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)
