William Clifton France, the guiding force behind the phenomenal growth of NASCAR for more than three decades, has been named the second-quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. France, known a bit less formally as Bill Jr. by those in the sport, served as president of NASCAR from 1972-2000. Three years later, he stepped aside from his duties as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the sanctioning body, turning those duties over to his son, Brian Z. France. But despite his seemingly lesser role, and a lengthy battle with cancer in his later years, France Jr. remained an active voice in the sport. His opinions and decision-making ability helped reshape the structure of the current NASCAR Nextel Cup Series schedule as it became more national in scope, he oversaw the creation of the group’s $10 million Research and Development Center, and helped broker deals that brought Nextel in as the premier series’ sponsor as well as the return of network television coverage for the sport. France died June 4 at his home in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was 74. He blazed so many trails for our sport, Mike Helton, who replaced France as president, said. 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 received 45 votes cast by the NMPA membership. Roush Fenway Racing driver Todd Kluever received 6 votes. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award, which has been presented annually since 1992, recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity, as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Four quarterly winners are selected, with one overall Spirit award winner chosen by a vote of the NMPA membership at year’s end. The award will be presented during the group’s annual dinner and awards ceremony in January, 2008. France Jr. joins first-quarter winner James Hylton, the award’s first-quarter recipient.(Pocono Raceway)(8-11-2007)
