August 2007
Bill France Jr. had been ill for a long time, so his death was not unexpected.
When it came, writer Ken Willis was ready with an obituary. NASCAR, too, was quick with the release of photos for the media. Racing Milestones’ photographers were equally fast in delivering photos from their archives. The public relations staffs of drivers, CEOs and even President George W. Bush filled our email with tributes.
We scrapped our planned cover and chose a photo of a young, vibrant France – one the staff preferred to shots of him in his later years.
The title of our story, “Perfect Match,” couldn’t say it better. Bill France Jr. was the right man at the right time. He took the reins at NASCAR just at RJ Reynolds became the title sponsor for the Grand National Series, was at the helm for more than 30 years, and transformed NASCAR from a regional sport to national prominence. The television contracts, the explosive growth of new race tracks, the millions of race fans from California to New Hampshire to Florida are the result of his leadership.
Uploaded: Jun 20 2007 09:25
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