASCAR, made a surprise visit Thursday to media day activities at Daytona International Speedway, one of his few public appearances of the past several months. France, who has battled cancer over the past year, showed up at the Daytona Club following the announcement of the lineup of Sunday's Budweiser Shootout. France walked to the lectern and started a brief question-and-answer session with the following announcement: "I'm kind of getting back, as you can see. I'm not kicking ass yet, but I am taking names. The rest will come later," he said.(That's Racin')(2-9-2001)

Major NASCAR Announcement - UPDATE - Helton now President: Questions about a possible shakeup in NASCAR's hierarchy could be answered Tuesday in a national teleconference scheduled to feature Bill France Jr., the president of stock-car racing's sanctioning body. France, whose day-to-day role with the organization his father founded in 1949 has been reduced this year because of his treatment for cancer, is scheduled to participate with other NASCAR executives in a national teleconference Tuesday at 2:00pm/et to make "a major news announcement."(That's Racin' and Kingsport Times News)
UPDATE: Bill France, who assumed the president's role at NASCAR in January 1972, becoming only the second president of the sanctioning body, today announced that Mike Helton, who has served as senior vice president and chief operating officer since 1999, will assume the role of president for NASCAR effective immediately. France will serve as chairman of a newly formed five-member board of directors for NASCAR that will oversee the following executive management structure:
* Board of Directors: A board of directors that will consist of Bill France, Jim France, Brian France, Lesa Kennedy and Mike Helton has been formed and will be responsible for developing policy and vision for the sport.
* President: Mike Helton, who joined the sanctioning body in 1994 as vice president of competition before assuming the COO position, will assume the title of president. He will be charged with executing the policies and visions developed by the board and will have day-to-day responsibilities for all aspects of the sanctioning body.
* Executive Vice Presidents: Jim France will continue to serve as executive vice president and secretary for the sanctioning body with Brian France, who has served as senior vice president, also assuming the title of executive vice president.
* Senior Vice President: George Pyne, who has been directing the sanctioning body's marketing and licensing efforts while working out of NASCAR's Charlotte office will be relocating to Daytona Beach to assume his new duties as senior vice president. Pyne will have day-to-day operational responsibilities for each of NASCAR's departments and he will report to and execute Helton's direction.
Enhancing its depth, NASCAR also has a team of vice presidents whose roles are very specific and specialized. They include, Ed Bennett, recently promoted to vice president of corporate administration and who is based out of NASCAR's Daytona Beach headquarters; Steve Boguski, recently named vice president of strategic marketing with responsibility of directing the Charlotte office; Paul Brooks, vice president of broadcasting who has relocated to Southern California to direct NASCAR's newly opened Los Angeles office; Tom Deery, who is based in Daytona Beach and as vice president is responsible for NASCAR's weekly and touring racing series; and Brett Yormark, who directs NASCAR's New York office and recently assumed the title of vice president of corporate marketing.(NASCAR PR/NOL and listen to the broadcast at NOL and a story at That's Racin')(11-28-2000)

Bill France Appearance UPDATE 4 Nelson Out? Denied: Bill France Jr. is expected at Homestead this weekend, after a rough summer of treatments, to make his first appearance trackside in quite a while(PitNow)(11-12-2000)
UPDATE: NASCAR president Bill France Jr., who has been sidelined undergoing cancer treatments this season, made an unexpected visit to watch Sunday's Pennzoil 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. France's last appearance at a race was the May race at Richmond, Va., and his last public appearance at the memorial service for Adam Petty, also in May. France has made several visits to NASCAR's office in Daytona Beach over the past several months, however. After visiting with drivers and team owners in the NASCAR hauler before the race, he watched the event from the race control tower with NASCAR officials.(That's Racin')(11-13-2000)
UPDATE 2 - Nelson Out? NASCAR president Bill France, who has been undergoing cancer treatments all season, is expected to make an appearance in Atlanta. NASCAR teams want France to return with gusto because they have been disenchanted with many of the moves of CEO Mike Helton and technical supervisor Gary Nelson. Nelson reportedly will be replaced or reassigned during the off-season. Among other things, teams were upset over the way the deaths of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin at New Hampshire were handled(Columbus Dispatch)(11-16-2000)
UPDATE 3: Published reports have Gary Nelson, the Winston Cup Series director, leaving NASCAR after Sunday's season-ending race. Nelson was at AMS on Thursday and said he had no intentions of leaving his current position. Nelson has been employed with NASCAR since 1991.(AJC)(11-17-2000)
UPDATE 4: Despite rumors that have been flying, NASCAR officials said Saturday they have no intention of firing Winston Cup Series director Gary Nelson. What is apparently happening is a reorganization in the sanctioning body’s competition department. Nelson may soon receive a change in his job title, but he will not be fired. NASCAR is adding personnel, and some job descriptions are being shuffled, said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter(Gaston Gazette)(11-19-2000)

France Better: Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR, has won his race against cancer, according to Jim Hunter of Darlington Raceway. France announced last December he was fighting an undisclosed form of cancer. France also is battling a neuro-muscular disease. "He is doing better and visiting the office (in Daytona Beach), Everybody is greatly encouraged knowing that he's cancer free. He's doing the therapy to get his muscles back in shape." Hunter said(Atlanta Journal Constitution and St Petersburg Times)(10-15-2000)

France's Condition: The France family is being represented this week at Indianapolis by Jim France, younger brother of NASCAR president Bill France Jr., who is still recuperating from further cancer treatments. "He had a couple bad weeks recently, but about the middle of last week he started on the upswing again," Jim France said Thursday, responding to the wide range of rumors concerning his brother's health. "I think (NASCAR vice president) Mike Helton said it best about fighting cancer - it's not just a battle, it's a war."(Speed Magazine)(8-4-2000)

France Treatments: Bill France, NASCAR president, has not been at the track this weekend. Mike Helton, the sanctioning body's chief operating officer, said France has been undergoing another cycle in his treatment for cancer. The treatment is being done at a Daytona-area hospital. Helton said the reports about France's battle with cancer continue to be positive, but that his regular treatment plan is ongoing(That's Racin')(7-1-2000)

Good News: Bill France celebrated his 67th birthday Tuesday buoyed by good news about his health. France, diagnosed with cancer in December, has made significant progress with treatments to defeat the life-threatening disease. He stopped short of saying he was completely cured. See full story at Speed Magazine(4-5-2000)

France News: Mike Helton, senior vice president and chief operating officer of NASCAR, said his boss, Bill France, is battling cancer aggressively. Although Helton said the 66-year-old France and his family still decline to say the type of cancer the sanctioning body's longtime president is fighting, he is aggressively treating the disease(SpeedNet/AP)(1-12-2000)

France has Cancer: International Speedway Corporation announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, William C. France, has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently pursuing additional diagnoses and treatment. The treatment is not expected to prevent him from continuing in his roles as Chairman and CEO of ISC and President of NASCAR. Doctors have told France the illness is treatable(Yahoo Biz/Reuters/Business Wire)(12-20-1999)

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